When creating a new greenfield product, we start with the big picture. What would we like to have if nothing constrained us? If we could snap our fingers, the thing would exist in an instant, like in Outspace from Xenocide. What would we have?
Once we have the big picture, we need to take a smaller view. What small piece can we build? We want a small piece that can be useful immediately.
The big picture might never be accomplished. Our time might get caught up with something else. But if we can build for the shorter term, we can still get value. I’ve seen this described as attempting a series of Roof Shots instead of moon shots. Each Roof Shot takes us one step closer to the eventual goal but provides value in the shorter term.
One recent description I’ve seen is https://www.counting-stuff.com/not-building-for-the-long-term/.