Time-and-materials rewards effort, fixed price rewards cutting scope, and outcome-linked fees reward results but need clear measurement. No model is best in every case.
Options
- Phased fixed scope — discovery first, then a build with defined deliverables and acceptance tests.
- Outcome-linked component — part of the fee tied to an agreed, measurable result.
- Retainer — ongoing improvement, monitoring and support.
- Time and materials with a cap — when scope is truly uncertain.
Whatever the model, agree how success is measured before work starts, and what happens when the data turns out worse than assumed.