"I Know of No Other Method with This Level of Evidence"

How did you get involved in developing the Half Double methodology: 

I joined in 2014 and helped write the application to the Danish Industry Foundation. My role has always been more than just classic research. We worked with action research, where you don't just observe, but also actively influence and develop what you are investigating.

Right from the start, we emphasised building bridges between research and practice – and I still think that is one of the most unique things about Half Double: it was created in collaboration between companies, consultants and researchers.

Can you remember a special moment from the early phase?

Yes, definitely. When the project was approved in June 2015, I set aside a week in my calendar – officially as holiday – but I spent it thinking carefully about how we could create a solid research foundation for Half Double. Many of the evaluation methods we use today were actually born during that week.

Is there anything in particular that you remember from the start-up phase?

The strong desire to make project management simpler and more meaningful. We wanted to move away from heavy, complex models and instead create something that could be used directly in practice. It was a great strength that we were many people from different backgrounds – but with a common ambition to make a difference.

How has Half Double influenced the way you work with projects and research?

I actually use Half Double actively in my own research projects – for example, pulse checks, impact cases and sprint planning. Not out of loyalty, but because it works. And when it doesn't cover everything, I supplement it with other methods.

The key thing is that the method works in reality – and Half Double is good at that. It takes context into account and is designed for local adaptation, not as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Was there also a broader outcome from your work on Project Half Double?

Yes, in addition to the Half Double model, we have developed a new approach to evaluating projects – a multidimensional research methodology that is now used in other projects, both in the research world and in practice.

This is an important result in itself: we have shown how to evaluate complex projects without just looking at time and budget.

When did you think, ‘This actually works’?

It became clear after phase 1, when we began to gather the first results in 2019. We could see that several projects were very successful – and that confirmed our belief that Half Double has something special to offer.

But it doesn't work in all contexts – and it's important to say that out loud. That kind of transparency is part of what gives the methodology credibility.

What makes Half Double different from other methods?

It's simple, principle-based and flexible – with a strong focus on real value creation. That makes it easier to work with than many of the big project models.

But it is not a miracle cure. In large and complex public IT projects, there is often a need for more detailed management models. Here, Half Double can still play an important role – but often as a supplement rather than a replacement.

Another thing I would like to highlight is the network and the co-creation process that created the method. Half Double was developed in collaboration between practitioners, researchers and consultants – and that is perhaps precisely why it has gained such strong legitimacy.

If you could wish for something for the future of Half Double, what would it be?

I hope the methodology becomes even more widespread – and that we develop a counterpart at the portfolio and strategic level. The project model should not be made more complex, but we need some tools to help organisations embed Half Double in the management layer.

And I see great potential in using Half Double as a lever for today's most important agendas – such as sustainability and digitalisation. These are areas where many find it difficult to execute successfully, and here Half Double can help create momentum, clarity and progress.