| Story Points |
Relative sizing of user stories based on complexity and effort |
Estimation |
Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizes |
Agile teams estimating backlogs |
| Planning Poker |
Consensus-based technique where team members estimate effort using cards |
Consensus |
Fibonacci sequence |
Team estimation during planning meetings |
| T-Shirt Sizes |
Assigning sizes like XS, S, M, L, XL to backlog items for relative comparison |
Relative estimation |
T-shirt sizes |
High-level estimation for initial backlog |
| Dot Voting |
Team members vote on user stories to prioritize or size them |
Prioritization |
Simple dot scoring |
Team workshops for backlog prioritization |
| Affinity Estimation |
Group items based on their size or complexity collaboratively |
Team Collaboration |
Custom ranges |
Teams estimating in groups to build consensus |
| Bucket System |
Place items into predefined buckets representing different sizes |
Categorization |
Defined buckets (small, medium, large) |
Quick sizing in large backlogs |
| Three-Point Estimation |
Using optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to calculate averages |
Statistical |
Custom (Optimistic, Pessimistic, Most Likely) |
Detailed estimation for complex tasks |
| Use Case Points |
Estimating based on use cases with complexity weights |
Formal Method |
Weighted scoring system |
Complex software projects with defined use cases |
| Function Point Analysis |
Measuring size based on functionalities delivered to users |
Formal Method |
Function point count |
Software development where functionality is key |
| Expert Judgment |
Relying on experienced team members to estimate effort and complexity |
Expertise |
Varies by expert |
Quick estimates in complex scenarios |
| Wideband Delphi |
A group of experts using iterations to refine estimates collaboratively |
Consensus |
Custom scales |
Large projects requiring expert input |
| Gravel Estimation |
Using physical items (gravel) to count stories and size them |
Visual |
Physical counting |
Engagement techniques for teams |
| Use Case Weighting |
Assigning weights to use cases based on their importance or complexity |
Prioritization |
Custom weights |
Prioritizing work based on strategic importance |
| Game Planning |
Using games like Planning Poker or Agile games for estimation fun |
Engagement |
Fun scoring |
Team building while estimating |
| Kanban Sizing |
Sizing work items based on the Kanban approach and flow efficiency |
Flow-based |
WIP limits as sizing context |
Continuous flow processes |
| Relative Sizing |
Estimating items relative to each other rather than absolute values |
Relative Comparison |
Small, medium, large comparisons |
Simplicity in backlog sizing |
| Story Mapping |
Visual representation of user stories mapped to user journeys for sizing |
Visualization |
Stages of user journey |
Clarifying needs and estimating occasion |
| Moscow Method |
Prioritizing items into Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have |
Prioritization |
MoSCoW categories |
Scarce resources in limited time |
| Cumulative Flow Diagram |
Using flow diagrams to visually manage and size work items |
Visual Management |
Flow-based metrics |
Monitoring project health and flow efficiency |
| IDEAL Estimates |
IDEAL stands for Impact, Duration, Experience, and Adjustments in estimating |
Methodical |
4 metrics assessment |
Overall project estimation based on holistic views |
| Risk-Based Estimate |
Estimating work based on the assessed risk levels associated with each item |
Risk Management |
Custom risk scoring |
Prioritization in high-risk environments |
| Backlog Grooming |
Regularly reviewing and sizing backlog items for relevancy and accuracy |
Continuous Review |
Custom sizing scale |
Keeping backlogs manageable |
| Velocity Tracking |
Using velocity from previous sprints to assess capacity for future sprints |
Historical Performance |
Average story points per sprint |
Planning and forecasting in Scrum |
| Agile Estimation Wheel |
Physical tool with ranges for fast estimates during discussions |
Tool-based |
Ranges on the wheel |
Quick group estimates in meetings |
| Estimation Games |
Leveraging various games to foster engagement and collaborative estimation |
Engagement |
Game-based scoring |
Innovative sessions for team collaboration |
| Risk Evaluation Matrix |
Matrix approach for estimating items based on their associated risks |
Matrix Tool |
Risk level vs impact |
Critical projects with high stakes |
| ICE Score |
Evaluating items based on Impact, Confidence, and Ease for sizing and prioritization |
Scoring System |
Scored 1-10 |
Prioritization technique for product features |
| Weighted Shortest Job First |
Prioritizing work items based on the cost of delay divided by duration |
Prioritization |
WSJF score |
Advanced prioritization for optimal flow |
| Value-Based Estimation |
Sizing based on the perceived value each item brings to the customer |
Value Focused |
Custom value metrics |
User-centered development approach |
| Relative Weighting |
Assigning weights to user stories based on significance over sheer size |
Relative Comparison |
Weighted scales |
Insightful cross-reference in planning |
| Feature Points |
Similar to function points but focuses on features delivered as a means of sizing |
Functional |
Feature count |
Feature-driven development strategies |
| Scrum Estimation Quiz |
Interactive quiz for teams to understand and size stories through engagement |
Engagement |
Quiz score-based |
Fun exercise during retrospectives |
| Specification by Example |
Sizing based on examples and specifications provided from customers |
Specification |
Examples defined |
Clarity and agreement in requirements gathering |
| Task Breakdown |
Breaking larger stories into tasks for detailed sizing |
Decomposition |
Task-based breakdown |
Complex stories needing granular sizing |
| Velocity Forecasting |
Establishing expected velocity outcomes based on historical data analysis |
Historical Performance |
Estimate growth trends |
Enhancing forecast accuracy |
| Team Calibration Sessions |
Frequent sessions to align team understanding of sizes and complexity |
Team Collaboration |
Team-defined calibrations |
Regular meetings for consistency |
