The Pomodoro Technique for Sustainable Pace

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 1/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Wannabe eXtreme? http://www.ipernity.com/home/sendakseuss 2/53

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 3/53

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” 4/53

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: 4/53

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 4/53

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 4/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions ...from the PT, stand-up meetings, retrospectives 5/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions The Classic Pomodoro... 6/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions ...is a kitchen timer... 7/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions ...of whatever shape! 8/53

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 9/53

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 10/53

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: 10/53

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 10/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions When to apply the PT? In what kind of work? professional 11/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions When to apply the PT? In what kind of work? professional children homework 11/53

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 11/53

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 ... 11/53

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 11/53

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) 12/53

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; 13/53

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; 13/53

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. 13/53

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: 13/53

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. 13/53

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. 13/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions The Zero Pomodoro Rule If the Pomodoro is interrupted... 14/53

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. 14/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Half pomodori? 15/53

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! 16/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions The 4 Pomodori Rule After 4 successful Pomodori take a longer pause 17/53

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) 17/53

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. 17/53

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) 18/53

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) 18/53

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) 18/53

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) 18/53

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 18/53

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 18/53

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) 18/53

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 18/53

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 18/53

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. 19/53

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 20/53

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 22/53

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! 23/53

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 23/53

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/ 24/53

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. 26/53

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: 27/53

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! 27/53

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” 28/53

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 28/53

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 29/53

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. 31/53

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! 31/53

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: 31/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Take a deep breath http://www.ipernity.com/doc/willyong/1224617/ 32/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Have a cup of tea http://www.ipernity.com/doc/underscan/764465/ 33/53

4. How to estimate pomodori?

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Individual planning 35/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Estimating cards in pomodori 36/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Estimating cards in pomodori 37/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions More Than Five Rule Very big tasks? 38/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions More Than Five Rule Very big tasks? Split it! 38/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions More Than Five Rule Very big tasks? Split it! (just like User Stories) 38/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Less Than One Rule What if 39/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Less Than One Rule What if it Lasts Less Than One Pomodoro? 39/53

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! 39/53

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!) 39/53

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/ 42/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions ...with a wiki at Databtech by Alessandro Mercanti 43/53

...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 47/53

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 47/53

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 47/53

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 51/53

What is a Pomodoro? Pomodori for time boxing Case-studies Conclusions Synopsis of the PT rules 52/53

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 53/53

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The Pomodoro Technique for Sustainable Pace

by Federico Gobbo

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