Planning Poker, also known as Scrum Poker, is an engaging and consensus-based estimating technique widely used in Agile and Scrum methodologies to estimate the complexity, effort, or size of tasks in software development projects. Originating from the Agile community, this method combines expert opinions, analogy, and disaggregation for effective task estimation, promoting a more accurate and collaborative approach to understanding work requirements.
In Planning Poker, team members are each given a set of cards, typically numbered to represent different levels of effort or complexity according to a predefined scale (for example, the Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizes, or simply numerical values). The process involves the product owner or facilitator presenting a user story or task to the team, after which each member selects a card that represents their estimate of the effort involved in completing that task.
Once all team members have selected a card, everyone reveals their cards simultaneously. If the estimates vary significantly, the team discusses the reasons behind the different assessments, aiming to understand the task better and address any uncertainties. This discussion continues until a consensus is reached or the facilitator decides to take an average or median of the estimates.
The benefits of Planning Poker extend beyond just estimating effort. It fosters team collaboration, ensures that all team members' perspectives are considered, and enhances the understanding of project requirements. By involving the entire team in the estimation process, Planning Poker also helps in identifying potential issues early, encourages team buy-in, and increases the accuracy of estimates by leveraging the collective wisdom of the group.
Planning Poker is not just a technique for estimation but also a tool for team building and communication. It brings a fun and interactive element to what can often be a challenging and dry task, helping to keep team members engaged and invested in the project planning process. Through this collaborative and democratic approach, Planning Poker ensures that project estimates are more reflective of the team's understanding and capabilities, leading to more realistic planning and scheduling in Agile projects.