Why giving your projects meaningful names can change the way you work (2024)

Why giving your projects meaningful names can change the way you work (1)

Today, I’ve spent time with Buzz Lightyear, Rick Astley and The A-Team. It might sound like I’ve been having a pretty intense fever dream, but I’ve actually been sitting at my desk, doing some legitimate work on three different Skin and Blister projects.

We stumbled upon our project naming strategy by accident, when multiple versions of the same project were causing mass confusion among the team. We had a project that kept coming back to us, which we nicknamed ‘Arnie’. This was only ever intended for internal use, but when we mentioned it to our client, they loved it so much that it stuck with them, too. From then on, we’ve always given our projects memorable names of famous people, characters or objects, and believe it’s changed our work for the better, because:

Everyone knows what they’re working on

From a practical point of view, a recognisable project title makes it crystal clear to everyone what they’re working on. It saves confusion between similar projects, it makes filling out timesheets easier and it’s just more fun than a boring job number.

You care more about the project

Project XYT9000 might not make you feel anything, but project Inspector Gadget is bound to peak your interest. Giving your projects names humanises them and makes them feel like a friend, which can really motivate you to see the project through to the end, and deliver the best work you possibly can.

It helps with confidentiality

If you’re on a train, in a cafe or in a co-working space, it can be tricky to have an open conversation about your projects. Saying “How is Buzz Lightyear getting on?” won’t breach any confidentiality agreements (but it might lead to a few dodgy looks), and it makes communication a lot easier.

Clients get on board

A project name that you have thought about and shared with clients shows them that you are passionate about it, and are giving it the focus it deserves. And if you and your clients are equally excited by the work you’re doing, you’re far more likely to get to a final result that you’re both happy with. Nothing takes clients on a project journey like calling it Miss Marple. Trust us on this one.

If you’re sitting on a lot of projects at the moment, why not try giving them some interesting project names? You might find it changes the way you approach your work. Or it might just give you an excuse to send people this iconic Rick Astley video from time to time. Which should be reason enough to do it.

Why giving your projects meaningful names can change the way you work (2024)

FAQs

Why are projects given names? ›

A project code name is a code name (usually a single word, short phrase or acronym) which is given to a project being developed by industry, academia, government, and other concerns. Project code names are typically used for several reasons: To uniquely identify the project within the organization.

Why should you name a project? ›

Most organizations use project names as they're a quick way to remember projects and programs. Some project managers think those names should describe a project's purpose or its main goals, while others simply choose cool or catchy project names to lighten up the mood in the organization.

What is the meaning of project name? ›

Definition: The project name is typically a brief, unique identifier for the project. It's often used for quick reference and doesn't always provide detailed insight into the project's content or objectives. Usage: Ideal for internal communications, file naming, or when a short, memorable identifier is needed.

What is a good name for a project? ›

125 Project Name Ideas
  • Community Connector.
  • Neighborhood Network.
  • Local Link.
  • Unity Hub.
  • Social Circle.
  • Harmonious Haven.
  • Civic Connect.
  • Neighborly Nexus.

What does projects are unique mean? ›

Projects exist to bring about a product or service that hasn't existed before. In this sense, a project is unique. Unique means that this is new; this has never been done before.

Why are projects unique? ›

A project is temporary in that it has a defined beginning and end in time, and therefore defined scope and resources. A project is unique in that it is not a routine operation, but a specific set of operations designed to accomplish a singular goal.

Why is a name important in an organization? ›

Names are one of the most important assets of a business because they are a container of its value as it grows – its brand equity. Take the time to learn more about what's involved when you're creating an identity for your business because names play a central role to your business protection too.

Why is title important in project proposal? ›

A title of a proposal is as important as the proposal itself, and even more important since it will give the donors the first impression when they start reading it. A brief, sharp, and attractive title which will hit the point of what the proposal is about will be what you need to consider and write.

What are the most important characteristics of a project? ›

It typically has a defined start and a defined end-point. The project will have a unique set of requirements that need to be delivered within the boundaries of this project. A project can typically be more of a once-off endeavor, rather than something that's happening all the time in a repeated fashion.

What is project Best definition? ›

A project is a set of tasks that must be completed within a defined timeline to accomplish a specific set of goals. These tasks are completed by a group of people known as the project team, which is led by a project manager, who oversees the planning, scheduling, tracking and successful completion of projects.

How do you mention a project name? ›

Tips To Present Your Projects

Provide specific details. Instead of adding general statements, provide specific details about the project's tasks, your role and quantifiable results. For example, you could say, Implemented new marketing strategies to increase sales by 12% in two months. Keep it short.

How do you name a project in project? ›

Choose File > Info. On the right, choose Project Information > Advanced Properties. On the Summary tab, type the new name in the Title box.

What is the most creative name? ›

Popular Creative Baby Names
  • Catalina.
  • Lukas.
  • Kyler.
  • Odin.
  • Julien.
  • Birdie.
  • Byron.
  • Frida.
Feb 1, 2024

Should project names be in quotes? ›

In general, follow this rule for the titles of written works: Long works are italicized. Short works are enclosed in quotation marks.

How do I choose a good project? ›

Project Selection: 5 Things Every Organization Should Consider
  1. Where do you start?
  2. 1) Ensure that the project aligns with your organizational strategy.
  3. 2) Identify a project champion. ...
  4. 3) Conduct an organizational or environmental assessment. ...
  5. 4) Assess your resources. ...
  6. 5) Identify your parameters for success.

Why do schools assign projects? ›

Long-term projects have a whole multitude of benefits for our students, which is why teachers LOVE to assign them. Long-term projects foster time management, organization and achievement, in addition to the academic goal the teacher has in mind.

How are secret projects named? ›

The C.I.A. randomly selects code names — called cryptonyms, or crypts — from a list of pre-approved names.

Why do companies use codenames? ›

It can be very practical to have a unique identifier for a project to get everyone on the same page and avoid confusion. It can also be a great way to build excitement and cohesion in a development team. And we want to name our darlings, don't we? So what kind of code names are developers out there coming up with?

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