Table of Contents
- What is Planning Poker?
- Why is Planning Poker Important?
- How to Play Planning Poker
- Planning Poker Cards Template
- How to Create Your Own Planning Poker Cards
- Best Practices for Using Planning Poker Cards
- Conclusion
What is Planning Poker?
Planning Poker is a collaborative and engaging technique used by teams to estimate the effort required to complete a task or a project. It is a form of consensus-based estimating that helps teams to reach a common understanding of the work involved and the time required to complete it. The technique is based on a simple idea: each team member is given a set of cards with numbers or values on them and they use these cards to show their estimation of effort required for a task.
Why is Planning Poker Important?
Planning Poker is an important technique for project teams because it promotes collaboration and transparency. It ensures that everyone on the team has a clear understanding of the work involved and the time required to complete it. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications that can lead to delays, rework, and even project failure.
How to Play Planning Poker
Playing Planning Poker is simple and easy. Here are the steps:
- Each team member is given a set of Planning Poker cards with numbers or values on them.
- The team discusses the task or project to be estimated.
- Each team member selects a card that represents their estimation of the effort required for the task.
- The cards are revealed at the same time.
- If there is a wide variation of estimates, the team discusses the reasons for the differences in estimation.
- The team repeats the process until a consensus is reached.
Planning Poker Cards Template
A Planning Poker Cards Template is a set of cards that are used for estimation during a Planning Poker session. The template usually consists of a set of cards with numbers or values on them, ranging from 0 to 100 or more. The cards are usually designed to be easy to read and use, with clear and simple markings that make it easy to understand the estimation.
There are many different types of Planning Poker Cards Templates available online, ranging from simple and basic designs to more complex and detailed ones. Some templates are free, while others require payment. It’s important to choose a template that suits your team’s needs and preferences.
How to Create Your Own Planning Poker Cards
If you prefer to create your own Planning Poker Cards Template, here are some steps to follow:
- Choose the values or numbers you want to use on the cards.
- Decide on the design and layout of the cards.
- Print out the cards on sturdy cardstock or paper.
- Cut out the cards using scissors or a paper cutter.
- Laminate the cards for durability (optional).
Best Practices for Using Planning Poker Cards
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using Planning Poker Cards:
- Make sure everyone on the team has a set of cards.
- Ensure that the cards are easy to read and use.
- Encourage team members to explain their estimation to others.
- Use the technique consistently and regularly.
- Be open to discussions and disagreements.
- Use the estimation as a starting point, rather than a final decision.
Conclusion
Planning Poker is a valuable technique for project teams to estimate the effort required for a task or a project. It promotes collaboration, transparency, and consensus-building. A Planning Poker Cards Template is an essential tool for playing Planning Poker. Whether you choose to use a pre-designed template or create your own, it’s important to ensure that the cards are easy to read and use. By following best practices and using the technique consistently, project teams can achieve more accurate and reliable estimations, leading to better project outcomes.