Planning Poker is a popular technique used in Agile project management to estimate the effort or complexity of tasks. It encourages collaboration and helps teams reach consensus on how much work is required for different tasks or user stories. Traditionally, it was done in person with physical cards, but with the rise of remote work and digital tools, online Planning Poker has become a convenient and efficient method for teams to estimate projects from anywhere in the world.
In this article, we’ll explore what Planning Poker is, how to conduct it online, and the benefits it offers to Agile teams.
What is Planning Poker?
Planning Poker is a consensus-based technique for estimating the relative effort or complexity of tasks in an Agile development environment. Each team member is given a set of cards, usually numbered using the Fibonacci sequence (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 40, etc.), to represent their estimate of the effort required for a given task.
The steps involved in a typical Planning Poker session include:
- A task or user story is presented to the team.
- Each team member privately selects a card based on their estimate of the task’s complexity or effort.
- Once all team members have chosen their cards, they reveal them simultaneously.
- If there’s a significant variance in estimates, the team discusses the reasons behind their choices and repeats the process until consensus is reached.
Why Use Planning Poker Online?
Remote Collaboration
With many teams working remotely or in hybrid environments, online Planning Poker platforms make it easy to collaborate across different locations. Team members can participate in the estimation process in real-time, no matter where they are.
Streamlined Process
Online tools often come with features like timers, automatic card reveal, and discussion boards that streamline the Planning Poker process. This helps keep the session on track and ensures everyone is involved in the discussion.
Visual and Interactive
Most online Planning Poker tools are visually engaging, allowing users to see the estimates in real-time and adjust as necessary. This can improve team communication and lead to more accurate estimations.
How to Conduct Planning Poker Online
1. Choose an Online Tool
Several online platforms allow teams to play Planning Poker virtually. Some popular tools include:
- Scrum Poker: A straightforward app with customizable cards and easy-to-use features.
- Planning Poker Online: Offers easy integration with project management tools like Jira.
- Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard that includes a Planning Poker template.
- Trello: With plugins like “Scrum for Trello,” teams can play Planning Poker directly within their Trello boards.
2. Set Up the Session
Once you’ve selected your tool, create a new session and invite your team members. Each participant will need access to the online tool, either via a browser or an app, to join the session.
3. Present User Stories or Tasks
Present the tasks or user stories that need estimating. These should be written clearly with enough context for the team to understand the requirements and complexity of the work involved. You can share these on the screen using the tool’s presentation feature or in a shared document.
4. Estimate Using Cards
Each team member selects a card that represents their estimate for the task. The cards can range from numbers that reflect effort, time, or complexity. In some tools, participants can also leave comments to explain their estimates.
5. Discuss and Re-Evaluate
Once all estimates are revealed, if there’s a wide discrepancy between them, discuss the reasoning behind each estimate. Some team members may have more context, while others may have overlooked something. After the discussion, repeat the process until a consensus is reached.
6. Finalize and Move On
Once the team agrees on an estimate, the value is recorded, and you can move on to the next task. The session can continue until all tasks have been estimated.
Benefits of Planning Poker Online
Increased Accuracy
By involving the entire team in the estimation process, Planning Poker helps ensure a more accurate assessment of task complexity. The discussion that takes place after each round of estimates helps refine the team’s understanding of the task and align expectations.
Better Team Collaboration
Online Planning Poker encourages collaboration and communication within the team. Team members must explain their estimates and listen to others’ viewpoints, leading to better understanding and fewer misunderstandings about task requirements.
Time Efficiency
With automated features, online Planning Poker can be more time-efficient than traditional in-person sessions. The timer, instant card reveals, and integration with project management tools can speed up the process, making it more efficient and focused.
Flexibility for Remote Teams
Online Planning Poker is an ideal solution for distributed teams. Whether your team is spread across different time zones or working in various locations, an online tool ensures that everyone can participate without the need for everyone to be in the same room.
Tips for Successful Online Planning Poker Sessions
- Ensure Clear Communication: Since the team is working remotely, it’s essential to maintain clear communication. Use video calls or chat features to discuss estimates and clarify any doubts.
- Keep Sessions Short: Avoid lengthy estimation sessions. Break them into smaller chunks to prevent fatigue and maintain focus.
- Encourage Participation: Ensure everyone’s voice is heard during discussions. Everyone should feel comfortable sharing their opinions and explaining their estimates.
- Review and Adjust Regularly: Continuously assess your estimation process and adjust it as necessary. Over time, the team will become more efficient, and your estimates will improve.
Conclusion
Online Planning Poker is an excellent way for Agile teams to collaborate, estimate tasks, and ensure everyone is aligned on the scope of work. It’s especially valuable in remote and hybrid settings, where teams can stay connected and engaged no matter where they are located. By using the right tools and following best practices, teams can streamline their estimation process and make more accurate predictions, ultimately leading to more successful project outcomes.
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