Timeboxing
Timeboxing in Agile Methodologies
Timeboxing is a technique agile teams use to limit the time allocated for each iteration or sprint in a project, as well as, initiative. In traditional, predictive project environments, however, the scope usually becomes the most rigid project constraint. If a project deliverable cannot get completed on time, the schedule will delay or costs will increase.
Agile teams handle competing project constraints differently. They typically break down the schedule into several short, fixed-duration units of time, also referred to as timeboxes or time windows. The team then negotiates which requirements they can deliver within the next time window. Additionally, once the iteration begins, no one can alter the timebox duration. If necessary, the team drops certain requirements to ensure the iteration finishes on time.
By fixing the schedule, timeboxing encourages a sense of urgency within the team and ensures they focus on the most important requirements. Agile teams commonly apply the timeboxing concept to project events, such as planning meetings and daily stand-ups, often known as daily scrums. In practice, this means the team interrupts work once reaches the time limit, instead of continuing until meeting the defined goal.
Timeboxing in Agile Frameworks
Several Agile frameworks adopt the timeboxing concept. The most well-known frameworks using this technique include, for example:
- Scrum
- Kanban
- Scrumban
- XP (Extreme Programming)
In summary, timeboxing helps teams focus on the most important activities, deliver value to the client earlier, optimize project time, and provide frequent deliveries, ultimately building client trust.