Moss Drake, Dentists Management Corp.(DMC)
Project management can be tough, especially when technology gets in the way of the goal: to develop software that provides value to the users. Creating a complex software system becomes even more difficult when your processes rely on other complex systems.
Experience shows that project management is made easier by reducing complexity whenever possible. Considering this, perhaps it is better to choose the simpler, low-tech solution when one is available. Additionally, some low-tech practices can lead to higher visibility, more democratic processes, and simpler solutions.
This paper is an experience report on nine simple, low-tech solutions used for project management at our company that helped improve our process, reduced complexity and kept the project focused on the goals rather than the technology. These tips include using story cards, prioritizing the backlog, sizing stories, using information radiators for project status, collaborating using drawing and simple screen mockups, and increasing face-to-face interaction.
