What this article helps with: Understanding how to organize your case types into Project Types in Hona, and how to determine the phases within each Project Type. Use this as a planning guide before you start building in Hona.
Who this is for: Firm admins and onboarding contacts planning the structure of their Hona setup.
When not to use this article: If you're ready to build your Project Types in Hona step-by-step, see How to Build a Project Type (Case Tracker). If you need help defining your case types first, see Best Practices for Defining Case Types.
1. Organize Case Types to Determine Project Types
A Project Type in Hona functions as both a timeline and/or a set of updates. Some case types share the same general steps, while others are completely unique. The way you organize your Project Types depends on how you categorize your cases and what information you want clients in each category to receive.
If you do not already define case types internally, visit Best Practices for Defining Case Types.
To learn how to create a new Project Type and configure its settings, visit How to Build a Project Type (Case Tracker).
Do I need more than one Project Type?
Not necessarily. If all your cases follow the same general set of updates, you can build just one Project Type. However, if you handle multiple case types with different timelines or updates, creating separate Project Types gives clients a more accurate and personalized experience.
2. Determine Your Phases
Once you've chosen the Project Types you want to create, the next step is to define the Phases that make up each one. The content in these phases is what clients will receive as automatic case updates.
Think of Phases as checkpoints in the case timeline:
Some case types follow predictable, sequential steps.
Others may have a flexible set of updates that can occur in any order.
Hona is designed to support both approaches.
Guiding Questions:
Can this case type be broken into clear sequential phases?
Will it be obvious to your staff when to move a case into the next phase?
What updates are you already sending clients for this type of case?
What are the most critical steps for this case type, and how do you currently communicate them to clients?
If you need help defining your phases, visit Best Practices for Determining Your Phases.
If you're ready to start building phases in Hona, visit How to Build Phases.
Why this Matters
Project Types and Phases are the backbone of how Hona keeps your clients informed. When set up correctly, they:
Reduce repetitive work for your staff by automating routine updates.
Build client trust by keeping them consistently informed about their case progress.
Create a smoother experience for both the firm and the client, minimizing uncertainty and unnecessary outreach.
A well-structured Project Type ensures your communication is proactive, clear, and aligned with how your firm actually works.