Definition of a Timebox
A Timebox is a predetermined period within which something occurs. It is a maximum time limit and a kind of deadline. This is how it works:
- Fixed duration – a Timebox has a predefined length, such as 15 minutes for the Daily Scrum.
- Do not exceed – The idea is that you complete the work you are doing within this time. You should not exceed the Timebox.
- Stopping early is okay – If you finish early within the Timebox? Conclude the event and prevent wasting time.
- Focus and efficiency – By using a Timebox, your team remains focused and efficient.
Timeboxes in Scrum
In Scrum, you work in Sprints, which last one month or shorter. This is also a Timebox by the way 😊.
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Sprint Planning – At the beginning of each Sprint, there is a planning session. If the Sprint lasts a month, this session lasts a maximum of eight hours. For shorter Sprints, the planning also takes less time.
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Daily Scrum – Every day, the Developers of the team have a brief meeting of a maximum of 15 minutes to discuss progress.
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Sprint Review – At the end of the Sprint, there is a review of a maximum of four hours for a month-long Sprint. For shorter Sprints, this review is shorter.
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Sprint Retrospective – After the review, there is a reflection meeting, which lasts a maximum of three hours for a month-long Sprint. For shorter Sprints, this is also shorter.
The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum events stay within the set Timebox.