What is Kanban? [DEFINTION + EXAMPLE]

Summary

In this video, Adriana Girdler introduces the Kanban methodology, a visual tool for managing project tasks in an agile way. Kanban uses a board with columns like To-Do, In-Progress, and Done to track tasks, making it easy for teams to see progress. The video walks through a simple example, showing how tasks move through the board, emphasizing focus, collaboration, and avoiding rework. It’s ideal for straightforward projects but can scale for more complex ones. Viewers are also offered a free checklist to help ensure project success, alongside tips for maximizing Kanban's effectiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kanban is a visual project management methodology that helps teams manage tasks efficiently.
• 😀 The Kanban board typically includes three main columns: To-Do, In-Progress, and Done.
• 😀 Tasks are moved from one column to another, ensuring that each task is completed before moving on to the next.
• 😀 Kanban encourages collaboration, as it allows team members to see the progress of each other's tasks.
• 😀 The methodology can be applied both manually (using a physical whiteboard) or digitally (via software like SharePoint).
• 😀 Kanban helps avoid task overload by ensuring team members only focus on one task at a time and validate it before moving on.
• 😀 It is ideal for simple projects, but can be adapted for more complex ones by adding extra columns or features like parking lots.
• 😀 The board can be personalized with specific tasks, and the workflow can be organized based on priority or team member assignments.
• 😀 Kanban boards work best when all team members actively participate and follow the flow of the board to ensure smooth progress.
• 😀 The speaker offers a free downloadable checklist to help viewers manage their projects and prevent failure.
• 😀 Kanban is effective in maintaining focus and ensuring high-quality outputs by validating tasks before moving to the next step.

Q & A

What is Kanban and how is it used in project management?

Kanban is a methodology used in project management that visualizes tasks using a board. The board tracks tasks through columns like 'To-Do,' 'In-Progress,' and 'Done,' helping teams monitor progress and work more efficiently.

What are the core columns in a Kanban board?

The three core columns in a Kanban board are: 'To-Do' (tasks that need to be completed), 'In-Progress' (tasks actively being worked on), and 'Done' (tasks that are completed).

Can Kanban boards be used for both physical and digital projects?

Yes, Kanban boards can be used in both physical and digital formats. A physical version could use a whiteboard and sticky notes, while digital versions can be managed using software like SharePoint or other project management tools.

Why is the visual nature of a Kanban board beneficial for a team?

The visual nature of a Kanban board allows all team members to easily see the status of each task, promoting transparency and collaboration. It also helps identify bottlenecks and track progress more effectively.

What does 'work in progress' (WIP) mean in Kanban, and why is it important?

Work in progress (WIP) refers to the tasks that are actively being worked on. It's important because limiting WIP helps prevent overloading team members, ensures focus on completing tasks before starting new ones, and reduces the risk of unfinished work.

What is the significance of the 'To-Do' column in Kanban?

'To-Do' is the first column where all tasks and action items for a project are placed before they are worked on. This section often contains the backlog of tasks that need to be completed in order to move the project forward.

How do tasks move through the Kanban board?

Tasks move across the Kanban board from left to right. They start in the 'To-Do' column, move to 'In-Progress' when work begins, and are moved to 'Done' once the task is completed.

Can multiple people work on tasks simultaneously in a Kanban board?

Yes, multiple people can work on tasks in parallel in a Kanban board. However, each person should work on different tasks, ensuring that they focus on completing one task before moving on to the next.

What is a 'parking lot' in the context of a Kanban board?

A 'parking lot' is a list or section used to store upcoming tasks that are not yet ready to be moved to the 'To-Do' column. It helps manage tasks that are in the planning stages before they become actionable.

What are the key benefits of using Kanban in project management?

The key benefits of Kanban include increased visibility, better task tracking, enhanced team collaboration, and improved efficiency. It helps teams focus on completing tasks systematically while avoiding multitasking and bottlenecks.