Fibonacci Scale Template

The Fibonacci sequence is characterized by numbers that demonstrate exponential growth, with each number being the sum of the preceding two. This is why Agile teams have adopted the Fibonacci scale for task estimation, as it offers a simpler evaluation process when the numbers are further apart compared to an evenly-spaced scoring scale. Estimating the time required to complete a task is an essential aspect of team management. The Fibonacci scale allows for the assignment of higher points to more complex tasks and lower points to smaller ones. Based on the assigned points, managers can then review and prioritize tasks accordingly. The Fibonacci scale is utilized to determine these point values.

How does the Fibonacci scale work?

The Fibonacci scale draws its numbers from the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the preceding two numbers. In Scrum methodology, the numbers on the scale represent the level of complexity and difficulty involved in completing a task. For instance, a task assigned a score of "0" on the scale would be relatively easy and quick to complete, while a task assigned a score of "1" would be slightly more complex or time-consuming. The assigned scores increase along the Fibonacci sequence, indicating increasing levels of complexity. Since Scrum sprints typically last for one week, tasks are unlikely to be assigned a score of "21" or higher.

Why use the Fibonacci scale?

The Fibonacci scale serves various purposes, one of which is its exponential growth. This makes it easier to estimate the time required for shorter tasks as opposed to longer ones, reflecting the growing uncertainty in such estimates. The scale also forces teams to make a definite choice, thereby minimizing debates and facilitating clear judgment calls. For instance, when estimating the time required for a complex task, the team has to choose between 8, 13, or 21 points, leaving no room for in-between values. By using the Fibonacci scale regularly, teams can ensure the fair distribution of work and improve the accuracy of their project estimations. This approach can help avoid overcommitment in each sprint, leading to more precise estimations over time.

How to use the Fibonacci Scale Template in FigJam

Utilize our pre-made Fibonacci Scale Template to begin organizing your team's tasks, assessing the level of effort required for each, and prioritizing them accordingly.

User stories

This is the section where you can enumerate the tasks or user stories you wish to estimate. Next, review the risk and effort for each story with your team during a discussion.

Fibonacci Scale

After the discussion, place the previously identified stories into the Fibonacci scale matrix based on their respective effort and risk levels. To gain diverse perspectives and accurately evaluate the amount of effort and risk required for each task, consider allowing each team member to vote on the tasks using a unique emoji or sticker.

Priorities

Once the team has assigned Fibonacci scores and established priorities, move the corresponding stories onto the priorities frame by copying or dragging them. Keep in mind the team's capacity and factor in everyone's opinions and schedules when setting priorities.

In case you encounter difficulty assigning task points, Agile coordinator Artem Shein has devised a unique and enjoyable template to help you and your team assign points to tasks. Give it a try!

Let's say you're a software development team working on a new project. You've identified a list of tasks that need to be completed, such as:

• Set up the development environment
• Create a user login feature
• Build a search functionality
• Implement payment integration
• Write automated tests

Next, you'll place these tasks onto the Fibonacci Scale Template and ask each team member to estimate the effort required for each task using the Fibonacci sequence. After discussion and voting, you come up with the following estimates:

• Set up the development environment: 3
• Create a user login feature: 5
• Build a search functionality: 8
• Implement payment integration: 13
• Write automated tests: 21

Based on these estimates, you can prioritize the tasks and assign them to team members. You'll start with the tasks that have the lowest scores (i.e., the least effort required) and work your way up to the tasks with higher scores (i.e., the most effort required).

You can then assign each task to a team member and track their progress using Jira or a similar project management tool. By using the Fibonacci Scale Template, you can more accurately estimate the effort required for each task and ensure that your team is working on the most important and manageable tasks first.