In 30 seconds
- The general agile name for planning one iteration.
- Same idea as Sprint Planning in Scrum.
- SAFe teams use the term for team planning within a Program Increment.
Same idea, different names
An iteration is a short, fixed development cycle. Extreme Programming and SAFe call the planning session at its start iteration planning; Scrum calls it Sprint Planning.
A simple agenda
- Agree the iteration goal
- Check capacity for this iteration
- Select top items from the backlog
- Break them into tasks and confirm the team can finish them
In SAFe
In SAFe, iteration planning happens inside a Program Increment. Teams refine and commit to the iteration's share of the objectives they set in PI Planning.
Myth vs reality
Myth · Iterations and sprints are different things.
Reality · They're the same concept with different names.
Myth · Iteration planning requires estimates in hours.
Reality · Any sizing approach can work.
Myth · Plans are fixed once made.
Reality · The goal stays; the task plan adapts.
FAQ
How long should iteration planning take?
An hour or two for a two-week iteration if items are refined.
Who attends?
The whole team, with the Product Owner or equivalent.
What is an iteration goal?
A short statement of what the iteration aims to achieve, like a Sprint Goal.