Introduction
As we conclude Sprint 2, it’s essential to take stock of our journey, examining both our successes and the challenges we’ve encountered along the way. This sprint, our primary focus was on scaling up productivity and initiating the UI development process. Despite its longer duration compared to the previous sprint, Sprint 2 felt back-heavy due to delays in commencing frontend work until we obtained access to the new template.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Both sprints presented us with unique challenges, contributing to our team’s growth and development. One significant challenge in Sprint 2 was the unexpected complexity encountered while coding a UI component. Initially deemed a simple task, unforeseen changes in the source code necessitated extensive adjustments, resulting in delays and frustration. However, this challenge provided valuable lessons in flexibility and adaptability. By grappling with the intricacies of the component and adapting to evolving requirements, we honed our problem-solving skills and gained a deeper understanding of UI development.
Another challenge stemmed from the weight of certain child issues, which had a more substantial impact on our workflow than initially anticipated. This highlighted the importance of thorough planning and assessment when breaking down tasks and allocating resources. Moving forward, we recognize the need for a more nuanced approach to issue prioritization to ensure each task receives the appropriate attention and resources.
Team Dynamics and Communication
Effective communication emerged as a cornerstone of our approach throughout both sprints. We found that tackling problems collectively as a group significantly eased the resolution process. Whether through online discussions or face-to-face meetings, open dialogue and transparent communication channels were maintained, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making. We intend to prioritize effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and meticulous planning in future endeavors.
Strategies for Improvement
Team Improvement
- Keep a consistent schedule: In hopes of avoiding a repeat of the last sprint where everything was stacked at the back of the sprint, it would be beneficial to manage our time better as a group with a more consistent meeting time.
- Division of Labor: We continue to ensure that one person does not get stacked with too much to do while others get left with little to work on.
Personal Improvement
- Frequent Check-Ins: In realizing the significance of team alignment, I commit to checking in more frequently with my team members. By maintaining regular communication and seeking feedback, I aim to ensure that our efforts remain aligned towards our common objectives throughout each sprint.
Moving Forward
As we look ahead, we are committed to leveraging the lessons learned from Sprint 2 to inform our approach in subsequent iterations. Documenting challenges, solutions, and key takeaways in a “lessons learned” repository will serve as a valuable resource for future sprints, enabling us to anticipate and mitigate potential obstacles more effectively. With a shared commitment to continuous improvement and a supportive team environment, we are confident in our ability to overcome challenges and achieve our goals collectively.
Links to Activity on GitLab
From the blog CS@Worcester – CS: Start to Finish by mrjfatal and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.
