When to choose scrum and when to choose kanban? Explained with examples

Scrum and Kanban are two popular frameworks used in Agile project management. The choice between Scrum and Kanban depends on the nature of the project and the team's preferences. Here are some examples of when to choose Scrum and when to choose Kanban:

When to choose Scrum:

1. Complex projects with evolving requirements: Scrum is suitable when the requirements of a project are likely to change during the development process. It allows for flexibility and iterative development with regular feedback loops.

Example: Developing a new software product where the requirements are not fully known initially. The Scrum framework enables the team to adapt to changing customer needs and deliver a more satisfactory product.

2. Projects that require rigorous planning and structured timelines: Scrum is beneficial when a project requires a strict timeline and frequent checkpoints for progress assessment. The framework provides a clear structure for planning and organizing work.

Example: Building a website with specific deadlines and milestones. Scrum helps in breaking down the work into sprints and establishing a predictable cadence for iterative development.

3. Cross-functional teams collaborating on a project: Scrum is suitable when a project requires close collaboration and interaction among team members from different disciplines. It promotes better communication and transparency within the team.

Example: Developing a mobile application involving UI designers, developers, testers, and marketers. Scrum facilitates effective collaboration, helping teams deliver higher quality products.

When to choose Kanban:

1. Projects with predictable workflow and stable requirements: Kanban is ideal when the project has a stable set of requirements and a steady flow of work. It visualizes the workflow and allows for continuous improvement without being bound to rigid iterations.

Example: Maintaining an existing software system, where tasks and support tickets keep flowing in. Kanban provides a visual representation of the workflow, enabling teams to manage work effectively and identify bottlenecks.

2. Projects involving continuous delivery: Kanban is suitable for projects that require continuous delivery of small and frequent increments. It focuses on optimizing the flow of work and allows for quicker response time.

Example: Establishing an e-commerce website where new features and updates need to be constantly deployed. Kanban helps in visualizing the work in progress and ensures continuous delivery without disrupting the flow.

3. Repetitive or maintenance projects: Kanban is beneficial for projects that involve repetitive tasks or regular maintenance cycles. It allows for a continuous, steady workflow with a focus on reducing cycle time.

Example: Managing a help desk or support system, where similar types of tickets or requests are handled regularly. Kanban helps in visualizing the workload and maintaining a smooth and efficient support process.

Ultimately, the choice between Scrum and Kanban depends on the specific context of the project, the level of uncertainty, desired collaboration, and delivery approach preferred by the team.