The document discusses using a card game workshop to estimate the relative complexity of user stories without assigning specific time estimates. Players arrange story cards from least to most complex based on the interconnectedness of their parts. Estimates are then placed at the top of each column and adjusted until the team reaches consensus. The game aims to address common problems with estimation like excessive detail, reluctance to commit, and imprecision by focusing on complexity rather than time.

1. Team Estimation Game Workshop Silicon Valley Code Camp – October 2009 Estimating User Stories Without Numbers (Well, almost.)

4. I want to arrange a trip to the Moon.

6. As a user I want the system to learn my preferences, so that I can work faster.

7. What is Complexity? Working definition: The more complex thing is the thing with more interconnected parts (or steps). Something to remember: It is possible to estimate the relative complexity of User Stories without knowing how long they will take to implement.

9. Estimation turns into design

10. Attempting to achieve precision

11. Reluctance to commit Estimates are really just best guesses based on current information. You'll have more information later.

13. Relative estimates are easier than absolute estimates.

14. Game Play 1) Place Story Cards in pile on table. 2) First player places top card on playing surface. 3) Next player places top card on playing surface relative to first card. 4) Next player can either: Play top card from pile, or Move a card on the playing surface, or Pass 5) Repeat Step 4 until a) no more cards remain in pile, and b) no player wishes to move a card

15. The Project Develop Website TeamEstimationGame .com User Story format: As a <type of user> I want <capability> , so that <business value> . Types of Users: 1) Customer 2) Developer

16. The Project Estimate how long it takes to eat various kinds of fruit.

17. Game Play “ Let the games begin.”

18. Quantifying Complexity (This is the “almost” part) Saying how much more simple or complex than other Stories a particular Story is.

19. Game Play 6) Place an estimate at the top of each column. 7) Change estimates until all team members agree.

20. Questions ?