Timeboxing in Agile

Whenever we are considering a particular Event in Agile, we are measuring the same using a unit of time. This particular unit of time which is used to measure the individual activities are called as "Timebox". Timeboxing helps to clearly define and more importantly restrict the amount of time that's been dedicated to a particular event in Agile. Officially, Scrum Framework has enabled timeboxing concept for all the Scrum Events.

This kind of time restriction helps us to focus on the goal in hand and also to help clearly define the expected outcome from that activity. Also, in other way, it forces the team to get on with the planned work immediately.

The 5 Events in Scrum are timeboxed as described below.

Sprint: As per the Scrum Guide, the timebox for a typical Sprint lasts for about a month or less. This is the total time that the team is using to deliver the Sprint Goals and thereby adding value to the Product Goal. Nowadays teams are commonly targeting a two weeks or even a one week Sprint to get a more refined Sprint Goal.

Sprint Planning: As per Scrum Guide, the timebox allocated for the Sprint Planning meeting should be 8 hours or less for a one-month Sprint mentioned in previous section. So, depending upon the length of the Sprint, the Sprint Planning meeting can be calculated accordingly. i.e., the shorter the Sprint, the shorter the time required for the Sprint Planning Meeting.

Daily Scrum: For every productive working day, i.e., 24 Hour period, the Scrum team used to have the Daily Scrum Event. As per Scrum Guide, the Daily Scrum is timeboxed at 15 Minutes. In the Daily Scrum, the Scrum Team reviews the activities and makes plan for any of the impediments which may affect the Sprint Goal.

Sprint Review: Typically, Agile teams use the Sprint Review meeting to showcase the work done in a particular Sprint meaning the Product Backlog items which are delivered in a particular sprint are showcased to the stakeholders during the Sprint Review Event. As per the Scrum Guide, Sprint Review is timeboxed to 4 hours or less for a one-month Sprint.

Sprint Retrospective: Agile teams use the Retrospective event to review the activities done in the previous Sprint and suggests any kind of improvements which can result in a positive effect on the working culture of the team. As per Scrum Guide, Sprint Retrospective Event is timeboxed to 3 hours or less for a one-month Sprint.