Estimation and delivery
On this page 8 topics
Overview
Topics
- Requirement clarification
- decomposition
- risk identification
Learn first
2 h of practice (estimate)
Learning outcomes
- Clarify ambiguous requirements with questions and written acceptance criteria.
- Decompose a feature into small, independently deliverable slices.
- Estimate with ranges, identify the riskiest assumptions, and reduce them first (spikes).
- Communicate progress and slippage early.
Lessons
Lab and exercises
Lab
MID-064-LAB1 · Returns feature plan
Outcomes: 1–4 · Time: ~2 h
- Turn a one-paragraph request for returns and refunds into questions.
- Write acceptance criteria from the answers.
- Slice the feature vertically; estimate each slice as a range.
- List the top risks; plan a spike for the riskiest.
- Send a progress update after the first slice.
Acceptance: reviewed plan; first slice delivered.
Exercises (assessment: planning exercise; five exercises)
| ID | Outcome | Task |
|---|---|---|
| MID-064-EX01 | 1 | Write ten clarifying questions for "let customers apply discount codes". |
| MID-064-EX02 | 1 | Write three Given/When/Then criteria for a gift-wrapping option. |
| MID-064-EX03 | 2 | Split "order history page with filters and export" into five vertical slices. |
| MID-064-EX04 | 3 | Estimate three slices as ranges with confidence and assumptions; name the riskiest assumption and a one-day spike to test it. |
| MID-064-EX05 | 4 | Write a progress update for a feature that is two days behind, including cause and options. |
Show solutions
- EX01 For example: stackable, expiry, per-user limits, percent versus fixed, applies to shipping, behavior on refunds, who creates codes, abuse limits, reporting, out of scope.
- EX02 Given an order, when wrapping is chosen, then price rises by the wrap fee; given an out-of-stock wrap type, then checkout shows an error; given a cancelled order, then the fee is refunded.
- EX03 Basic list; paging; one filter; more filters; export of current filter. Each is releasable.
- EX04 For example 1-2 days (90%), 2-4 days (80%), 3-8 days (60%, depends on provider); spike: call the provider sandbox with a partial refund.
- EX05 Done, next, new range, cause, options: cut scope, move date, or add a helper; ask for a decision by a date.
Quiz
Outcomes: O1 clarify requirements · O2 vertical slicing · O3 ranges and risk-first · O4 communicate progress.
A self-check for you: nothing is graded, saved or sent anywhere. Choose an answer, then check it. You can try again as often as you like.
Practical part
Five exercises MID-064-EX01 to EX05 plus the lab. Pass: at least four exercises correct and a reviewed plan whose first slice is delivered.
Common mistakes
Horizontal slices (all database work first); single-number estimates.
Assessment
Planning exercise.
Career relevance
Requirements engineering (SRC-001) and risk management (SRB-019).