What is the MoSCoW Prioritization Method? Definition, Guide, and Template

Moscow model of prioritization for product managers

This article is part of the prioritization chapter of our product roadmapping guide. Check out the full Product Roadmap Guide here.

The MoSCoW method isn’t named after the capital city of Russia, but it is sort of iconic in product management the way that St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Bolshoi Theatre are iconic.

But just because the MoSCoW model is a staple of product management theory, doesn’t mean that it’s always useful.

In fact—get ready for a hot take—I’d usually recommend skipping it for one of the other prioritization frameworks.