Visualizing and managing dependency chains

After identifying dependencies, the next step is to see how they connect. This is where dependency mapping becomes valuable. Tools like Gantt charts or network diagrams visualize the critical path, the sequence of tasks that determines when a project can finish.

Seeing these relationships helps teams focus on where a single delay can affect the overall outcome. For example, if user research is delayed, design and development both shift. Mapping such chains in the specification gives everyone visibility into where coordination matters most.

Managing dependencies well is not just about linking tasks but about communication. Reviewing these links regularly keeps the plan responsive and ensures that the specification reflects how the project evolves in real conditions, not only how it was initially planned.^[1]