B · PracticeIntermediate35 min read
5. Kanban: flow over sprints
Agile & Scrum · 40 pages source format
Visualize work, limit WIP, manage flow, make policies explicit. Use when interrupt-driven work or continuous delivery fits better than fixed sprints.
What you'll learn
- WIP limits
- Cycle time
- Classes of service
- Scrum + Kanban hybrids
Map the workflow
Columns should match reality (Ready → In progress → Review → Done), not aspirational theater.
Do this now
Draw a board with WIP limits on In progress and Review. Justify each limit in one line.
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Measure flow lightly
Cycle time (start → Done) beats story-point cosplay for interrupt-heavy teams.
Do this now
Estimate cycle time for your last 5 finished tickets. Spot the outlier and name the cause.
Pro tip. Start with sticky WIP limits before buying expensive flow tools.
Clear?