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Donecraft: Designing projects that actually get finished
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 30, 2026
Donecraft by Kent Thoresen is a short book about efficient management/execution. I received a review copy from the author... and at just 90 pages, I easily finished it over the weekend.
The core topic of Donecraft is how to actually finish projects rather than just stay busy on them. Kent suggested this idea called Backform, where you start by defining a concrete “done” state of the project. And then you backtrack to figure out the process, people and resources needed.
So, instead of starting a project with a vague vision or a pile of tasks, you already know exactly what steps you have to take and the uncertainties involved.
I liked how the book opened with the busyness bit... that’s an actual real-world problem. We’re rewarded for tasks done, for being busy, instead of moving forward.
Donecraft does have some insights into getting projects completed. But then it pretty much gets stuck in its own loop of explaining Backform and Donecraft over and over. It’s as if the author needed to hit a certain page count. Kinda ironic.
So, while I did like this idea of project planning, the book not so much. Would have been more helpful if it included some practical examples to differentiate itself from the traditional project management approach.
Still, a practical pick for project managers and anyone who needs a mindset change about actually finishing something.
The core topic of Donecraft is how to actually finish projects rather than just stay busy on them. Kent suggested this idea called Backform, where you start by defining a concrete “done” state of the project. And then you backtrack to figure out the process, people and resources needed.
So, instead of starting a project with a vague vision or a pile of tasks, you already know exactly what steps you have to take and the uncertainties involved.
I liked how the book opened with the busyness bit... that’s an actual real-world problem. We’re rewarded for tasks done, for being busy, instead of moving forward.
Donecraft does have some insights into getting projects completed. But then it pretty much gets stuck in its own loop of explaining Backform and Donecraft over and over. It’s as if the author needed to hit a certain page count. Kinda ironic.
So, while I did like this idea of project planning, the book not so much. Would have been more helpful if it included some practical examples to differentiate itself from the traditional project management approach.
Still, a practical pick for project managers and anyone who needs a mindset change about actually finishing something.
August 24, 2026
A sharp, practical take on why projects fail despite everyone being busy. Donecraft challenges the obsession with tasks, timelines, and dashboards, replacing them with clarity, evidence, and a clear definition of “done.” I especially liked the Backform and OPIR ideas. A refreshing reminder- less activity, more meaningful outcomes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews