Don Reinertsen's classic. Players flip coins on a numbered board, transferring cards between stages. Run with batch sizes of 20, then 5, then 1. The throughput, latency and rework data they generate is more persuasive than any slide deck.
How to run it
- 1
Set up the board across 6 stages.
- 2
Round 1: batch size 20. Run 5 minutes. Record throughput, average latency.
- 3
Round 2: batch size 5. Run 5 minutes. Record again.
- 4
Round 3: batch size 1. Run 5 minutes.
- 5
Compare. Discuss why smaller batches usually win.
Where this fits
Pair this with the right venue setting and a matching retreat format. If you want a fully facilitated version, our team can run it for you.