| Aspect | Scrum | Kanban |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Fixed-length sprints (1-4 weeks) | Continuous flow (no sprints) |
| Roles | Product Owner, Scrum Master, Dev Team | No fixed roles (flexible teams) |
| Commitment | Sprint backlog (fixed scope) | Work pulled as capacity allows |
| Meetings | Daily standups, sprint planning, review, retrospective | Only essential meetings (e.g., replenishment) |
| Metrics | Velocity (story points/sprint) | Cycle time, lead time, WIP limits |
| Change Policy | No scope changes mid-sprint | Changes allowed anytime |
| Board | Reset each sprint | Persistent (columns like “To Do → Doing → Done”) |
When to Use Scrum?
✅ Complex projects needing structured delivery (e.g., new SaaS product)
✅ Teams that benefit from regular feedback (sprint reviews)
✅ Clients who want predictable milestones
Example:
A startup building an MVP in 2-week sprints with prioritized user stories.
When to Use Kanban?
✅ Maintenance work (e.g., bug fixes, support tickets)
✅ Teams with unpredictable workloads (e.g., DevOps, marketing)
✅ Process optimization (visual bottlenecks via WIP limits)
Example:
An IT team handling incoming service requests with a “To Do → In Progress → Done” board.
Hybrid Approach: Scrumban
Combine the best of both:
- Use Kanban’s flexibility with Scrum’s retrospectives.
- Ideal for teams transitioning from Scrum to Kanban.
Visual Comparison
Scrum Board:
Sprint Backlog → [Task 1][Task 2][Task 3] → Sprint Review
Kanban Board:
Backlog → Ready → Developing → Testing → Done
(WIP Limit: 3)
Which Should You Choose?
- Scrum if you need structure and predictability.
- Kanban if you prioritize flexibility and continuous delivery.
🔥 Pro Tip: Start with Scrum for new projects, then evolve to Kanban for ongoing work.
