About LivePlanningPoker
Read here about the background for the LivePlanningPoker tool.
About Agile Estimations
Most people working in an agile development team have spent some time in agile estimation sessions. The LivePlanningPoker tool is designed to help you estimate user stories in a remote setting. The tool is designed to be simple and intuitive to use. It is built using the Phoenix LiveView framework, allowing real-time updates and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Use LivePlanningPoker?
Yes, the tool is designed to be safe to use. The planning sessions are end-to-end encrypted, and the data is not stored on the server. The session data is stored in the browser's local storage, and the session link can be shared with team members.
How Long is the Data Available?
The session duration is not limited but ends after 2 hours of inactivity. You should take a note of the results or enter them in your ticketing system before the session ends.
Can Anyone with the Link Access the Session?
Yes, anyone with the link can access the session. We don't recommend sharing the link with people who don't belong in the team. Also, you should not add sensitive information in the stories or descriptions. The ticket ID does not reveal any information, and is safe to add.
What Estimation Scales are Available?
LivePlanningPoker supports the Fibonacci scale (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 50) which is the most commonly used scale for story point estimation. You can select your preferred scale when creating a new session.
Why Estimate?
Prioritisation
Estimating stories allows the team and product owner to understand the relative effort required for different tasks. This information helps prioritise the backlog by balancing the features' value against the implementation cost.
Resource Allocation
Knowing the estimated effort helps allocate resources appropriately, ensuring the team is neither overburdened nor underutilised.
Risk Management
Estimations help identify potentially risky or complex stories early on. High estimates signal areas needing more detailed analysis, prototyping, or spike solutions.
Stakeholder Communication
Providing estimates helps set expectations for stakeholders. It gives them a clearer picture of when certain features might be delivered and the effort required to implement them.
Continuous Improvement
Over time, teams can use their past estimation data to improve accuracy. By comparing estimated vs. actual effort, teams can refine their estimation techniques, leading to more reliable planning.
Team Alignment
Estimation sessions encourage team members to discuss the stories. This helps clarify requirements, identify dependencies, and ensure everyone understands the work involved.
Budgeting and Cost Management
Estimations can be translated into financial terms, helping to manage the project's budget effectively. This is crucial for project sponsors and stakeholders who must ensure the project remains financially viable.
Understanding Team Velocity
Estimations contribute to calculating the team's velocity, the amount of work a team can complete in a sprint. Understanding the velocity helps in making more accurate future sprint plans and commitments.