Traditional software development focuses on accurately mapping out the required functionality in advance and then developing it. What will be developed (the end result) is fixed, who will work on it and for how long is still uncertain. With timeboxing this is exactly the opposite. You determine in advance who can work on a certain activity and for how long. Within that time, the best possible result is produced. A completely different way of working, but with a few important advantages.
1. You focus on what really matters
When developing software, it is sometimes very difficult to identify all the requirements and specifications in advance. It is not always clear in advance what the desired end result is or what functionalities are required. This entails the risk of spending too much time on problem analysis, formulating a solution direction that turns out to be completely different along the way and devoting attention to details that are completely unnecessary. Many projects go off schedule and over budget because the predetermined scope must be achieved at all costs. With timeboxing, there is time pressure and you are forced to focus. There is no time for peripheral issues or procrastination and no room for distractions. Delivery is required and so you start focusing on what really matters.
2. You become more productive
Timeboxing makes you more productive. You will work more effectively, ignoring distractions and not working on unnecessary bells and whistles. Keeping a timeframe completely free for one task will help you focus better. You don't pay attention to phone calls, emails and questions in between, instead focusing only on that one activity, allowing you to make meters quickly. You also choose a time that suits you best for a particular activity. Complicated thinking you might prefer to do in the morning, answering simple questions in the afternoon or creative work in the evening.
3. You achieve Return On Investment faster.
What matters in the end is Return On Investment. Software development costs money and must ultimately be profitable for the customer(s) who will use it. We all know the stories of endless projects and work that end up delivering products that do not meet expectations, are "over-engineered" and over-priced. Timeboxing forces you to work directly on what delivers Return On Investment for the client. By communicating regularly with the client in the interim, you keep working on what is truly valuable to the client and don't put time into wrong, unnecessary or unimportant things.
But...watch out for quality!
Timeboxing only works when you apply it properly and do it in collaboration with the client. With this method of software development, you no longer have to worry about time and budget. And by communicating well with the customer, you will also be fine in terms of functionality. But what about the fourth component of the devil's square, quality? Time pressure can undermine quality. Of course, work should not be rushed or a product delivered that is not finished. Then it is better to jointly reserve a new timebox to be used to complete the product.
As Product Owner, Joan Gaastra has the wheel in his hands at Dysel. He determines which functionality will be developed and where the priorities lie.
