Waterfall: The Structured Past (and Unexpected Future) of Project Management

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the Waterfall methodology — the classic, linear approach to managing projects step by step, phase by phase.

You’ll learn:

• The six key phases of Waterfall: Requirements → Design → Implementation → Testing → Deployment → Maintenance

• How to remember the Waterfall sequence with a simple mental model

• When Waterfall works well — and when it absolutely doesn’t

• The biggest critiques (hello, inflexibility) and how hybrid models combine Waterfall planning with Agile adaptability

• Real-world use cases where Waterfall still dominates — from government to manufacturing to high-stakes infrastructure

Whether you’re prepping for an interview, leading a structured project, or just trying to sound less allergic to Gantt charts, this episode will help you navigate Waterfall’s enduring relevance in a world of sprints and standups.