Almost any kind of development project or programme can be designed using VIPP methodology, beginning with analysis at the community level and working through to the project directorate, thereby involving all actors in the planning process. Problem analysis can be carried out in-depth, followed by elaboration of data gaps, overall goal, objectives, strategies, activities, indicators and evaluation methods, and other inputs. The extent of the initial planning sessions will depend on the complexity of the project or programme envisaged.

Members of organizations who are implementing projects and programmes periodically evaluate progress and, based on the evaluation, elaborate revised objectives and strategies and determine activities for the next period. VIPP has the advantage of allowing a quick collection and classification of blockages to progress in order to find solutions which every member of the team can accept.

A key decision to make beforehand is the choice between an external facilitator or the use of a member of the organization as a facilitator. If there are different hierarchical structures involved, the facilitator should be independent from these structures as he or she can unduly influence the process and results, or be seen to be doing so. A good external facilitator will allow the group to work freely and creatively, efficiently using its time to address the issues. But if the group is quite homogeneous and harmonious, the role of facilitator can be rotated among participants so that every team member who is interested and has the necessary skills takes a turn.