What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Pomodoro Technique for Sustainable Pace
How to feel time as an ally
Federico Gobbo Matteo Vaccari
federico.gobbo@uninsubria.it; m.vaccari@sourcesense.com
Universit` dell’Insubria, Varese; Sourcesense, Milano
a
(cc) Some rights reserved.
XP2008 Limerick, 2008 June 13th
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Wannabe eXtreme?
http://www.ipernity.com/home/sendakseuss
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
How to start an XP team from scratch?
http://www.xpday.net/Xpday2007/session/XpLoops.html
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Let’s start from XP team building...
team needs: velocity (story points / iteration)
each people needs: individual satisfaction, e.g. “coding is fun”
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Let’s start from XP team building...
team needs: velocity (story points / iteration)
each people needs: individual satisfaction, e.g. “coding is fun”
briefly:
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Let’s start from XP team building...
team needs: velocity (story points / iteration)
each people needs: individual satisfaction, e.g. “coding is fun”
briefly:
a way to help teams find their ‘natural’ rhythm
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Let’s start from XP team building...
team needs: velocity (story points / iteration)
each people needs: individual satisfaction, e.g. “coding is fun”
briefly:
a way to help teams find their ‘natural’ rhythm
The Pomodoro Technique (PT) is our proposal
for Sustainable Pace
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
...from the PT, stand-up meetings, retrospectives
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Classic Pomodoro...
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
...is a kitchen timer...
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
...of whatever shape!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Pomodoro is the unit of work
Pomodoro = 25 minutes + 5 minutes break
after 4 successful Pomodori:
a 15 minutes pause
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Main Goal of the Pomodoro Technique (PT)
perceive time as a value
I’m doing my best at a right rhythm
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Main Goal of the Pomodoro Technique (PT)
perceive time as a value
I’m doing my best at a right rhythm
instead of:
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Main Goal of the Pomodoro Technique (PT)
perceive time as a value
I’m doing my best at a right rhythm
instead of:
perceive time as an enemy
I’m not moving as fast as I can; I’m late
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
When to apply the PT? In what kind of work?
professional
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
When to apply the PT? In what kind of work?
professional
children homework
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
When to apply the PT? In what kind of work?
professional
children homework
cleaning house
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
When to apply the PT? In what kind of work?
professional
children homework
cleaning house
...
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
When to apply the PT? In what kind of work?
professional
children homework
cleaning house
...
any work
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Let’s see how to apply in XP teams
Our case-studies:
Milan XP user group (highly business-oriented)
Varese XP user group (linked with the local University)
Sourcesence (software house in Milan)
Sinapsi (software house in Milan)
Databtech (software house in Milan)
Quinary (software house in Milan)
7Pixel (software house in Milan)
Link I.T. (software house in Varese)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
the distinction between free time and work time is clear.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
the distinction between free time and work time is clear.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
the distinction between free time and work time is clear.
In other words:
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
the distinction between free time and work time is clear.
In other words:
Free Time is Free Time, i.e. Free from Pomodoro Time Boxing.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Perceived effects (in our experience)
When the PT is applied:
working time is not (so) wasted while Pomodoro starts;
overwork is drastically reduced;
the distinction between free time and work time is clear.
In other words:
Free Time is Free Time, i.e. Free from Pomodoro Time Boxing.
But how it works? The rules are very simple.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Zero Pomodoro Rule
If the Pomodoro is interrupted...
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Zero Pomodoro Rule
If the Pomodoro is interrupted...
...that Pomodoro counts for nothing.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Half pomodori?
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Fundamental Rule: A Pomodoro Is Indivisible
There are never half Pomodori:
the Pomodoro is the atomic unit of work!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The 4 Pomodori Rule
After 4 successful Pomodori take a longer pause
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The 4 Pomodori Rule
After 4 successful Pomodori take a longer pause
(usually 15 min., in any case never more than 1 Pomodoro
long)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The 4 Pomodori Rule
After 4 successful Pomodori take a longer pause
(usually 15 min., in any case never more than 1 Pomodoro
long)
...and thank yourself after 4 following successful Pomodori.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
1 Pomodoro for a team continouspective
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
1 Pomodoro for a team continouspective
2 Pomodori for work (usually with different pairs)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
1 Pomodoro for a team continouspective
2 Pomodori for work (usually with different pairs)
1 Pomodoro for PT recording
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
1 Pomodoro for a team continouspective
2 Pomodori for work (usually with different pairs)
1 Pomodoro for PT recording
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A typical day in a XP team using the PT
stand-up meeting (max. 1 Pomodoro)
4 Pomodori for work (usually in pairing)
a longer pause (usually 15’, max. 1 Pomodoro)
2 Pomodori for work (usually in soloing)
lunch
1 Pomodoro for a team continouspective
2 Pomodori for work (usually with different pairs)
1 Pomodoro for PT recording
Total: 10 pomodori per day
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Ideal Engineering Days != Calendar Days
5 hours of real work at best is the optimum? Why?
People believe to work at full-time on projects, but:
meetings
presales
support
...
...there are working activities not easily captured by the PT,
especially in non-agile environments. With the PT teams learn to
estimate every kind of working activity.
This is called the No Formula Rule.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
The Pomodoro Technique’s FAQ
We found 7 key questions:
How many kitchen timers do I need in my XP team?
1
How to deal with interruptions?
2
What to do during breaks and pauses?
3
How to estimate pomodori?
4
How to record pomodori?
5
How to deal with multiple customers?
6
Can I use a software timer instead of a kitchen one?
7
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1. How many kitchen timers
do you need in my XP team?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
In *spectives: a timer per team
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
In pair programming: a timer per pair
Avoid the One Pomodoro to Rule Them All Style!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
In pair programming: a timer per pair
Avoid the One Pomodoro to Rule Them All Style!
The Driver is responsible for loading and recording
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
In solo work: a timer per member
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffhenshaw/244893028/
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2. How to deal with interruptions?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Protect your Pomodoro
There are two kind of interruptions:
internal ones: I should check email; I need a coffee now
external ones: the phone rings; a colleague have a request, etc.
Remember the Zero Pomodoro Rule:
if interrupted, end of your current Pomodoro.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Internal interruptions are more easily managed
in pairs, Driver helps Navigator and vice versa;
in teams, either a good coach or group pressure protect
pomodori;
in soloing, the XP value of honesty assures your pomodori
In any case:
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Internal interruptions are more easily managed
in pairs, Driver helps Navigator and vice versa;
in teams, either a good coach or group pressure protect
pomodori;
in soloing, the XP value of honesty assures your pomodori
In any case:
it is very important to record your (un)successful pomodori!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Some examples for programming pairs
Navigator takes notes like this in a TODO (or even GTD) list:
“test for empty input at method add user to group: 1 pomo”
“as Driver, test for exceptions: 2 pomos”
“as Driver, refactor db update max 20 lines: 2 pomos”
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Some examples for programming pairs
Navigator takes notes like this in a TODO (or even GTD) list:
“test for empty input at method add user to group: 1 pomo”
“as Driver, test for exceptions: 2 pomos”
“as Driver, refactor db update max 20 lines: 2 pomos”
Some Navigators write even User Stories
thanks to Pomodori analysis
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
A pattern for external interruptions
In our experience, colleagues learn to respect your working time
more.
inform: After 8 minutes I will have a break.
negotiate: How really urgent is it?
callback: Ok. I’ll get back to you in 8 minutes
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3. What to do during breaks and pauses?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
First of all: accept your breaks!
Surprisingly, people don’t accept to thank themselves
for their good pomodori through breaks and pauses.
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
First of all: accept your breaks!
Surprisingly, people don’t accept to thank themselves
for their good pomodori through breaks and pauses.
A break is a break. Relax. You have worked well!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
First of all: accept your breaks!
Surprisingly, people don’t accept to thank themselves
for their good pomodori through breaks and pauses.
A break is a break. Relax. You have worked well!
Suggestions:
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Take a deep breath
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/willyong/1224617/
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Have a cup of tea
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/underscan/764465/
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4. How to estimate pomodori?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Individual planning
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Estimating cards in pomodori
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Estimating cards in pomodori
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
More Than Five Rule
Very big tasks?
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
More Than Five Rule
Very big tasks?
Split it!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
More Than Five Rule
Very big tasks?
Split it!
(just like User Stories)
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Less Than One Rule
What if
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Less Than One Rule
What if
it Lasts Less Than One Pomodoro?
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Less Than One Rule
What if
it Lasts Less Than One Pomodoro?
Add It Up!
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Less Than One Rule
What if
it Lasts Less Than One Pomodoro?
Add It Up!
(it’s easy!)
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5. How to record pomodori?

