time-estimation

# Time Estimation Estimate task duration for better planning. ## Estimation Categories | Category | Duration | Symbol | Use For | |----------|----------|--------|---------| | Quick | < 15 min | `~15m` | Simple replies, quick fixes, small updates | | Short | 15-30 min | `~30m` | Code reviews, short meetings, simple features | | Medium | 30-60 min | `~1h` | Regular features, documentation, debugging | | Long | 1-2 hours | `~2h` | Complex features, research, planning | | Deep Work | 2-4 hours | `~4h` | Architecture, major features, learning | ## Estimation by Task Type ### Code Tasks | Type | Typical Estimate | |------|-----------------| | Typo/small fix | `~15m` | | Bug fix (known cause) | `~30m` | | Bug fix (unknown cause) | `~1h` to `~2h` | | Small feature | `~1h` | | Medium feature | `~2h` | | Large feature | `~4h` or break down | | Refactoring | `~2h` to `~4h` | ### Review Tasks | Type | Typical Estimate | |------|-----------------| | Small PR (< 100 lines) | `~15m` | | Medium PR (100-500 lines) | `~30m` | | Large PR (500+ lines) | `~1h` | | Document review | `~30m` | | Architecture review | `~1h` | ### Communication Tasks | Type | Typical Estimate | |------|-----------------| | Quick message | `~15m` | | Email response | `~15m` | | Meeting prep | `~30m` | | Meeting (scheduled) | actual duration | | Presentation prep | `~2h` | ### Research Tasks | Type | Typical Estimate | |------|-----------------| | Quick lookup | `~15m` | | Tool evaluation | `~1h` | | Technology research | `~2h` | | Deep learning session | `~4h` | ## Estimation Rules ### The 2x Rule If uncertain, estimate 2x your initial guess: - "This seems like 30 min" → Estimate `~1h` - "Maybe an hour" → Estimate `~2h` ### Break Down Large Tasks If estimate > 4 hours: 1. Break into subtasks 2. Estimate each subtask 3. Add 20% buffer for coordination ### Context Switching Tax Add time for: - Unfamiliar codebase: +50% - Interruption-heavy environment: +30% - Learning new tool: +100% ## Daily Capacity **Realistic productive hours:** 4-6 hours/day | Day Type | Available | |----------|-----------| | Meeting-heavy day | 2-3 hours | | Normal day | 4-5 hours | | Focus day | 6-7 hours | ### Planning Rule - Morning focus: Schedule `~2h` deep work - Afternoon: Schedule `~1h` tasks - Buffer: Keep 1 hour unscheduled ## Estimation Confidence When presenting estimates: - **High confidence:** "~1h" (done similar tasks) - **Medium confidence:** "~1h-2h" (some unknowns) - **Low confidence:** "needs spike" (too many unknowns) For low confidence, create a timeboxed research task first: `- [ ] Spike: Investigate X ~1h` → Then estimate the real task