Deep in the Heart of Agile—Why Points Don’t Measure Up: Part 2 of 4
The Fibonacci sequence, or the golden ratio, are mathematical concepts present in nature, art, and architecture. Think nautilus shells and sunflower seeds. The golden ratio (1:1.618) has shaped design for centuries—used by Le Corbusier and in the Parthenon. So it’s no surprise Agile nerds latched on.
But measuring effort with Fibonacci numbers? That’s where things fall apart. As a mathematical sequence, Fibonacci numbers increase incrementally. This makes them useless for comparing team effectiveness. They’re not meant to measure effort or velocity.
To measure team effectiveness, consider:
- Number of people
- Skill levels
- Type of activities
- Individual strengths/weaknesses
Let’s not forget the Agile Manifesto: “Working software is the primary measure of progress.” (agilemanifesto.org)
Rich Williams is an agilist in Dallas, Texas. He believes Fibonacci is great for sunflowers, not sprints. He calls himself a failed stand-up comic and once played bass in a hip hop group. He’s big, bald, and beardy.
Leave a comment