...with a Textile file

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
...with paper at Sinapsi
http://wiki.sinapsi.com/
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
...with a wiki at Databtech
by Alessandro Mercanti
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...with a custom app at Sourcesense

...with EasyTracking II at XPLabs
by http://www.myagileprojects.com

6. How to deal with multiple customers?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Distribute your available pomodori according to priority
Customer A is very important: 50% effort
Customer B is important: 30% effort
Customer C is less important: 20% effort
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Distribute your available pomodori according to priority
Customer A is very important: 50% effort
Customer B is important: 30% effort
Customer C is less important: 20% effort
This week we have 150 pomodori
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Distribute your available pomodori according to priority
Customer A is very important: 50% effort
Customer B is important: 30% effort
Customer C is less important: 20% effort
This week we have 150 pomodori
Customer A will get 75 pomodori
Customer B will get 45
Customer C will get 25
by Gabriele Lana
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7. Can I use a software timer
instead of a kitchen one?

Pros and Cons of software Pomodori

Our Mantra

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Synopsis of the PT features
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Synopsis of the PT rules
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What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions
Thank you. Any questions?
Please don’t forget to tell us your experience:
http://it.groups.yahoo.com/group/pomodoro/
(cc) Federico Gobbo & Matteo Vaccari 2008. Published in Italy.
Attribution – Non commercial – Share alike 2.5
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