Backlog priority decisions can be tough – Play a game of Thirty-five

Backlog decisions sometimes fall into a rut as teams mature. If you find that your backlog grooming sessions are lacking from engagement, the input of only a few voices or fallen into a defaulted product-owner only decisions, it might be a time to run a game of Thirty-Five.

Geoff Watts recently reminded me of Thiagi’s Game of Thirty-Five which is a great way to deepen thinking about the backlog, see each idea from multiple perspectives and have each stakeholder be heard.

And most importantly, it is easier to discuss trade-offs between 2 items and compare the value of each item.

How to play?

Grab some index cards, at least 8 people (must be an even number) and ensure you have a pen for each participant.

Give each participant an idea on an index card from your backlog.

Set the participants into pairs and set the timer for 5 minutes

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Let each pair debate their 2 cards for 5 minutes

At the end of the round, each pair has 5 points to award between the 2 ideas (no half points allowed).

• Write the value on the back of the card, swap cards with your partner and find a new partner.

• Repeat this process for 4-5 rounds.

• Then tally up the points and determine your highest priorities as viewed by your stakeholders.

Can be played on Zoom by setting break-out rooms to 2 participants and have participants text the value of the idea to the facilitator.

See Geoff’s detailed description of the game here – https://www.tastycupcakes.org/2012/10/thirty-five/

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