Kanban Board Template

Step 1

1. Consider the function(s) and goal(s) 

Kanban boards are used as a task management system across industries. Start by clearly defining the purpose of your Kanban board and how you want to utilize it for your work, project, or general tasks. This will help you maximize the efficiency you get from your board. 

Research other Kanban board examples from similar industries or project types, list your goals and decide how the board will function for your specific project. Once you've done a bit of research and considered these components, you can create a Kanban board that best suits you and your team.

Step 2

2. Edit and add columns

Set up your board with columns that represent different stages of your workflow. These stages can be customized based on your specific project needs. A popular set of columns are "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done."

 
You can add as many columns as you think are necessary, but try to keep them to a minimum to avoid clutter and confusion. Columns should be big phases of your workflow, not minor tasks movements. Make sure they reflect the progression of tasks from start to completion. 

Step 3

3. Create and assign tasks 

With your columns ready, start adding tasks to your Kanban board by creating task cards. Each task card should include all pertinent information, such as assignee, task details, deadlines, and more. Tasks can vary in complexity, ranging from simple actions to multi-step processes.

 
For complex tasks, incorporate checklists within the task card to outline all the steps needed for completion. Assign timelines and deadlines to the task cards to ensure the workflow stays on track. Every task will be organized within the columns vertically. 

Step 4

4. Collaborate 

Kanban boards are commonly used by teams to manage tasks collaboratively and create a transparent workflow. After assigning team members to specific tasks, encourage communication through the board.

 
Check in and collaborate on any bottlenecks or areas of improvement as your team works through tasks through the Kanban board. Collaboration and communication ensures everyone is on the same page and can contribute effectively.

Step 5

5. Move tasks down the line 

As tasks are completed, move them to the next column in the workflow, eventually reaching the "Completed" column.

If you include intermediate columns like "Review", tasks may move backward toward the "In Progress" column until it passes review to "Completion". This movement reflects progress and helps manage the workload visually. The transparency of seeing tasks move along the board can motivate team morale by providing a visual representation of the culmination of their efforts.

Conclusion

Kanban Board Complete

Kanban boards have proven to be impactful tools across many industries, effective for both team and individual use. They uniquely combine an overview of a project's main objectives with transparency in the finer details, making them a standout task management system to use for any type of project.