Online Planning Poker: Estimating in Remote Agile Teams

1. What Is Online Planning Poker?

Online planning poker is a digital adaptation of the traditional planning poker technique, designed specifically for remote or distributed Agile teams. It helps development teams estimate the effort required for each task by allowing team members to vote anonymously, discuss their estimates, and reach a consensus. Online planning poker sessions leverage digital tools, making the process seamless and accessible from anywhere.

2. How Does Online Planning Poker Work?

Create new poker planning session

1. Creating a New Session: To begin online sprint planning, the facilitator or Scrum Master creates a new session using a virtual planning poker tool. This session typically connects to the team’s project management platform (e.g., Jira or Trello) or allows tasks to be manually entered. Setting up the session involves defining the sprint’s main goals and adding the list of tasks or user stories for estimation.

2. Sharing the Session Link with Participants: Once the session is created, the facilitator shares a unique link with all team members to join. This link allows participants to access the sprint planning session from their own devices, enabling remote team members to connect in real-time. Many tools also offer integrated chat or video options to support smooth communication during the planning process.

Share link with other participants
Start estimating stories

3. Starting Story Estimations: With everyone in the session, the facilitator presents each story or task, and team members independently select their effort estimate from digital poker cards. Once all estimates are submitted, the results are revealed, and any differing estimates are discussed to reach a consensus. This process repeats until all stories in the sprint backlog are estimated, ensuring alignment on the sprint’s goals and workload.

3. Benefits of Online Planning Poker

  • Supports Remote Collaboration: Online planning poker enables teams to participate in estimation sessions regardless of location, making it an ideal choice for distributed Agile teams.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Many tools support real-time interaction, allowing team members to see estimates, chat, or video call within the same platform.
  • Anonymous Voting Reduces Bias: Like traditional planning poker, online sessions keep estimates anonymous until revealed, encouraging team members to vote independently without being influenced by others.
  • Integration with Agile Tools: Online planning poker tools often integrate with project management software like Jira or Confluence, which streamlines the workflow by linking estimates directly to backlog items.

4. Best Practices for Online Planning Poker

  • Set Clear Goals for Each Task: Ensure the product owner provides a clear overview of each task, including goals and scope. This helps the team make informed estimations and avoid unnecessary discussions.
  • Limit Participants: In large teams, limit participants to those who are directly involved or have relevant expertise in the task to keep sessions focused.
  • Timebox the Session: To ensure efficiency, timebox each planning poker session to avoid prolonged discussions. Typically, teams spend about 10–15 minutes per task, though complex items might require more.
  • Use Video Conferencing: For better communication and understanding, use video conferencing in parallel with your online planning poker tool. Many tools offer integrated video or audio chat options.
  • Revisit and Adjust Estimates if Necessary: As tasks progress or additional information becomes available, be open to revisiting estimates if needed.

5. Common Challenges in Online Planning Poker

  • Connection and Technical Issues: Internet connectivity and technical issues can disrupt virtual sessions. Choosing a reliable platform and ensuring all team members have stable internet connections is essential.
  • Reduced Engagement: Without physical interaction, remote sessions may lead to reduced engagement. Encourage team members to use video conferencing and participate actively.
  • Difficulty in Understanding Task Complexity: In remote settings, it’s sometimes harder to understand complex tasks. Ensure that task descriptions are thorough and allow for additional discussions if needed.

Online planning poker provides an efficient and collaborative way to estimate tasks for remote Agile teams. By following best practices, choosing the right tools, and maintaining clear communication, teams can enjoy the same benefits of traditional planning poker in a virtual environment, enhancing productivity and estimation accuracy.

References for Further Reading

For a deeper dive into sprint planning and planning poker, the following resources are helpful: