What is a Scrum Board?

The Scrum framework uses an Agile mindset to develop, deliver, and maintain complex projects. It emphasizes software and application development. However, you may not be aware of all the Scrum resources if you do not know the methodology properly. You can gain valuable insights into the Agile Scrum project methodology with the Agile Scrum Master Certification Training.

Scrum and Kanban use different Agile practices, but we will focus on the former as of now. For this, you must understand Scrum boards. They are an essential part of any Scrum sprint. You can also consider them as a valuable project management resource.

Definition of a Scrum Board

The Scrum board refers to an Agile project management tool that enables teams to visualize, track, and manage work during a Sprint or a specific time. The structure of this board encourages effective communication, optimized task management, and transparent workflows.

The scrum board visually represents all kinds of Agile principles. Each card on the board acts as a work item. Most of these items are prioritized by the team for that particular sprint. You will also find columns on the board that constitute the team’s workflow. 

The cards on the Scrum board move along with the entire team's work. All other work items on the Scrum backlog should have been prioritized for this Sprint earlier. 

Elements of a Scrum Board

A Scrum board is a visual representation of work in progress that remains within a Scrum framework. It helps teams organize and manage tasks across Sprints. This further helps transparency and an overview of the project's status. The primary elements of a Scrum board include:

1. Backlog

The Scrum backlog lists all tasks, features, or user stories that must be completed during the project. It serves as the source of work for the development team.

2. Product Backlog Items (PBIs)

PBIs are individual backlog items representing specific user stories or features. Each PBI is a deliverable unit of work that provides business value.

3. Sprint Backlog

The Sprint Backlog contains items from the product backlog selected for a specific sprint. It is a subset of the backlog and represents the work the team commits to completing in the current sprint.

Read More: How to create sprint Backlog

4. Task Cards

Task cards represent the breakdown of PBIs into smaller, actionable tasks. Each task card details a specific action that needs to be taken to complete a PBI.

5. To-Do, In Progress, Done (Kanban Columns)

These columns visually depict the status of each task or user story. "To-Do" represents tasks that are ready to be picked up. "In Progress" indicates tasks currently being worked on. "Done" signifies completed tasks.

6. Task Assignments

The person responsible for each task is often indicated on the task card. This helps visualize the distribution of work and understand who is working on what.

7. Impediment List

An impediment list highlights any obstacles or issues hindering the progress of tasks. This provides visibility into challenges that need resolution to maintain project momentum.

8. Definition of Done (DoD)

The DoD outlines the criteria that must be met for a task or user story to be considered complete. It ensures a shared understanding of what "done" means within the team.

Read more:Definition of Done in Scrum

9. Burn-Down Chart

A burn-down chart is often displayed nearby even though it is not physically on the board. It illustrates the amount of work remaining versus time. This helps the team track progress throughout the Sprint.

How to Make a Scrum Board?

Creating a Scrum board involves setting up a visual representation of your project's workflow. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a Scrum board:

1. Gather Materials

Choose a physical board or a digital tool that suits your team's preferences. Physical boards can be whiteboards, corkboards, or even a large piece of paper. Digital tools can include project management software like Jira, Trello, or other Scrum-specific tools.

Use index cards, sticky notes, or digital cards to represent individual tasks.

2. Identify Workflow Stages

Define the key stages your tasks will go through from inception to completion. Typical stages include "To-Do," "In Progress," and "Done."

3. Create Backlog

List all the tasks, features, or user stories that must be completed. This is your product backlog.Arrange backlog items based on priority. This helps the team focus on the most critical tasks first.

4. Sprint Planning

Select items from the product backlog for the current sprint. This becomes your sprint backlog. Break down the work into smaller, actionable tasks for the same backlog. Write each task on a separate task card.

Also check:What is Sprint Planning?

5. Create Columns

Draw or designate columns for each workflow stage on the Scrum board. Examples include "To-Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Create virtual columns for digital tools. 

