2020-02-06_03-04-21

Summary

The video script explores the importance of breaking down large tasks into smaller, atomic ones for effective project management. It emphasizes how such splitting helps ensure daily progress, clear tracking, and easier task demonstration. The script provides practical examples of splitting tasks related to a newsletter feature, discussing how to manage database, front-end, and back-end tasks separately. It stresses the value of understanding project anatomy and technology, and concludes with tips on task definition, estimating effort, and collaborating effectively to ensure smooth project evolution and delivery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Atomic tasks are beneficial for progress tracking and task demonstration, as they can be completed in small, manageable chunks (4–8 hours).
• 😀 Breaking down large tasks into smaller, atomic units allows for better task tracking, course correction, and easier management of development work.
• 😀 Splitting tasks improves the visibility of the development process, ensuring issues can be identified early, without waiting for the entire system to be completed.
• 😀 A task should be split based on the internal anatomy of the system, understanding its components like database, frontend, and backend, rather than simply cutting the task into equal parts.
• 😀 Task splitting can be based on the technology stack, such as separating frontend, backend, and database tasks for different specialists, like full-stack or partial-stack developers.
• 😀 It’s important to split tasks in a way that aligns with the user’s journey and business logic, rather than just isolating components arbitrarily.
• 😀 When new features or bugs are discovered, it’s crucial to create separate tickets for each issue to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in scope and responsibility.
• 😀 Creating an Epic for a feature helps group related tasks under one overarching goal, ensuring all necessary sub-tasks are linked to a unified objective.
• 😀 The early stage of splitting a task (such as database creation) unblocks other parts of the system, enabling progress across different teams concurrently (frontend, backend, etc.).
• 😀 Smart splitting allows you to break down a project into smaller tasks and effectively manage them, which is useful for both experienced developers and those new to a project, like trainees or juniors.
• 😀 The goal of task splitting is to ensure daily progress, with each task having a clear outcome and measurable results, leading to better progress tracking and billable hours management.

Q & A

Why is task splitting important in project management?

Task splitting is important because it allows for continuous progress tracking, enables daily deliverables, and provides the ability to demonstrate progress regularly to clients. It also helps manage risks by identifying issues early and allows for efficient use of team resources.

What are the key benefits of breaking down tasks into smaller components?

Breaking tasks into smaller components provides clear milestones, daily progress, and easier troubleshooting. It also increases flexibility, allowing different team members (e.g., front-end and back-end developers) to work on different aspects of the project simultaneously.

What does 'atomic tasks' mean in this context?

In this context, 'atomic tasks' refer to small, manageable tasks that can be completed in a short amount of time (usually 4-8 hours). These tasks are self-contained and focus on specific deliverables, making them easier to track and test.

How does understanding the 'anatomy' of a system help with task splitting?

Understanding the anatomy of a system means knowing how its components interact and how they can be divided effectively. This knowledge helps ensure that tasks are split logically, preserving the integrity of each component while making sure the overall task remains cohesive.

What is the advantage of splitting tasks based on different workflows, like front-end and back-end development?

Splitting tasks based on different workflows allows developers to focus on specific aspects of the project without disrupting other parts. It also enables parallel work on the front-end and back-end, speeding up the overall development process and reducing dependencies.

What is a practical example of task splitting from the transcript?

A practical example is adding a new 'name' field to a newsletter system. The task is split into several smaller tasks: updating the database, modifying the front-end interface, implementing back-end logic, and updating the newsletter sending system. Each part is managed separately, allowing for parallel development.

Why is it important to start with the database when adding a new feature like a 'name' field?

Starting with the database is crucial because the new field needs to be stored before any front-end or back-end functionality can be implemented. Without the database update, there's no place to store the new data, which would make the rest of the tasks inefficient or impossible to execute.

How does task splitting help in managing team capacity?

Task splitting helps in managing team capacity by allowing tasks to be distributed based on the developers’ skill sets. For example, front-end developers can work on UI tasks while back-end developers handle the database or logic, ensuring that each developer is working on tasks that match their expertise.

What role does the project manager play in task splitting?

The project manager plays a key role in defining tasks, setting clear acceptance criteria, and ensuring that the tasks are appropriately split for efficient execution. They also monitor progress, make adjustments when necessary, and ensure that resources are properly allocated.

How does smart task splitting affect the client's experience?

Smart task splitting allows for faster delivery of working features, enabling project managers to demonstrate progress to clients early on. This builds client confidence and allows for quick feedback, reducing the risk of major issues later in the project.