The 1's game
The 1's game
Presenter: Jon Jagger
Format: 10 Minute Lightning Talk/Pecha Kucha
I'd like to share a simple experiential game in which participants simulate working inside a simple Kanban/Scrum style board.
Participants simulate writing software by trying to throw 1's with dice. So no software is actually written. Instead the game simulates some of the myriad activities that surround and shape its development. So yes, one thing that it helps you to experience is where the constraints are. It also helps to raise awareness of the importance of a team-level approach (eg Conway's Law) in working towards value-flow.
If possible, rather than explain the game in a short presentation I would like to actually run the game (for 30/60 mins) so the audience can participate.
--------
Well the session went ahead with about a dozen people playing and it seemed to go very well. Thanks to everyone :-)
The basic idea of the game is explained here http://jonjagger.blogspot.com/2010/05/velocitywip-game.html
A few modifications explained here http://jonjagger.blogspot.com/2010/09/slow-motion-velocitywip-game.html
The inherent randomness created by throwing dice is enough to create variations in the work. This variation makes the work lumpy and unless the players are focused on flow through the whole system they will easily end up doing local optimization.
I can supply more details if wanted.
--------
Comment (Squirrel): This sounds fun. Definitely better if you actually do the exercise. |
