In recent years, Scrum and Agile project management have become super important in software development. And the product backlog is an essential part of this. But what exactly is the product backlog and why is it so crucial? In this article, we will explain what the product backlog is, how to work with it effectively, and why it’s so important for the success of your Scrum projects.
What is a product backlog?
What exactly is a product backlog? Simply put, the product backlog is an ordered list of everything needed in the product. It’s essentially the to-do list for your project. You’ll find new features, improvements, bug fixes, and technical tasks in it. Important to note: the product backlog is not a static document. It changes constantly as your team learns more about the product, users, and market.
Getting started with the product backlog: here’s how
Starting with a product backlog is often the trickiest part. The first version of the product backlog is often called the initial product backlog. To compile this, it’s important to use multiple information sources.
The product vision
The Product Owner has a certain vision for the product and can translate this vision into many items for the product backlog.
The product roadmap
A roadmap typically only exists if there’s already a previous version of the product being developed. For example, when developing the Galaxy S20, Samsung probably already had a roadmap of earlier smartphones in that line. The roadmap always provides useful input for the product backlog of the new project.
The MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
An MVP is the minimal product that meets the customer’s needs. When this target is reached, you can receive feedback from the Stakeholders.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders are the end users of the product you’re going to develop. They know exactly what they want and what they expect from the product. That’s why their input is incredibly important!
Developers
The developers can often best estimate how long certain tasks will take. They can also provide many (technical) additions to the Product Backlog from their expertise, which others might not think of so quickly.
Creating a good Product Backlog
You can create a good Product Backlog by paying attention to four criteria. These are often abbreviated as ‘DEEP’: Detailed, Emergent, Estimated, and Prioritized.
Detailed
Ensure there are enough Backlog Items to fill two sprints. And make sure the most important items have enough detail to be ready for the sprint. To be ‘sprint-ready’:
– it must be clear to the developers what needs to be done
– the items must be small enough
– the acceptance criteria must be clear
– you must have a clear ‘definition of done’
Emergent
The Product Backlog is never finished. As the project progresses, you’ll discover more and more things that need to be in the backlog.
Estimated
The User Stories are estimated based on the effort to complete them. This allows the team to plan better and set priorities.
Prioritized
The items on the Product Backlog are ordered based on their value, urgency, and impact on the end product. This ensures efficiency and value maximization.
Prioritizing backlog items
How do you determine what’s most important? There are different criteria to look at:
1. Value for the customer: what delivers the most for the end user?
2. Urgency: does something need to happen now or can it wait?
3. Technical feasibility: is it even possible to realize?
There are various methods to help with prioritization. The MoSCoW method, for example, where you categorize items into Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, and Won’t-haves. Or the Kano Model, which looks at the impact of features on customer satisfaction.
Remember that priorities can change. Feedback from users or new insights may cause you to adjust the order. Be flexible in this.
Maintaining and updating the product backlog
A product backlog is never finished. It requires constant attention and refinement. This process is also called ‘backlog grooming’ or ‘backlog refinement’. During these sessions, you critically look at the items in your backlog. Are they still relevant? Do new items need to be added? Are the priorities still logical?
There are various tools available for managing your backlog. Popular options are JIRA, Azure, Trello, and Asana. Choose a tool that fits your team’s way of working.
Frequently asked questions about the product backlog
How detailed should backlog items be?
Items at the top of the backlog should be detailed enough to be picked up in the next sprint. Items lower on the list can be more general.
How big can a product backlog get?
There’s no hard limit, but keep it manageable. If your backlog gets too big, it becomes difficult to maintain an overview.
Who can add items to the backlog?
Anyone can make suggestions, but the product owner ultimately decides what goes on the backlog.
How often should you update the backlog?
Ideally, you continuously update the backlog. In any case, plan regular backlog grooming sessions.
In summary
A well-managed product backlog gives direction to your team and ensures you focus on what’s really important. Remember: your product backlog is a living document. It evolves along with your project and the needs of your users.
Key takeaways:
- A product backlog is an ordered list of everything needed in the product.
- The product owner is responsible for management but works together with the team.
- Prioritize based on value, urgency, and feasibility.
- Use user stories to describe backlog items.
- Keep your backlog up-to-date with regular grooming sessions.
Take a critical look at your own backlog management. Are there possible improvements? Experiment with different methods and tools to discover what works best for your team. With a well-managed product backlog, you lay a solid foundation for your Scrum projects.