Software Development & Shape Up
“Shape Up” is a development process and project management approach developed by Basecamp, a software company known for its project management tools. It is designed to promote a focused and efficient way of managing software development projects. Shape Up aims to balance predictability and flexibility while fostering a productive and sustainable work environment. Here’s an overview of the Shape Up development process:
1. The “Cycle” and “Bets”:
Shape Up operates in fixed time periods called “cycles,” which are typically six weeks in duration. During each cycle, the team identifies and works on a set of features, improvements, or bug fixes, known as “bets.”
2. Pitching:
Before a cycle begins, the product manager or project lead prepares a set of problem statements or high-level project ideas, called “pitches.” These pitches describe potential bets that could be worked on during the cycle.
3. Choosing Bets:
The development team, including programmers and designers, review the pitches and select the bets they believe they can complete within the cycle. This selection process involves evaluating complexity, feasibility, and the potential impact of each bet.
4. Work on the “Hill”:
The selected bets form the “hill.” The hill is a metaphorical hill-shaped chart that represents the work the team commits to complete during the cycle. The team’s goal is to reach the peak of the hill, indicating the successful completion of the planned work.
5. No Deadlines or Sprints:
Shape Up does not involve traditional sprint planning or strict deadlines. Instead, the team commits to delivering the selected bets within the six-week cycle, focusing on quality and impact.
6. Fixed Time, Variable Scope:
In Shape Up, the scope of work is flexible, but the time frame (the six-week cycle) remains constant. This approach avoids the common pitfall of extending deadlines and promotes a sustainable work pace.
7. Dedicated Time for Exploration:
Shape Up incorporates a concept called “Cool Down.” After completing a cycle, a one- or two-week Cool Down period allows the team to explore new ideas, do research, and potentially start the next cycle with fresh perspectives.
8. No Overtime:
Shape Up encourages a balanced work-life approach. The fixed-time cycles help prevent situations where overtime becomes the norm to meet deadlines.
9. Clear Ownership:
Each bet has a clear owner responsible for making decisions, collaborating with the team, and ensuring the bet is completed within the cycle.
10. Pushing Back on Work:
If a bet is too large or complex to be completed within a cycle, the team is encouraged to push back on it. This promotes a realistic assessment of what can be achieved within the given time frame.
Shape Up’s main principles revolve around embracing constraints, focusing on high-impact work, and providing a structured yet flexible approach to development. It aims to empower development teams to work effectively without the stress of constantly shifting priorities or tight deadlines. While Shape Up is specifically designed for software development, its underlying principles can inspire other industries to adopt a balanced and mindful approach to project management.