Kanban Method
The Kanban Method is an agile project management and workflow visualization methodology that focuses on continuous delivery and limiting work in progress (WIP). It uses a visual board with columns representing workflow stages (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done) and cards for tasks, helping teams optimize flow and identify bottlenecks. Originating from lean manufacturing principles at Toyota, it emphasizes incremental improvements and flexibility without prescribed roles or time-boxed iterations.
Developers should learn and use the Kanban Method when working in environments that require steady, predictable delivery and adaptability to changing priorities, such as maintenance projects, support teams, or DevOps workflows. It is particularly valuable for visualizing complex workflows, reducing multitasking by enforcing WIP limits, and improving cycle times through data-driven metrics like lead time and throughput, making it ideal for continuous delivery pipelines and service-oriented teams.