| Feature Slicing |
Segmenting stories based on features to get accurate size assessments |
Feature-oriented |
Feature slice counts |
Granular breakdown to reveal true sizes |
| Estimation Retrospective |
Reviewing estimation practices post-project to refine future estimates |
Continuous Improvement |
Reflection-based metrics |
Improvement-driven methodology |
| Value-Adjusted Sizing |
Adjusting size estimates based on customer value derived from each item |
Value Centric |
Value-weighted |
Maximizing returns on development investments |
| Work Size Inventory |
Creating an inventory of task sizes averaged across multiple projects |
Statistical Analysis |
Average sizing data |
Benchmarking across projects |
| Weighted Estimation |
Assigning weights based on project attributes (risk, value, duration) |
Weighted Decision Making |
Attribute-weighting |
Data-driven estimation improvement |
| Feature Size Index |
Index to represent the size of features using a standard methodology |
Standardized Index |
Feature indexing |
Consistency across product measures |
| Timeboxing |
Setting up fixed amounts of time to complete estimation tasks for better sizing sessions |
Time Management |
Time constraint adjustments |
Managing team focus during estimation |
| Size Thresholds |
Defining thresholds that govern size categorizations for stories and tasks |
Threshold-Based |
Customized thresholds |
Decision making based on sizes |
| Sizing Consensus Process |
Methodology for achieving consensus through several rounds of discussion |
Consensus |
Modified Delphi method |
Dedicated sessions to harmonize size estimates |
| Value Delivery Estimate |
Evaluating based on the business value delivered over effort spent |
Value-Focused |
Estimate value ratio |
Customer-focused development processing |
| Customer Collaboration |
Sizing influenced by direct feedback and collaboration with customers |
Customer-Driven |
Variable feedback loops |
Adaptability in ongoing projects |
| SWIFT Estimation |
Simple Weighted Intelligent Estimate Technique for quick sizing |
Quick Estimation |
Swift assessment scale |
Fast-paced environments needing speed |
| Visual Estimation Boards |
Using boards to visually represent and size backlog items for easy identification |
Visual Management |
Board-based metrics |
Operational environments |
| Task Delegation Models |
Sizing tasks specifically against team member capacity and skill |
Capacity Planning |
Custom delegation metrics |
Streamlined work distribution |
| Stakeholder Engagement Scores |
Engagement level of stakeholders influences sizing process |
Stakeholder Focused |
Agreed metrics |
Feature priority based on stakeholder value |
| Hybrid Models |
Combining various sizing techniques tailored to specific project needs |
Adaptive |
Custom model orchestration |
Flexibility in diverse project formats |
| Sprint Review Feedback |
Using insights from sprint reviews to adjust future size estimations |
Reflection |
Review metrics |
Learning from past development cycles |
| Rapid Prototyping Feedback |
Utilizing user feedback from prototypes to size backlog items more accurately |
Feedback Loop |
Prototype feedback metrics |
Iterative design and agile development |
| Data-Driven Estimation |
Using historical data analytics to improve accuracy in estimations |
Analysis |
Data-based estimates |
Decision-making rooted in empirical evidence |
| Job/Task Analysis |
Analyzing each job/task to evaluate complexities associated with each |
Analytical |
Complexity breakdown |
Detailed assessments on job structure |
| Peer Estimation Method |
Peers estimate the size of stories/tasks collaboratively |
Peer Review |
Consensus building |
Encourages collective responsibility |
| Expert-Based Sizing |
Using experienced members to estimate stories with known historical performance |
Consultative |
Expert consensus |
Skilled project evaluation |
| Size Estimation Tools |
Using digital or physical tools to assist in estimating story sizes |
Tool-Supported |
Software or physical formats |
Tech-focused environments |
| Reverse Estimation |
Starting with desired outcomes and estimating back to effort needed |
Outcome-focused |
Outcome requirement metrics |
Goal-driven estimation methods |
| Schaffer's Estimate |
A combination of story points and team consensus for sizing |
Blended Approach |
Hybrid scoring |
Iterative scaling initiatives |
| Dynamic Sizing |
Adaptive sizing methods reacting to changing project conditions |
Agile Philosophy |
Project condition metrics |
Responsive development strategies |
| Packaged Estimation |
Bundling similar size estimates to streamline the estimation process |
Bundled Techniques |
Package sizing metrics |
Efficient backlog management |
| Sizing Workshops |
Dedicated workshops to collaboratively size backlog items with stakeholders |
Collaboration Space |
Workshop measures |
Engaged stakeholder perspective |
| Continuous Improvement Cycle |
Ongoing assessment and refinement of sizing techniques |
Continuous Feedback |
Measurement of estimation accuracy |
Cultivating iterative enhancements |
| Epic Breakdown |
Sizing large stories (epics) by breaking them down into smaller user stories |
Decomposition |
Epic to story mapping |
Effective planning of large projects |
| Team-based Sizing |
Encouraging team involvement in sizing to foster collective ownership |
Team Collaboration |
Customized team engagement |
Collaboration-driven practices |
| Feedback Loop Integration |
Incorporating user feedback continuously into size estimates |
Feedback Cycle |
User metric feedback |
Informed and agile project management |
| Lean Sizing |
Shortening estimation processes to focus on value rather than excessive detail |
Lean Methodology |
Value-stream based |
Streamlined processes |
| Review Cycles |
Regular reviews of sizing methods and their effectiveness for adjustments |
Reflection Cycles |
Review metrics |
Adjustment through evaluation |
| Test-driven Estimation |
Using tests to drive estimation requirements for better clarity |
Testing Focused |
Test metric evaluations |
Quality-driven estimation |
| Cross-team Estimation |
Engaging multiple teams in sizing to achieve cross-sectional views |
Cross-Functional |
Team collaboration metrics |
Holistic project view |