planning poker

In the fast-paced world of software development, particularly within Agile methodologies, accurate and efficient estimation of tasks is crucial for project success. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is Planning Poker. This collaborative technique not only fosters team communication but also ensures that estimations are well-rounded and considered.What is Planning Poker?Planning Poker, also known as Scrum Poker, is a consensus-based technique for estimating, mostly used to estimate effort or relative size of development goals in software development.

planning poker

In the fast-paced world of software development, particularly within Agile methodologies, accurate and efficient estimation of tasks is crucial for project success. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is Planning Poker. This collaborative technique not only fosters team communication but also ensures that estimations are well-rounded and considered.

What is Planning Poker?

Planning Poker, also known as Scrum Poker, is a consensus-based technique for estimating, mostly used to estimate effort or relative size of development goals in software development. It is a variation of the Wideband Delphi method and is particularly popular in Agile environments.

How Does Planning Poker Work?

1. Preparation:

   • Each team member is given a deck of Planning Poker cards. These cards typically contain a sequence of numbers, often based on the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.).
   • The product owner or scrum master presents a user story or task that needs to be estimated.

2. Discussion:

   • The team discusses the user story, asking questions and clarifying any uncertainties. This phase is crucial for understanding the scope and complexity of the task.

3. Estimation:

   • Each team member privately selects a card that represents their estimate for the task.
   • All cards are revealed simultaneously.

4. Debate and Re-estimation:

   • If there is a wide discrepancy between the estimates, the team discusses the reasons behind the differing views.
   • The team then re-estimates the task, repeating the process until a consensus is reached.

5. Final Estimation:

   • Once consensus is achieved, the final estimate is recorded.

Benefits of Using Planning Poker

• Encourages Collaboration: Planning Poker brings the entire team into the estimation process, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.
• Reduces Bias: By having each team member estimate privately before revealing their cards, the technique minimizes the influence of dominant personalities or groupthink.
• Improves Accuracy: The iterative nature of Planning Poker allows for multiple rounds of estimation and discussion, leading to more accurate and well-thought-out estimates.
• Enhances Understanding: The discussion phase ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of the task, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings later in the project.

Tools for Planning Poker

While traditional Planning Poker involves physical cards, several digital tools have been developed to facilitate the process online:

• Jira: Offers a Planning Poker plugin that integrates seamlessly with Agile boards.
• Scrum Poker for Jira: A popular add-on that allows teams to conduct Planning Poker sessions directly within Jira.
• PlanITPoker: A web-based tool that supports remote teams and offers various card sets and customization options.
• Scrumwise: Another Agile tool that includes Planning Poker functionality as part of its suite of features.

Planning Poker is a powerful tool that enhances the estimation process in Agile environments. By fostering collaboration, reducing bias, and improving accuracy, it helps teams deliver projects more efficiently and effectively. Whether using physical cards or digital tools, Planning Poker remains an invaluable technique for any Agile team.

planning poker

Introduction

Planning Poker is a popular technique used in Agile software development to estimate the complexity and effort required for tasks. It is a consensus-based estimation method that encourages collaboration and communication among team members. This article will delve into the origins, mechanics, and benefits of Planning Poker, as well as provide tips for effective implementation.

Origins of Planning Poker

Agile Development

Planning Poker was introduced by Mike Cohn in his book “Agile Estimating and Planning” as a tool to support Agile methodologies. Agile development emphasizes iterative progress, customer feedback, and collaboration, making Planning Poker an ideal fit for these principles.

Fibonacci Sequence

The technique uses the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.) for estimating effort. This sequence is chosen because it reflects the uncertainty and variability in estimating complex tasks, where the higher numbers represent more significant uncertainty.

How Planning Poker Works

Preparation

1. Select a Moderator: The moderator facilitates the session and ensures that the process runs smoothly.
2. Define Tasks: Break down the project into manageable tasks or user stories.
3. Gather Team: Ensure all relevant team members are present, including developers, testers, and product owners.

