This slideshow explains a simple method for estimating tasks.

1. Basic time estimation Joan Starr, @joan_starr California Digital Library

2. Estimating time Pick two places in your town or city, places you know well. Call one place, Place A and the other, Place B.

3. Estimating time How long does it take to walk from Place A to Place B?

4. Estimating time How long does it take to walk from Place A to Place B? How do you know?

5. Estimating time Does it vary by the walker’s stride?

6. Estimating time Does it vary by the walker’s stride? Do the walker’s shoes affect the time?

7. Estimating time Does it vary by the walker’s stride? Do the walker’s shoes affect the time? Does it depend on how whether you walk alone or with a faster walker?

8. Estimating time How long would it take to walk 20 times the distance between Place A and Place B? What if you stop for lunch?

9. Estimating time Step 1: Split the overall effort into tasks the size of which you know: Based on your experience, Based on a team member’s experience, Based on industry norms, or Based upon an analogous experience or norm.

10. Estimating time Step 2: Adjust the task time estimate upward if any of these conditions are met: The task is unfamiliar to the assigned staff member. The requirements for the task are insufficiently detailed. The technology being used to complete the task is new, and or new to your team.

11. Estimating time Step 3: Adjust the elapsed time to allow for: Required training. Vacations, holidays or other planned leave. Anticipated lack of availability on the part of key players (such as usability testers and advisory groups). Steps in the project that require deliverables from outside the team.

12. Estimating time Step 4: Capture actual time for comparison and estimating skill improvement.