Estimating is difficult. So difficult, in fact, that many consider it a waste of time. Which it wouldn’t be if estimates were done efficiently and were accurate. Instead, many teams either manoeuvre around estimating by using bogus units such as story points, or avoid it completely by using #NoEstimates or Kanban.
Your team can improve the quality of their estimates by improving their estimation process. Software developers learn to optimise their systems using performance profiling. We can find scientifically validated and useful tools for profiling the estimation process if we take the novel and radical approach of viewing estimation from the perspective of psychology and psychometrics.
In this talk, we approach the concept of an estimate as a latent construct, and explore the application of tools and techniques from psychology and psychological statistics to the analysis and improvement of the estimation process.
If you’re wondering why your team’s estimates are off, and what you can do to improve them, this talk is for you.
A quiet and reserved researcher and practitioner, Joseph Pelrine is considered by cognoscenti to be one of the pioneers and top experts on Agile methods. He has spent almost 30 years helping some of the world’s most well-known companies improve their ability to satisfy the needs of their customers. As a psychologist, his focus on people and his experience in applying leading-edge techniques from s...