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Pointing Poker

Last updated on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Definition:

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Pointing Poker is a technique used in Agile software development, particularly in Extreme Programming (XP), to estimate the effort required to complete a specific task or user story. Team members involved in the development process assign "story points" or numerical values to the tasks based on their complexity, uncertainty, and effort required. This collaborative approach allows for more accurate and consensus-driven estimations, promoting transparency and alignment within the development team.

Understanding Pointing Poker in Extreme Programming

Extreme Programming (XP) is a popular Agile methodology used in software development. It focuses on delivering high-quality software quickly and efficiently through frequent releases and continuous feedback. Pointing Poker is a practice commonly used in XP to estimate the effort required to complete a task.

What is Pointing Poker?

Pointing Poker, also known as Planning Poker, is a consensus-based technique used to estimate the relative size of user stories or tasks in software development. The team members involved in the estimation process use a deck of cards, typically Fibonacci numbers (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.), to vote on the complexity of the work involved.

During a Pointing Poker session, the team discusses the requirements of the task and then individually selects a card representing their estimate of the effort required. The cards are then revealed simultaneously, and any significant differences in estimates are discussed. This process continues until a consensus is reached on the estimated effort.

Benefits of Pointing Poker

Pointing Poker offers several benefits to Agile teams, including:

Increased Accuracy: By involving team members with different perspectives and expertise in the estimation process, Pointing Poker can lead to more accurate and reliable estimates.
Improved Collaboration: The discussion and debate that take place during a Pointing Poker session promote collaboration and shared understanding among team members.
Engagement and Buy-In: Team members are actively involved in the estimation process and have a say in determining the complexity of tasks, which can lead to increased engagement and buy-in.
Transparency: Pointing Poker promotes transparency in the estimation process by making the reasoning behind each estimate visible to all team members.

Conclusion

Pointing Poker is a valuable tool in the Agile toolbox, helping teams to make more accurate estimates and improve collaboration and engagement. By using this technique, teams can better plan their work, identify potential challenges early on, and deliver high-quality software efficiently.

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