What does it mean when an event is described as time-boxed in Scrum?

In Scrum, when an event is described as time-boxed, it means that the event is constrained to a specific duration and cannot exceed this defined time limit. This principle ensures that meetings or events are efficient and focused, fostering discipline within the team and allowing for regular updates and inspections without dragging on unnecessarily.

Time-boxing encourages participants to engage effectively and leads to quicker decision-making since the team is aware of the time constraints. For example, during Scrum events like Sprint Planning or Daily Scrum, the allotted time helps maintain momentum and ensures that the team can frequently align and adapt functionally without the risk of excessive meetings that could hinder productivity.

This practice is vital in Scrum as it helps teams manage their time effectively, ensuring that valuable time is allocated towards delivering value rather than getting caught up in lengthy discussions.