Description: Planning Poker is a collaborative technique used in the agile development field, especially in methodologies like Scrum. Its main objective is to estimate the effort or relative size of tasks or user stories that need to be implemented in a project. Through a consensus-based approach, team members actively participate in the estimation, fostering discussion and the exchange of ideas. Each participant uses cards with predefined values, typically following the Fibonacci sequence, to represent their estimate independently. Once everyone has presented their cards, discrepancies are discussed, and an agreement on the final estimate is sought. This technique not only helps obtain more accurate estimates but also promotes team cohesion and improves communication among its members. Additionally, Planning Poker allows for the identification of potential risks and challenges from the project’s outset, contributing to better planning and time management. In summary, Planning Poker is a valuable tool that combines technical estimation with team collaboration, ensuring that all viewpoints are considered in the planning process.
History: Planning Poker was first introduced by James Grenning in 2002 as part of his work in agile development. Since then, it has evolved and been integrated into various agile practices, becoming a standard technique in teams using Scrum and other agile methodologies. Its popularity has grown due to its effectiveness in collaborative estimation and improving communication in multidisciplinary teams.
Uses: Planning Poker is primarily used in agile development teams to estimate the effort required to complete tasks or user stories. It is also applied in task prioritization and identifying potential risks in software development. Additionally, it is useful in creating a shared understanding among team members about the scope and complexity of tasks.
Examples: A practical example of Planning Poker is when a development team gathers to estimate user stories for a sprint. Each team member uses cards to estimate the effort for each story, and after discussing the differences, they reach a consensus on the final estimate. This helps the team better plan their work and set clear expectations with stakeholders.
