Zero-Kanban

The Zero-Overhead Kanban System (0KB) is a modified Kanban system for small, tight-knit teams (max 4) tasked with rapidly building and launching a single project under skunkworks conditions.

It prioritises speed, autonomy, and minimal overhead, unleashing a team from traditional processes while maintaining razor-sharp focus.

Diff from classic Kanban

  1. Limit Workflow Stages
    • Classic Kanban: Multiple (often 5 or more) swimlane stages.
    • 0KB: Only three: Staged, Active, Won.
  2. Single Mission Focus
    • Classic Kanban: Boards can track multiple workflows or projects.
    • 0KB: Each board is dedicated to a single mission.
  3. Binary Estimation
    • Classic Kanban: Uses detailed effort estimation methods like story points or time estimates, often requiring team meetings to discuss.
    • 0KB: Tasks are either Light or Heavy. Light: quick wins or simple tasks, anything < than a day. Heavy: anything above that.
  4. Strict WIP Limits
    • Classic Kanban: No enforced caps on how many tickets can be assigned
    • 0KB: Limit on assigned tasks per person: 1.
  5. Role Focus
    • Classic Kanban: Includes oversight roles like project managers and QA alongside makers.
    • 0KB: Only makers: designers, devs, etc. Oversight is replaced by shared squad accountability.

Execution is the chariot of genius
William Blake