Execution

1. Explain the Task: The moderator presents a task or user story to the team.
2. Individual Estimation: Each team member privately selects a card from a deck of Planning Poker cards, representing their estimate.
3. Reveal Estimates: All cards are revealed simultaneously.
4. Discussion: If there are significant differences in estimates, team members discuss their reasoning.
5. Re-estimate: After discussion, team members re-estimate the task.
6. Consensus: Repeat the process until a consensus is reached.

Example

• Task: Implement a new login feature.
• Estimates: Developer A chooses 5, Developer B chooses 8, Tester C chooses 3.
• Discussion: Developer A explains the complexity of integrating with existing systems, Developer B agrees but adds that the UI design might take longer, and Tester C notes that the testing might be simpler.
• Re-estimate: After discussion, the team agrees on 8 as the final estimate.

Benefits of Planning Poker

Collaborative Estimation

• Diverse Perspectives: Encourages input from all team members, leading to more accurate estimates.
• Shared Understanding: Facilitates a common understanding of task complexity.

Reduced Bias

• Anonymous Initial Estimates: Prevents influence from dominant personalities.
• Discussion-Based Consensus: Ensures that all viewpoints are considered before finalizing estimates.

Improved Communication

• Open Dialogue: Promotes open communication and collaboration.
• Knowledge Sharing: Team members learn from each other’s expertise.

Tips for Effective Implementation

Training

• Educate the Team: Ensure all team members understand the principles and mechanics of Planning Poker.
• Practice Sessions: Conduct practice sessions to familiarize the team with the process.

Tools

• Planning Poker Apps: Use digital tools like Planning Poker apps to streamline the process.
• Virtual Sessions: Adapt the technique for remote teams using video conferencing tools.

Continuous Improvement

• Feedback Loop: Regularly gather feedback from the team to refine the process.
• Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust the technique based on team needs and project dynamics.

Planning Poker is a powerful tool for Agile teams to estimate task complexity and effort accurately. By fostering collaboration, reducing bias, and improving communication, it helps teams achieve better project outcomes. With proper training, the right tools, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Planning Poker can be a valuable asset in any Agile development process.

scrum poker️

In the world of Agile software development, accurate estimation and effective planning are crucial for the success of any project. One of the tools that have gained popularity in this context is Scrum Poker, also known as Planning Poker. This technique helps teams estimate the complexity of tasks and plan their sprints more effectively.

What is Scrum Poker?

Scrum Poker is a consensus-based estimation technique used by development teams to estimate the effort required to complete user stories or tasks. It is based on the concept of relative estimation, where team members compare the complexity of tasks to each other rather than assigning absolute values.

How Does Scrum Poker Work?

1. Preparation: Before starting the estimation session, the product owner or scrum master prepares a list of user stories or tasks that need to be estimated.

2. Deck of Cards: Each team member is given a deck of cards with a set of numbers, typically the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.). These numbers represent the relative effort or complexity of the tasks.

3. Discussion: The team discusses each user story or task in detail. The product owner provides clarifications, and team members ask questions to ensure everyone has a clear understanding.

4. Voting: Once the discussion is complete, each team member privately selects a card from their deck that represents their estimate for the task. All cards are then revealed simultaneously.

5. Consensus: If all estimates are the same, the team moves on to the next task. If there are discrepancies, the team discusses the reasons behind the differing estimates. The person with the highest and lowest estimates typically explains their reasoning.

6. Re-voting: After the discussion, the team votes again. This process continues until a consensus is reached.

7. Recording: The final estimate is recorded, and the team moves on to the next task.

Benefits of Using Scrum Poker

1. Improved Accuracy

• Relative Estimation: By comparing tasks to each other, teams can provide more accurate estimates.
• Group Wisdom: The collective input from all team members helps to refine estimates and reduce individual biases.

2. Enhanced Collaboration

• Open Discussion: Scrum Poker encourages open communication and collaboration among team members.
• Shared Understanding: The process ensures that everyone has a clear understanding of the tasks and their complexities.

3. Efficient Planning

• Time-boxed Sessions: Estimation sessions are typically time-boxed, ensuring that they are efficient and focused.
• Prioritization: Accurate estimates help in prioritizing tasks and planning sprints more effectively.

4. Transparency and Accountability

• Visibility: All estimates are recorded and visible to the entire team, promoting transparency.
• Accountability: Team members are accountable for their estimates, which can lead to more realistic planning and delivery.

