HKSM
Colocation
Working together in one shared location enables stronger coordination, faster problem solving, richer knowledge sharing, and continuous learning among the Scrum Core Team.
Key Points
- Team members share a single workspace for real-time, face-to-face communication.
- Encourages osmotic communication and rapid swarming to resolve issues quickly.
- Supports shared understanding through whiteboards, information radiators, and ad hoc huddles.
- If physical proximity is not possible, teams may use virtual colocation practices to approximate the benefits.
Example
In a Scrum project, the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers sit in the same team room. When a critical test fails, a developer and tester immediately pair at a whiteboard, loop in the PO, and fix the issue within an hour, avoiding delays that would occur with a distributed team.
PMP Example Question
Which practice most directly enables stronger coordination, faster problem solving, richer knowledge sharing, and continuous learning on a Scrum team?
- Scheduling longer Sprint Planning meetings
- Implementing a detailed RACI matrix
- Colocating the Scrum Core Team in a shared workspace
- Increasing the amount of project documentation
Correct Answer: C - Colocation of the Scrum Core Team
Explanation: Being in the same physical space accelerates communication and collaboration, leading to stronger coordination, quicker issue resolution, and better knowledge sharing.
