A visual project management method that uses cards or boards to represent work items and their progress through different stages. It emphasizes continuous flow and limiting work in progress to improve efficiency.
Borrowed directly from Japanese 'kanban' (看板) meaning 'visual board' or 'card/sign.' Originally developed by Toyota in the 1940s for manufacturing, it combines 'kan' (visual) and 'ban' (card/board). Adopted by software teams in the 2000s.
Kanban boards were actually inspired by American supermarket shelving systems that Toyota executives observed in the 1950s! The 'pull system' concept came from seeing how stores restocked items only when customers bought them, not based on forecasts.
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