Greetings, fellow Agile enthusiasts. Today, we delve into the intricacies of size estimation, a cornerstone of Agile project planning. As a veteran Agile coach, I’ve witnessed the evolution of Agile practices, and I’m here to guide you through the art of sizing with precision.

 

1. Why Size Estimation Matters:

Size estimation is not a mere formality in Agile; it’s a linchpin in the planning process. Accurate estimations provide the team with a shared understanding of the scope of work, aid in resource allocation, and enable better decision-making. They empower the team to commit to achievable goals within a sprint or release.

 

2. Methods of Size Estimation:

Agile offers various techniques for size estimation, with some of the most popular ones being:

Story Points: A relative sizing technique where user stories are assigned points based on complexity, risk, and effort required.

Ideal Days: Estimating in ideal days, assuming no interruptions or distractions.

T-shirt Sizes: A simpler, high-level estimation method using sizes like Small, Medium, Large, etc.

Each method has its merits, and the choice often depends on the team’s preferences and project context.

 

3. Collaboration is Key:

Size estimation is a collaborative effort. It involves the entire team, including developers, testers, and product owners. This diverse perspective ensures a holistic view of the work and minimizes biases.

 

4. Planning Poker:

One of my favorite practices for size estimation is Planning Poker. It’s a fun, engaging way to foster discussion and align the team’s understanding. Each team member assigns a size estimate to a user story, and discrepancies are discussed until a consensus is reached. It encourages open communication and respects each team member’s expertise.

 

5. Velocity and Continuous Improvement:

Tracking velocity, or the amount of work completed in a sprint, is crucial. It helps the team predict how much work can be taken on in future sprints. Over time, velocity becomes a reliable metric for planning and allows for continuous improvement in estimation accuracy.

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
– Samuel Beckett

6. Refinement and Decomposition:

User stories often need refinement before estimation. This involves breaking down large, complex stories into smaller, more manageable ones. A well-refined backlog contributes to more accurate size estimations.

 

7. Consideration of Unknowns:

It’s important to acknowledge that some factors may remain unknown during estimation. Agile encourages teams to account for uncertainty by adding contingency buffers or padding estimates for risks.

 

8. Avoiding Micro-estimations:

Size estimation should not become overly granular. Avoid micro-estimations for small tasks within a sprint, as it can lead to unnecessary complexity and micromanagement.

 

9. The Relative Nature of Estimation:

Always remember that Agile size estimation is relative, not absolute. It’s about comparing the effort required for different tasks, not predicting precise timelines. It provides a basis for decision-making, but it doesn’t eliminate uncertainty.

 

10. The Estimation Ceremony:

Size estimation is most effective when conducted as a dedicated ceremony before sprint planning. It sets the stage for productive planning discussions and ensures alignment among team members.

 

11. Transparency and Adaptability:

Agile embraces change. If circumstances or new information arise, be ready to adapt and re-estimate. Agile teams thrive on flexibility and responsiveness.