Hacking getKanban v2.0: Advanced Game Mechanics to Illuminate Lean & Create Real Change

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Even more than other methodologies (“frameworks”, whatever), Kanban requires deep understanding in order to bring about real change and measurable results. Too many teams struggle, even after they understand the “rules” of Kanban—failing to recognize visible problems on their own boards, or not knowing how to replace old bad habits with better ones.

I see the same struggle, in microcosm, when I train teams using the **open-source getKanban Version 2.0**. Even though the game urges teams to limit work in progress (WIP)—the linchpin of Lean and Kanban—I found that my players inevitably wanted to raise it. Over numerous classes and diverse groups of players, I tried hints, then rants, about how limiting WIP reduces cycle time. But there was a problem: play teams who took my advice and lowered their WIP weren’t seeing better outcomes.

In this session, I’ll show you the adjustments I’ve made to getKanban Version 2.0 to guide players to their “a-ha” moment—a deep, personal experience they feel and remember. Now, instead of just the basics of how a Kanban board works, my students understand how to detect and solve problems that impede their flow. I see the difference when they leave the game and go back to work. For players and coaches who are already familiar with the basics of Kanban, my new open-source hacks to Version 2.0 will help you go deeper and illuminate Lean principles for your clients and teams—and yourselves!—so you can achieve real results faster.