Bikeshedding is spending disproportionate time debating minor details while more important issues remain unresolved. In collaborative discovery, lively discussion can create the illusion of progress while consuming scarce attention. section 7.4.2
A registration-process detour
During an EventStorming timeline walk, participants spent a long time debating registration even though the workshop had limited time and larger problems to address. The facilitator should reach the end of the timeline first, then let the group vote on whether the topic deserves deeper discussion. section 7.4.2
Use these safeguards during a discovery workshop:
- Limit individual timeline conversations to a few minutes. section 7.4.2
- Reach the end of the timeline before investigating one area deeply. section 7.4.2
- Return to a topic only when the group identifies it as important through voting. section 7.4.2
