Handoff
The moment work passes from one person, team or stage to another - or from the agency to the client at the end of a project.
For example, designers hand off finished files to developers with specs and assets, and at launch the agency hands the finished site to the client with documentation. A clean handoff prevents the dropped details that cause rework.
Why it matters to agencies: handoffs are where projects quietly break - context gets lost, details slip, and rework follows. Treating each handoff deliberately, with a checklist and clear acceptance, keeps quality intact and is part of what makes delivery repeatable and scalable.
Project handoff checklist
- Final deliverables and source files
- Access and credentials transferred
- Documentation and how-tos
- Open items and known issues
- A point of contact for questions
- Handing over with no documentation.
- No single point of contact for questions.
- Assuming the receiver has the context you do.
What is a handoff?
The moment work passes from one person, team or stage to another - or from the agency to the client at the end of a project.
What makes a clean handoff?
Clear documentation, the right files and context, a checklist, and explicit acceptance by whoever is receiving the work.
Why do handoffs cause problems?
Context and details live in one person's head; without a deliberate handoff they get lost, causing rework and delays.
What is a client handoff?
The final transfer of completed work and documentation to the client, often tied to sign-off and final payment.