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Project Manager • 2023
3D, Racing, Unity Mod, 16-Week Project
As project manager for a nine-person team, I led the development of a 3D game using Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban. I facilitated sprints, optimized workflows, resolved conflicts, and tracked progress with Trello. By incorporating playtesting feedback and adjusting priorities, I ensured deadlines were met. I balanced scope, schedule, and risks while maintaining team wellness and fostering cross-discipline collaboration for successful project delivery.
Production
Production
Workflow Optimization
Problem
​Designers were completing work faster than the Leads could review, causing bottlenecks and workflow pileups, especially with the Build Master. This overwhelmed the team and prevented tasks from being finished within the sprint.​​​
Solution
Implemented WIP limits on the Kanban board to streamline workflows and reduce bottlenecks. When the initial limits were too low for the team size, I adjusted them using the WIP limit calculation to match capacity better, improving task flow, efficiency, and team wellness.
Workflow Optimization
Problem
​Designers were completing work faster than the Leads could review, causing bottlenecks and workflow pileups, especially with the Build Master. This overwhelmed the team and prevented tasks from being finished within the sprint.​​​
Solution
Implemented WIP limits on the Kanban board to streamline workflows and reduce bottlenecks. When the initial limits were too low for the team size, I adjusted them using the WIP limit calculation to match capacity better, improving task flow, efficiency, and team wellness.
Timeline Management and Project Prioritization
Problem
I struggled with whether to continue adding features or move into the polishing phase, knowing we were close to the deadline. The challenge was prioritizing when I couldn’t fully review the functionality of the build, leaving uncertainty about readiness to shift focus.
Solution
I consulted the team for input and gathered estimates from those still working. After discussing potential cuts, I reorganized priorities, adjusted timelines, and extended the polishing phase by a week. A playtest session helped identify critical issues, guiding further reprioritization.
Conflict Resolution and Team Wellness
Problem
Early in the project, tension between team members escalated into disagreements over role assignments and design choices. This led to team unhappiness and impacted overall wellness, creating a challenging start.
Solution
I addressed the conflict privately, offered solutions to keep the team member involved, and facilitated discussions with the team and instructor. It was decided they would work independently, and I led a team restructure, taking on additional design responsibilities to fill the gap.
Resource Management and Asset Sourcing
Problem
The project had no artists, which meant we had no custom assets unless we found external resources. With no artists enrolled in the class, I needed a solution to source the necessary art.
Solution
I created an art asset list, collaborated with the 3D art instructor, and was connected with volunteer students. I worked with them remotely using a waterfall approach, leading to asset delivery and great final assets.
Key Skills Gained
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Strengthened early communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to support team relationships and wellness.
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Gained experience leading meetings and addressing interpersonal and development challenges.
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Led meetings and developed skills in making schedule and scope decisions based on playtest feedback.
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Enhanced understanding of Scrum ceremonies and collaboration with programmers, designers, artists, and clients.
