Wildlife Sizing Poker

Wildlife Sizing Poker is a serious game that helps teams collectively estimate the complexity of tasks. Using cards representing different animals, participants assess the size of backlog items, fostering discussion and a shared understanding of the required efforts. This collaborative process improves the accuracy of estimates and strengthens team cohesion.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and Objectives

   10 min

   The facilitator introduces the game by explaining its objective: to improve task estimation through a shared understanding of efforts. They emphasise the importance of collaboration and discussion. "Today, we will use Wildlife Sizing Poker to estimate the complexity of our tasks together." Participants are encouraged to ask questions to clarify the process.

   Tip — Use an anecdote about a past inaccurate estimate to illustrate the importance of the exercise.

2. 2

   Card Distribution

   5 min

   Each participant receives a set of cards representing different animals, each symbolising a size of estimation (for example: ant, rabbit, lion, elephant). The facilitator explains that each animal corresponds to a level of complexity and effort. "The animal cards will help you visualise the size of the tasks."

   Tip — Ensure that each participant understands the meaning of the cards before starting.

3. 3

   Task Selection

   10 min

   The facilitator selects a list of tasks from the backlog to estimate. They briefly present them to ensure that all participants have a common understanding of each task. "We will now choose a few tasks to estimate together."

   Tip — Choose a variety of tasks to maintain interest and stimulate discussion.

4. 4

   Task Estimation

   20 min

   For each task, participants secretly choose a card representing their estimate of the complexity. Once everyone is ready, they reveal their cards simultaneously. The facilitator then encourages discussion about the differences in estimates. "Why did you choose that animal for this task?"

   Tip — Encourage participants to explain their choices, especially if there are significant discrepancies.

5. 5

   Consensus and Adjustment

   15 min

   After discussion, the group attempts to reach a consensus on the size of the task. If necessary, participants can adjust their estimates. The facilitator facilitates the dialogue to ensure that all viewpoints are considered. "Can we agree on an animal that well represents this task?"

   Tip — Be attentive to quieter participants and encourage them to share their opinions.

6. 6

   Closure and Thanks

   5 min

   The facilitator thanks the participants for their engagement and summarises the key lessons learned. "Thank you all for your active participation. Your contributions have enriched our collective understanding." They remind everyone of the importance of the exercise for future planning.

   Tip — Note the key points from the discussion to use in future planning sessions.

Variants

• Use different coloured cards to represent estimates instead of animals.
• Add a facilitator role among the participants to encourage discussion.
• Limit the discussion time for each task to energise the activity.
• Integrate a feedback session after each estimation to immediately adjust the process.