Some teams use a technique that enables rapid comparison of a potentially large set of work items with little discussion about each individual item, by grouping the work items based on their relative size. For collocated teams, a common approach to affinity estimation is to write a brief description of each work item on index cards or Post-it Notes, and when grouping them, to slide them across a table top (if using index cards) or move them across a white board (if using Post-it Notes). For distributed teams, any software that enables collaboration by moving objects in a shared canvas or other digital workspace makes it possible to use the technique. The most common sizing construct for affinity estimation is T-shirt sizing, where work items might be grouped under columns with headings such as Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large.
Related Media
Affinity Estimation Video
Affinity Estimation Podcasts
Affinity Estimation Example
Related Subjects
Acknowledgements
Authored by Philip Rogers
Photo by Sam Moqadam on Unsplash
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