Time Estimation Diagram

A Time Estimation Diagram is a powerful tool designed to help you visually estimate and manage the time required for various tasks within a project. By using this diagram, you can break down your project into manageable parts, assign appropriate time frames, and account for uncertainties. This approach not only improves your project planning but also enhances your ability to track progress and adjust schedules as needed.

The Concept of Time Estimation Diagrams

To effectively use a Time Estimation Diagram, adopt a systematic approach:

• Categorize Tasks by Type: Start by defining each task and categorizing it under appropriate types like Analysis, Design, or Programming. This categorization helps in organizing the tasks and understanding the project's structure.
• Set Realistic Time Frames: Assign time frames to each task based on realistic expectations. Consider the complexity and dependencies of each task. Use the visual representation of different shapes to differentiate tasks easily.
• Incorporate Uncertainties: Always account for uncertainties in your planning. By setting appropriate uncertainty levels, you can better prepare for potential delays or changes. Use the border styles to quickly assess which tasks might need more attention or flexibility.
• Use Nested Tasks for Detailed Planning: For larger tasks, break them down into sub-tasks to create a detailed plan. This not only makes the project easier to manage but also helps in identifying potential issues early on. Ensure that the sum of the sub-task estimates does not exceed the parent task estimate to avoid warnings.

Adding a New Time Estimation Diagram

Using the Plus Button

• Locate the tab bar at the top of the interface.
• Click on the plus (+) button to add a new diagram.

Using the Project Sidebar

• Navigate to the Project sidebar on the left.
• Click on the "New Diagram" button.
• Select "Time Estimation Diagram" from the 'Other' group.

Understanding Task Time Frames

The Time Estimation Diagram offers seven levels of task time frames:

• Brief: Less than 1 hour (Rectangle with inward triangles)
• Daily: Less than 1 day (8 hours) (Normal rectangle)
• Short Term: Less than 3 days (Triangle pointing right)
• Mid Term: Less than 1 week (5 days) (Hexagon)
• Extended: Less than 20 days (Parallelogram)
• Long Term: Less than 1 year (260 days) (Parallelogram with a line on the right)
• Milestone Task: More than 1 year (Rectangle with a pin at the bottom)

Time Frames

Other Task Characteristics

Default Task Types

The tasks can range from initial analysis to final deployment and testing. In Software Ideas Modeler, you can categorize tasks into default types such as Analysis, Design, Programming, Documentation, Deployment, Test, and Other. Each task type comes with a specific icon for easy identification:

• Analysis (Magnifier Icon)
• Design (Pencil with Ruler Icon)
• Programming (Laptop Icon)
• Documentation (Paper with Bent Corner Icon)
• Deployment (Box with Arrow Icon)
• Test (Test Tube Icon)
• Other

Task Statuses

A task can have one of these statuses:

• Draft
• Accepted (Thumb up icon)
• Rejected (Thumb down icon)
• Done (Check tick icon)

Task Statuses

Uncertainty Levels

Every project comes with uncertainties. To manage these, assign an uncertainty level to each task. Software Ideas Modeler allows you to set uncertainty levels from None (0%) to Complete (100%). The uncertainty is visually represented by the border style of the task shape:

• None: 0% uncertainty (Thick border)
• Low: 25% uncertainty (Normal border)
• Medium: 50% uncertainty (Dashed border)
• High: 75% uncertainty (Dashed with longer spaces)
• Complete: 100% uncertainty (Dotted border)

Estimation Uncertainty

This visual cue helps you quickly assess the confidence level in your time estimates and plan accordingly.

Creating and Managing Tasks

Toolbox

Drag and drop a task from the toolbox to your diagram. Available tasks include:

• Brief Task
• Daily Task
• Short Term Task
• Mid Term Task
• Extended Task
• Long Term Task
• Milestone Task

Context Bar

• Select a parent task.
• Use the context bar buttons to add sub-tasks, e.g., Add Brief Sub-Task.

Editing Task Properties

Context Menu

• Right-click on a task in the diagram.
• Set properties such as Time Frame, Task Status, Task Kind, and Task Uncertainty.

Properties Dialog

Right-click on a task and choose Properties or use the Properties sidebar to edit details such as:

• Time Frame
• Task Uncertainty
• Task Type
• Task Status
• Time Consumed (measured in hours)
• Task Completion (percentage)
• Description

Adding and Managing Sub-Diagrams

Add Sub-Diagram

• Select a task.
• Click on the Add Sub Diagram button in the context bar to create a detailed sub-diagram with time estimation for that specific task.

Nesting Tasks

Complex tasks often need to be broken down into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks. In your Time Estimation Diagram, you can create nested tasks by either dragging a task from the toolbox and dropping it onto a parent task or using the context bar to add sub-tasks. This nesting allows for a hierarchical view of your project tasks.

If the total estimation of all sub-tasks exceeds the parent task's estimation, a warning will appear (an exclamation mark), and the element will be styled in red by default. This feature ensures that your overall time estimates remain accurate and realistic.

Task with a Warning for Exceeded Parent Estimation

Best Practices

• Regularly Update Task Status: Keep the task statuses updated to reflect the current state of your project.
• Manage Uncertainty Effectively: Adjust uncertainty levels based on new information to keep estimates realistic.
• Break Down Large Tasks: Use sub-diagrams to break down complex tasks into manageable sub-tasks.
• Monitor Warnings: Address any warnings promptly to ensure your time estimates remain accurate.