6. Place Backlog Items

Place the prioritized backlog items in the "To-Do" column. As tasks progress, move the corresponding task cards across the columns. For instance, from "To-Do" to "In Progress" and finally to "Done."

7. Regular Updates

Hold regular stand-up meetings where team members discuss progress, challenges, and what they plan to achieve next. Use the physical board to display a burn-down chart nearby to track progress visually. 

8. Adapt and Improve

Review the Scrum board and process in retrospective meetings. Make adjustments based on feedback to improve your workflow continuously.

How to Use a Scrum Board?

A Scrum board is crucial for Agile teams to manage tasks, track progress, and enhance collaboration. Here is how you can use a Scrum board:

1. Understand the Workflow

Familiarize yourself with the defined workflow stages on the Scrum board. Standard stages include "To-Do," "In Progress," and "Done."

2. Access the Scrum Board

Gather your team in front of the physical board. Open the Scrum board on the chosen platform for other digital tools. 

3. Product Backlog

Begin with the product backlog, a list of all tasks or user stories. Prioritize these items based on business value or urgency. Select a set of prioritized backlog items for the current sprint. Move these items to the "To-Do" column to create the sprint backlog.

4. Break Down Tasks

Break down each item in the sprint backlog into smaller, actionable tasks. Write each task on a separate task card. Assign tasks to team members, if applicable. This helps in clarifying responsibilities and ensures accountability.

5. Move Cards Across Columns

Move task cards across the columns to reflect the current progress status in your work. Start with "To-Do," move to "In Progress," and finally to "Done" when completed.

6. Daily Stand-Ups

Conduct daily stand-up meetings in front of the Scrum board. Discuss progress, challenges, and plans for the day. Use this time to update the board accordingly. Maintain an impediment list on the Scrum board to highlight any obstacles or issues hindering progress. Discuss and resolve impediments during stand-up meetings.

7. Definition of Done

Ensure tasks meet the Definition of Done before moving them to the "Done" column. This maintains a shared understanding of completed work.

Update the Scrum board to reflect the latest information. This provides transparency and helps the team stay aligned.

8. Retrospectives

Conduct regular retrospective meetings to reflect on the sprint. Discuss what went well and what could be improved. Implement changes to enhance the team's efficiency.

Take advantage of additional elements on the Scrum board to visually track progress over time. Use feedback from the team to make continuous improvements to the Scrum board and the complete process.

Also, read:  Powerful Ways to Build an Agile Team

Benefits of a Scrum Board

Here are essential benefits that highlight the importance of incorporating a Scrum board into your Agile project management:

1. Instant Visibility and Status

Scrum boards offer a real-time snapshot of the team's performance in a specific iteration. Team members can ascertain the current status of tasks with a glance. It enhances transparency and reduces the need for elaborate status meetings.

2. Rapid Onboarding for Newcomers

Understanding ongoing processes can be a daunting task for new team members. Scrum boards act as visual aids to provide a concise overview of functions. It includes analyzing their progress and Sprint's status. This accelerates onboarding and allows newcomers to integrate into the team instantly. 

3. Facilitation of Conversation and Interaction

Placing the Scrum board in a high-traffic area promotes communication and interaction, which is visible to all stakeholders. Teammates, members of other teams, stakeholders, and management can easily see and understand the project's status. This visibility encourages spontaneous discussions and leads to faster issue resolution.

4. Total Team Commitment

The Scrum board serves as a focal point for team commitment. It visually represents how each task is progressing. The same also holds team members accountable for their responsibilities. This commitment ensures that individuals remain focused on their work. This promotes efficiency and a sense of ownership.

5. Enhanced Teamwork

Scrum boards create a shared understanding of goals and progress. This is what leads to a collaborative environment. Team members can see where assistance is needed to facilitate a culture of mutual support and efficient task completion.

Scrum Board Examples

Most Scrum teams increasingly turn to virtual solutions for project management in the digital world. That is why Scrum boards have become indispensable tools for better collaboration and maintaining workflow transparency. Here are some noteworthy examples of Scrum boards designed by popular project management tools:

1. Hygger

It is a comprehensive project management tool with built-in prioritization capabilities. Hygger caters to high-skilled teams that emphasize dynamic collaboration.