Best Practices for Scrum Poker

1. Preparation is Key

• Ensure that user stories are well-defined and understood by all team members before the estimation session.
• Use tools like Jira or Trello to manage and track user stories.

2. Encourage Participation

• Ensure that all team members, including developers, testers, and designers, participate in the estimation process.
• Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions.

3. Focus on Relative Complexity

• Emphasize the importance of relative estimation rather than absolute values.
• Use the Fibonacci sequence or other relative scales to represent complexity.

4. Keep Sessions Short

• Time-box estimation sessions to keep them focused and efficient.
• Avoid lengthy discussions that can derail the session.

5. Review and Reflect

• Regularly review the accuracy of estimates and reflect on what worked and what didn’t.
• Adjust the process as needed to improve estimation accuracy over time.

Scrum Poker is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the estimation and planning process in Agile development. By fostering collaboration, improving accuracy, and promoting transparency, it helps teams deliver high-quality software more efficiently. Whether you are new to Agile or an experienced practitioner, incorporating Scrum Poker into your workflow can lead to better project outcomes and a more cohesive team.

agile planning poker online free

Agile Planning Poker, also known as Scrum Poker, is a consensus-based technique used in Agile software development to estimate the complexity of tasks. It helps teams to collaboratively estimate the effort required for each task, ensuring that all team members have a voice in the process. With the rise of remote work, online tools have become essential for conducting Agile Planning Poker sessions. This article will guide you through the best free online tools for Agile Planning Poker.

What is Agile Planning Poker?

Agile Planning Poker is a gamified method used to estimate the effort required for tasks in Agile projects. It involves team members selecting cards with numeric values that represent their estimate. The process is iterative, with team members discussing their estimates until a consensus is reached.

Key Benefits of Agile Planning Poker

• Collaborative Estimation: Encourages team members to discuss and justify their estimates.
• Improves Accuracy: Reduces the influence of individual biases and groupthink.
• Engagement: Makes the estimation process more engaging and fun.

Best Free Online Tools for Agile Planning Poker

1. Planning Poker Online

Planning Poker Online is a simple and free tool designed for Agile teams. It allows you to create sessions, invite team members, and conduct estimation rounds.

• Features:
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Supports Fibonacci and T-shirt sizing scales.
  • Real-time collaboration.
  • Mobile-friendly.

2. Scrum Poker Online

Scrum Poker Online is another free tool that provides a straightforward interface for Agile Planning Poker sessions.

• Features:
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Supports multiple estimation scales.
  • Real-time updates and notifications.
  • No registration required.

3. Agile Poker

Agile Poker is a free online tool that offers a variety of features to enhance your Agile Planning Poker sessions.

• Features:
  • Customizable estimation scales.
  • Ability to create and manage multiple sessions.
  • Real-time chat for team discussions.
  • Integration with popular Agile tools.

4. ScrumPoker.org

ScrumPoker.org is a free, open-source tool that provides a simple platform for conducting Agile Planning Poker sessions.

• Features:
  • No installation required.
  • Supports Fibonacci and linear scales.
  • Real-time estimation and discussion.
  • Anonymous voting option.

5. Estimation Poker

Estimation Poker is a free tool that offers a clean and intuitive interface for Agile Planning Poker.

• Features:
  • Easy to set up and join sessions.
  • Supports various estimation scales.
  • Real-time updates and notifications.
  • Mobile-friendly design.

How to Conduct an Agile Planning Poker Session Online

1. Choose a Tool: Select one of the free online tools mentioned above based on your team’s needs.
2. Create a Session: Set up a new session and customize the estimation scale.
3. Invite Team Members: Share the session link with your team members.
4. Conduct Estimation Rounds: Start the estimation process and discuss estimates until consensus is reached.
5. Review and Finalize: Review the final estimates and finalize the task list.

Agile Planning Poker is an essential tool for Agile teams to accurately estimate task complexity. With the availability of free online tools, conducting Agile Planning Poker sessions has never been easier. Whether you are a remote team or a co-located group, these tools provide the necessary features to facilitate effective and engaging estimation sessions.

Frequently Questions