How to Create a Jira Agile Board [Tutorial]
If you’re new to Jira software, use this Jira agile board tutorial to get step-by-step process instructions. If you’re creating an account for the first time, it’s wise to also learn how to set up a new Scrum project and create a sprint backlog.
That’s because this Jira Scrum board tutorial is for people who have a running Scrum project. When you start a project, the software provides a board. However, this Jira tutorial covers how to create an agile board from scratch and what to do with the various board settings.
Keep in mind that your Scrum Master and team members need admin privileges to utilize all the software features.
This tutorial includes step-by-step instructions on creating a new Jira agile board and mentions some Jira automation plugins.
Let’s get started.
Step One – Login to Your Jira Account
If you already have an account, log in to your Jira account and make sure you use a team member account that has administrative privileges.
If you already have a Scrum project ready, move to step two. If you don’t, choose a Scrum project type and template and then continue.
Keep in mind that when you create a new project, you have to start by adding a parent issue and other incomplete issues. Jira issue tracking then adds them to the sprint and product backlog.
Step Two – Create Your Board
To create a new board, follow these steps:
- Click the Search bar on the top. At the bottom of the drop-down, click on the Boards button.
Credit: Atlassian
2. On this window, the software shows you all of your existing Scrum boards. Click on the Create Board button in the top-right corner to create a new board.
3. A small window pops up where you choose a board type; Scrum or Kanban.
- Scrum Board – The Scrum board helps plan and deliver chunks of work in sprints. You create story points, tasks, and bug issues. You add the issues created in the sprint backlog and add them to the active sprints tab. Then, add them to an upcoming sprint. This is best for teams that deliver work on a regular schedule.
- Kanban Board – Kanban boards allow the visualization of workflows to minimize work-in-progress to get incremental improvements to processes and projects. This is best for managing user stories and more in a continuous flow. Therefore, it works for teams that control work volume from backlogs.
Credit: AtlassianClick on the Create a Scrum Board button.
4. After selecting your board type, another window pops up where you choose where you want your new board to be set up. Here, you either choose to create a board within a new software project. Or, you create a new board for an existing project. It’s possible to have more than one whole project on one board.
Credit: Atlassian
5. Then, add the board’s details. Choose a name for the board, choose the project you want to associate it with, and choose a location (user). Then, click the Create Board button.
Credit: Atlassian
If your entire team agrees, choose the Kanban board if you prefer working in continuous flows. Choose the Scrum board if your team prefers working in sprints.
For new users, there are also team-managed project templates.
Step Three – Start Setting Your Board Up
Configuring your board’s settings allows you to customize it according to your software development process. There are things like columns and quick filters that allow you to set your board up for better productivity.
It’s a great way to measure your team’s process and progress. Quick filters allow teams to see what issues need quick resolution. For example, it’s possible to set up quick filters to only show issues with certain releases during your next sprint.
In any case, once you choose to create a new board, follow these steps:
- Go to your new agile/Scrum/Kanban board by clicking the Search bar. Then, click on the View all boards button. Then, select your new board. It’s possible that your new board shows up on the drop-down menu.
Credit: Atlassian
2. On the top-right, click on the (…) button and then click on Board settings.
Credit: Atlassian
3. Here, set up your quick filters and columns and add detailed information regarding your board and project for better management. It’s also possible to use insights to improve your project management.
Credit: Atlassian
If you’re using team-managed boards, column options, WIP limits, and other basic settings are available on the board itself.
Step Four – Navigate Between Multiple Boards
Once you have multiple boards up and ready, it’s easy to navigate from one board to another.
To check out other boards, click on the drop-down menu on the left-hand panel. Use the search bar to look for a specific board or choose one from the list. Click on the View All button to check out all of your boards in a new window.
Jira Automation for Agile Boards
Once your boards are ready, add a new sprint to check how it works. Make sure it’s a two-week sprint, and add the sprint goal, and the actual and estimated amount in the sprint duration (with the start date and end date).
Then, generate reports and check the sprint report and your board to see how it all works. It’s also a good idea to use the cumulative flow diagram, along with the version report to check all the in-progress sprints.
Other important things include a control chart and a burndown chart. The burndown chart shows the progress of your sprint. It helps during Scrum ceremonies.
Other than that, it’s also a good idea to add some Jira automation to avoid doing redundant tasks. There’s an entire library of automation templates, but here are a few important ones:
- Send daily updates on existing issues in the backlog
- Once you complete all the sub-tasks, the Jira tool closes the parent issue without any input
- If you merge a pull request, the issue shifts to ‘done’
Other than the automation options above, it’s possible to add multiple template automation from Jira’s library.
Use the Jira agile board tutorial above and other tutorials on the site to learn about Jira and all its options to develop your next product.