Features

• Combines the power of Jira and the convenience of Trello.
• Organizes Scrum planning processes, schedules sprints, and creates user stories.
• Utilizes user-friendly task boards, manages Scrum product backlog, and employs advanced prioritization frameworks.
• Offers intelligent alerts and other advanced features.

2. Scrumwise

It is a robust Scrum solution with a decade-long history. Scrumwise offers customizable task boards for effective team and project management.

Features

• Task management, backlog management, task filters, release management, and activity history.
• Comments and tasks integration with GitHub.
• A straightforward tool without unnecessary business management features.

3. Zoho Sprints

It offers an intuitive design and features that empower users to make the most of Scrum management without overwhelming complexity.

Features

• Adding user stories to a backlog.
• Setting priorities for work items and customizable task boards.

4. OrangeScrum

OrangeScrum is a versatile project management tool suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. It is usually recommended for effective remote team management.

Features

• Comprehensive Scrum features, like epics and stories, backlogs, story points, sprints, task boards, and velocity charts.
• Enhances productivity through accurate information and transparency.

5. Targetprocess

It is a highly customizable project management solution that suits companies using Scrum or Kanban models.

Also check:Kanban Board vs Scrum Board

Features

• Adaptable to any company’s structure, size, and management style.
• Provides a user-friendly platform with flexible opportunities to oversee project development.

Exploring the Online Scrum Board: Comparing the Advantages of Digital and Physical Formats

Choosing between a digital and physical Scrum board can significantly impact team collaboration, workflow transparency, and project success in Agile project management. Let us look at the advantages of both formats to help you make an informed decision based on your team's needs.

Digital Scrum Board Advantages

• Anywhere, Anytime: Team members can access the digital Scrum board from various locations. This makes it ideal for remote teams or those working across different time zones.
• Device Compatibility: Digital boards are accessible on multiple devices. It often includes laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Instant Progress Tracking: Changes made to the digital board are reflected in real time. It allows team members to stay updated on task statuses and project progress.
• Live Collaboration: Enables simultaneous updates and collaboration. This fosters a dynamic and responsive work environment.
• Effortless Integrations: Digital boards often integrate with other project management tools. It provides a centralized hub for task tracking, communication, and document sharing.
• Automation Capabilities: Automated features streamline repetitive tasks. It reduces manual effort and enhances efficiency.
• Flexible Layouts: Users can customize the digital board's layout and design to suit the team's specific needs and preferences.
• Rich Visuals: Incorporates advanced visualization features to enhance data representation and analysis. Examples include charts and graphs. 

Physical Scrum Board Advantages

• Hands-on Interaction: Physical boards provide a tactile experience. It enables team members to move task cards physically and fosters a sense of engagement and ownership.
• Visual Presence: The physical presence of the board in a shared space enhances visibility. It encourages team members to engage with it regularly.
• No Technical Barriers: Physical boards do not rely on technology, which makes them accessible to teams with varying technical capabilities.
• Ease of Use: Minimal training makes physical boards user-friendly and straightforward.
• In-person Collaboration: Physical boards facilitate face-to-face interactions during stand-up meetings. It promotes open communication and immediate issue resolution.
• Team Building: Gathering around a physical board creates a shared space for team members, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
• Low Setup Costs: Setting up a physical board involves minimal costs compared to implementing digital tools.
• No Subscription Fees: Physical boards do not incur subscription fees or ongoing software costs.

Conclusion

The Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) Certification Training course offers a better understanding of the Scrum framework for Agile project management. It also prepares you to become a certified Scrum Master well-versed in techniques like Scrum boards and other frameworks. You will further know the basics of Scrum and the Scrum lifecycle with the same certification from Simpliaxis. The certification course teaches you how to organize a Scrum team, set up a project, and implement a Scrum. This training is your key to new career opportunities across industries and companies.