Where do I start with BigPicture: A Comprehensive Guide to Adding Boxes

BigPicture is a powerful tool that brings a wealth of incredibly useful features to Jira. It enhances project management capabilities, making complex tasks more structured and efficient. We cannot imagine managing projects without it anymore!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Jira user, there’s always something new to discover. Our website and YouTube channel are packed with resources to help you maximize the potential of BigPicture. With over 230 satisfied clients, we continuously strive to provide top-notch guidance and support.

However, one common question we kept receiving is:

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

If you are wondering how to begin using BigPicture and where to find your Jira issues within the tool, you’re in the right place. Before diving into all its advanced features, understanding how to start is crucial. Without proper setup, you won’t be able to manage projects effectively within BigPicture.

In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of setting up and using BigPicture.

Step 1: Entering BigPicture

Before you do anything else, you need to enter BigPicture. Once on your home screen, you’ll notice a small triangle icon. Clicking on this will reveal the available options for starting your journey with BigPicture.

Step 2: Choosing How to Start

Option 1: Play with Sample Data

If you’re new to BigPicture and want to explore its features without affecting your live Jira environment, the Play with Sample Data option is ideal. This feature allows you to experiment with different functionalities in a risk-free environment.

You can test BigPicture using various pre-populated data sets, including:

• Agile Project – Perfect for Agile methodologies
• Classic Project – Suitable for traditional project management
• Hybrid Project – A blend of Agile and classic approaches
• Portfolio – Organizing multiple projects in one place
• SAFe ART – For scaled Agile frameworks
• Resource Management – Managing team availability and workloads

This feature is extremely helpful in getting comfortable with the tool before applying it to real projects.

Option 2: Import Existing Jira Projects

If you already have projects in Jira, you can import them into BigPicture instead of starting from scratch.

To do this:

1. Select the Import Jira Projects option.
2. Choose the Jira project(s) you want to add to BigPicture.
3. Select a corresponding Box Type (we’ll cover Box Types later).
4. If importing multiple projects, decide whether to keep them in a single box or separate them into different ones.

This method allows you to quickly integrate existing Jira data into BigPicture for better visibility and project structuring.

Option 3: Create a New Box

The third option is creating a brand-new box. Unlike the import option, this lets you set up an empty box without Jira issues.

To create a new box:

1. 1. Click on Create New (Agile Project, Classic Project, Portfolio, etc.).
   2. Select the box type that fits your project’s needs.

1. 1. Enter a name and dates for your box.

1. Decide whether to link a Jira project immediately or keep it empty for now.

Step 3: Understanding Box Types in BigPicture

BigPicture organizes projects into Boxes, which serve as containers for project data. Choosing the right Box type is essential for structuring your projects efficiently. As per Appfire there are multiple box types to choose from meaning:

Available Box Types

• Agile Project – For Agile workflows, including Scrum and Kanban
• Classic Project – Suitable for traditional Waterfall-style project management
• Hybrid Project – A mix of Agile and Classic methodologies
• Hybrid Stage – Breaks a hybrid project into structured stages
• Iteration – Organizes work into iterations (useful for Agile teams)
• LeSS Requirement Area – For teams working within Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS)
• Portfolio – A high-level container for Agile, classic, and hybrid projects
• Program – Divides work into smaller increments
• Program Increment – Groups iterations into larger increments (ideal for SAFe® frameworks)
• SAFe ART – Represents an Agile Release Train (SAFe® methodology)
• Sprint – Organizes tasks into sprints
• Stage – Breaks down classic project scopes into structured stages

Selecting the right Box type ensures smooth project tracking and alignment with your workflow methodology.

Step 4: Alternative Ways to Create a Box

BigPicture provides an additional way to create Boxes using the “+” button located in different parts of the interface.

1. Top Navigation “+” Button – Click this button to create a new Box from anywhere in the app.
2. Inline “+” Button – Located between existing Boxes, this allows you to create either a same-level or sub-level Box.
   

The inline button also provides a clear visualization of the hierarchical structure, helping you maintain an organized project framework.

Final Thoughts

BigPicture is an intuitive and powerful extension for Jira, but getting started can seem overwhelming. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to setting up your projects correctly and efficiently.

Remember, whether you choose to play with sample data, import existing Jira projects, or create a brand-new Box, the key to success is understanding the available features and structuring your workspace in a way that aligns with your needs.

Let’s get started and make your project management experience smoother with BigPicture!