Kanban is a visual system for managing work. It is widely used in software development, project management, and other fields. This guide will introduce you to the basics of Kanban, its principles, and how to implement it effectively.

Key Concepts

  • Kanban Board: A visual representation of work items, tasks, and progress.
  • Columns: Represent different stages of work, such as "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done".
  • Cards: Represent individual tasks or work items.
  • WIP (Work In Progress) Limit: The maximum number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time.

Implementing Kanban

  1. Identify Work Items: Determine what tasks or items need to be managed.
  2. Create a Kanban Board: Use a physical board or an online tool like Trello.
  3. Define Columns: Set up columns to represent the stages of work.
  4. Create Cards: Write down tasks or work items on cards.
  5. Start Work: Move cards from "To Do" to "In Progress" as work is done.
  6. Review and Adapt: Regularly review the Kanban board and make adjustments as needed.

Benefits of Kanban

  • Improved Visibility: Everyone can see the status of work at any time.
  • Increased Transparency: Team members can see what others are working on.
  • Reduced Waste: Kanban helps identify and eliminate bottlenecks and unnecessary work.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Team members can work together more effectively.

Learn More

For more information on Kanban, check out our Kanban Best Practices.

Kanban Board Example