Planning Poker is a simple and collaborative technique used by Agile teams to estimate the effort required for tasks. It’s easy to learn and implement, making it an ideal starting point for teams new to Agile. This guide breaks down Planning Poker without jargon and provides practical tips to help you and your team get started.
What is Planning Poker?
Planning Poker, also known as Scrum Poker, is a group-based estimation method. It helps teams determine how much effort a task will take by assigning a relative value to it. This technique focuses on collaboration and ensures everyone’s voice is heard during the estimation process.
The goal of Planning Poker is to:
- Encourage discussion about tasks.
- Uncover hidden complexities.
- Build consensus on task sizes.
Why Use Planning Poker?
- Collaboration: Everyone on the team contributes to the discussion, regardless of their technical expertise.
- Improves Accuracy: Estimates are based on group input, reducing biases.
- Promotes Teamwork: It encourages open communication and shared understanding of tasks.
- Saves Time: By focusing on relative effort rather than exact hours, Planning Poker speeds up estimation sessions.
How Does Planning Poker Work?
Planning Poker is simple and follows these steps:
1. Prepare the Backlog
The Product Owner or Scrum Master prepares a list of tasks (user stories) that need estimation. Each task should include enough detail to understand its scope.
2. Distribute the Cards
Each participant receives a set of Planning Poker cards. These can be physical cards or virtual ones in a digital tool. Cards typically display numbers like:
- Fibonacci Sequence: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…
- T-Shirt Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.
3. Present the Task
The facilitator presents a task to the team. The Product Owner may provide additional context or answer questions.
4. Vote Silently
Each team member selects a card that represents their estimate for the task. Cards are kept face-down to avoid influencing others.
5. Reveal the Estimates
All cards are revealed simultaneously. If everyone agrees on the estimate, it is recorded.
6. Discuss Differences
If estimates vary, the team discusses:
- Why someone thought the task was easier or harder.
- Any hidden complexities or assumptions.
7. Re-estimate
After discussion, the team re-votes until a consensus is reached or estimates converge.
Tips for Teams New to Agile
1. Start Simple
Choose an easy-to-understand scale, like Fibonacci or T-Shirt sizes. Avoid overly complex scales that may confuse new team members.
2. Encourage Participation
Make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their input, regardless of their experience level. Planning Poker is most effective when all voices are heard.
3. Focus on Relative Effort
Remind your team that Planning Poker isn’t about assigning exact hours. The goal is to compare tasks to each other based on effort or complexity.
4. Don’t Overthink It
It’s okay if estimates aren’t perfect. Agile is about adapting as you go, so there’s always room to refine estimates later.
5. Use Digital Tools
For distributed teams, tools like Planning Poker Agility make the process seamless. These tools allow for real-time collaboration, even across different locations.
Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
Challenge: Team Members are Hesitant to Participate
- Solution: Create a safe space for discussion. Encourage everyone to share their reasoning without fear of judgment.
Challenge: Large Variations in Estimates
- Solution: Focus on discussing the outliers. Often, these conversations reveal overlooked details or assumptions.
Challenge: Overemphasis on Exact Numbers
- Solution: Reinforce that Planning Poker is about relative effort, not precise time tracking.
Why Choose Planning Poker Agility?
For beginners, Planning Poker Agility offers an intuitive and easy-to-use platform. It simplifies the estimation process with features like:
- Predefined Scales: Choose from popular scales like Fibonacci or customize your own.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Perfect for remote teams.
- Integration with Jira: Sync estimates directly with your project backlog.
- Automated Features: Save time with automatic result reveals and task prioritization.
Planning Poker Agility transforms estimation into an interactive and enjoyable experience, helping teams get started with Agile quickly and effectively.
Final Thoughts
Planning Poker is a powerful yet simple technique that can help Agile teams plan their work more effectively. By focusing on collaboration and relative effort, it ensures that everyone’s perspective is considered while avoiding overcomplication.
For teams new to Agile, it’s an excellent starting point that combines ease of use with tangible results. By adopting tools like Planning Poker Agility, you can make the process even more accessible and efficient.
Get your team started with Planning Poker today and experience the benefits of better collaboration, improved accuracy, and streamlined sprint planning.