Story Point Estimation Strategy

Story Point Estimation Strategy

We employed a collaborative story point estimation process during our planning session. Each team member provided their estimate for each PBI, informed by insights from the current and previous sprints.

To improve estimation accuracy, we introduced a weighted approach: if a PBI closely aligns with work done in a previous sprint, the team member who completed that earlier work has their estimate given additional weight. This recognizes their relevant expertise and domain knowledge.

Specifically, their contribution is increased by one-third (an experimental adjustment agreed upon unanimously by the team).

Example

Assume a frontend-related PBI with the following estimates:

• Person A (frontend experience): 4
• Person B: 2
• Person C: 3
• Person D: 6

Normally, with 4 team members, each contribution would carry equal weight (25%). With the adjustment, Person A's input is weighted at:

• 25% + 33% = 58.3%

The remaining 41.7% is distributed equally among the other team members (13.9% each).

Final Calculated Story Point

(4 * 0.583) + (2 * 0.139) + (3 * 0.139) + (6 * 0.139) ≈ 2.332 + 0.278 + 0.417 + 0.833 ≈ 3.86

Rounded Story Point: 4

This method is being trialed to improve estimation precision and promote informed contributions without diminishing the collaborative nature of sprint planning.