Basic time estimation

Joan Starr, @joan_starr California Digital Library

Estimating time

Pick two places in your town or city,places you know well.

Call one place, Place A andthe other, Place B.

Estimating time

How long does it take to walk fromPlace A to Place B?

Estimating time

How long does it take to walk fromPlace A to Place B?

How do you know?

Estimating time

Does it vary by the walker’s stride?

Estimating time

Does it vary by the walker’s stride?

Do the walker’s shoes affect the time?

Estimating time

Does it vary by the walker’s stride?

Do the walker’s shoes affect the time?

Does it depend on how whetheryou walk alone or

with a faster walker?

Estimating time

How long would it take to walk 20 times the distance

between Place A and Place B?

What if you stop for lunch?

Estimating time

Step 1: Split the overall effort into tasksthe size of which you know:

Based on your experience, Based on a team member’s experience, Based on industry norms, or Based upon an analogous experience or

norm.

Estimating time

Step 2: Adjust the task time estimate upwardif any of these conditions are met:

The task is unfamiliar to the assigned staff member.

The requirements for the task are insufficiently detailed.

The technology being used to complete the task is new, and or new to your team.

Estimating time

Step 3: Adjust the elapsed time to allow for:

Required training. Vacations, holidays or other planned

leave. Anticipated lack of availability on the part

of key players (such as usability testers and advisory groups).

Steps in the project that require deliverables from outside the team.

Estimating time

Step 4: Capture actual time for comparisonand estimating skill improvement.