The Dependency Discovery Deck is a modern card game for agile teams that leverages gamification to make dependencies visible, prioritize them, and enhance collaboration. Developed based on interviews with experienced Agile Coaches, it helps teams identify and resolve blockages early — whether in backlog refinement, workshops, or retrospectives.
Using the deck promotes psychological safety and team dynamics. The visual support and clear structure facilitate discussion, while democratic communication approaches ensure that every voice is heard. The optimized workflow disrupts waterfall structures by fostering transparency — a crucial advantage, especially in agile environments with multiple teams.
The Dependency Discovery Deck is available to the community in various formats: for free on GitHub, as an interactive Miro Board on Miroverse, or as a physical card set on Etsy. Our goal is to rethink agile collaboration worldwide using modern tools and playful approaches.
Challenges in Modern Software Development
The Evolution of Team Collaboration
Imagine working in an agile team where communication and collaboration function seamlessly. In 2019, War Rooms — team spaces equipped with whiteboards, Kanban boards, and other Information Radiators — were the epicenter of agile success. Spontaneous discussions, quick decision-making, and direct communication enabled teams to resolve dependencies without long meetings or delays.
Even back then, not everything was perfect. However, issues were often addressed more quickly, as we detailed in our article on Backlog Refinement. But times have dramatically changed with the rise of remote work.
Challenges in Remote Work Setups
With the shift to remote work in 2020, agile teams — like all others — faced new challenges. Spontaneous interactions and direct communication were replaced by digital tools. Developers focused more on core tasks, while Product Owners took on increasing responsibility for risk and dependency management. Meetings increased, and knowledge silos hindered collaboration. Agile work began resembling German Engineering — rigid processes and responsibilities took precedence, often leading to poorer outcomes and bottlenecks.
How can teams remain effective in such an environment while managing dependencies? The answer: playful approaches that reduce complexity and promote communication. The Dependency Discovery Deck, an interactive tool designed specifically for developers and agile teams, makes dependencies visible and enables teams to develop joint solutions.
The Challenge of Dependencies in Agile Teams
Ken Rubin, author of Essential Scrum, once said: “Dependencies are killing your agile flow at scale.”
Since 2020, the impact of dependencies in remote work has significantly worsened. Delays, increased costs, and frustrated teams are common consequences when dependencies are not actively managed.
At the same time, large organizations are increasingly adopting agility to respond more quickly and flexibly to market changes. However, team dependencies become a major challenge, unnecessarily prolonging processes.
To illustrate this, let’s look at a fictional scenario featuring a team called The Innovators.
A Realistic Agile Scenario: The Innovators and Their Dependency Challenge
The Problem: Hidden Dependencies
The Innovators team is working on a critical feature for an app that must be completed in the next sprint. The goal is ambitious: seamless integration into an existing system. During refinement, the feature is discussed, but the “Dependencies” column in the backlog remains empty — a common pattern. Everything appears clear, and the sprint begins.
By the second week, a major issue emerges: the team depends on an API endpoint from another team, which has not yet been developed. Communication between teams is slow — emails go unanswered, and sync meetings are misaligned. Additionally, approval from the legal department is required before the feature can be released. The sprint goal is in jeopardy, and frustration within the team grows.
Why Do These Problems Occur?
The Shift to Remote Work: More Focus, Less Collaboration
The transition from physical War Rooms to digital spaces has fundamentally changed work routines. Developers in agile teams focus more on their core skills — coding. At first glance, this seems beneficial. However, the loss of spontaneous conversations and direct problem-solving means critical dependencies remain undiscovered.
Knowledge Silos and Fragmented Goals
Another issue is the increasing parallelization of tasks and objectives. Teams work on different priorities without clarifying their dependencies. Even within a single team, knowledge silos form due to reduced spontaneous exchange. The result: Work becomes more individualized, while collaborative backlog management, development, and sprint planning take a backseat.
The Dependency Discovery Deck — A Structured Solution
How the Innovators Overcame Their Challenges
In their next Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Master shares a new tool discovered at a conference: The Dependency Discovery Deck. The Innovators decide to try it out to prevent similar problems in future sprints.
During the next refinement, the feature is discussed again — this time with the deck. Two team members examine the cards and identify key dependencies:
- External Systems: The API endpoint from the neighboring team is marked as a critical dependency.
- Stakeholder Input: Approval from the legal department is flagged as a potential blocker.
- UI/UX Concept: A final mock-up is missing from the design team.
Thanks to the Dependency Discovery Deck, the team identifies dependencies early and systematically resolves them. The next sprint runs smoothly, and the feature is delivered on time. The Innovators are convinced and integrate the deck into their regular processes.
How to Use the Dependency Discovery Deck in Agile Processes
Backlog Refinement
- Preparation: Form pairs and ensure each group has a full deck.
- Timeboxing: Within three minutes, pairs review the cards and discard irrelevant ones.
- Presentation: Pairs present and justify their selections to the team.
- Clustering: Dependencies are grouped and categorized.
- Assessment & Action: Discuss clusters, evaluate risks, and define solutions.
- Optional: Advanced teams can adapt the process to their needs.
PI Planning
Scaled frameworks like SAFe require teams to identify dependencies across multiple teams within a short time frame. However, these frameworks rarely provide concrete methods for doing so effectively.
The Dependency Discovery Deck offers a structured approach for PI Planning, helping teams:
- Identify cross-team dependencies early.
- Cluster and visualize dependencies on Program Boards.
- Adjust the Release Train Plan based on dependencies.
Retrospectives
Retrospectives provide an opportunity to analyze structural dependencies and eliminate impediments. The Dependency Discovery Deck helps teams:
- Identify recurring dependencies.
- Conduct Root Cause Analyses.
- Develop long-term improvement strategies.
Gamification Benefits
- Transparency: All dependencies are made visible.
- Psychological Safety: Everyone has a structured way to share insights.
- Motivation: Playful elements enhance learning and engagement.
- Democratization: Balanced discussions where all voices are heard.
Sharing is Caring: Our Contribution to the Agile Community
The Dependency Discovery Deck is our way of giving back to the agile community. We offer it in multiple formats:
Dependency Discovery Deck in GitHub Dependency Discovery Deick in the Miroverse: Digital version for remote teams. Dependency Discovery Deck as Physical card set.
We are currently working on an introductory workshop and a Solution Strategy Deck for common dependencies. Stay tuned!
Have you faced similar challenges? We’d love to hear about your experiences!
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