Abstract
Rhythmic experimentation defines Scrum. A good Sprint experiment seeks to improve important metrics, such as increasing velocity or decreasing bug count. Some managers claim consistent velocity is important. Percent velocity deviation, σ(V)/E(V), is a reasonable metric to compare teams’ consistency. However, software companies usually look for innovation and profitability. Staid, old companies recreating boring stuff can get very consistent velocity. When innovating teams are asked for consistent velocity, some may game the metrics by padding, or stop innovating. Therefore, use consistency only as part of a collection of metrics that describe a team’s behavior, but not a target.