Concepts
Product Backlog refinement, also known as backlog grooming, is a critical process in Agile project management and Scrum methodologies. The Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) especially needs to pay careful attention to this procedure to enhance the product’s quality significantly. It ensures that the items on the backlog are relevant, detailed, and prioritized. There are several techniques for refining the product backlog, but this article will explore two primary approaches: User Story Mapping and Definition of Ready (DoR).
Approach 1: User Story Mapping
User Story Mapping involves arranging user stories (the smallest units of work, from the user’s perspective) into a manageable, visually intuitive layout. This technique can help a product owner create a narrative that aligns with the customer’s journey, enabling a more customer-centric approach to backlog refinement.
For instance, an e-commerce platform’s user story map might begin with user stories like “As a user, I want to search for a product so that I can find what I’m looking for easily.” These user stories are then broken down into tasks or sub-tasks (such as “implement search bar”, “optimize search algorithm”, etc.), providing a clear, customer-oriented overview of the product backlog.
Approach 2: Definition of Ready (DoR)
While the User Story Mapping approach is largely customer-oriented, the Definition of Ready (DoR) focuses more on the agile team’s perspective. A clear, shared understanding of what constitutes a “ready” backlog item can dramatically improve the team’s efficiency and the quality of the final product.
Typical DoR criteria might include clarity of description, size (e.g., in story points), acceptance criteria, and dependencies. For example, a backlog item may only be considered “ready” if it’s been broken down into tasks that each require less than one day’s work. This approach makes the scrum team’s job much more manageable and keeps everyone on the same page.
Comparing both Approaches
To understand better how these two approaches work, let’s compare them side by side:
| User Story Mapping | Definition of Ready (DoR) |
|---|---|
| Customer-focused, ensures the product is built from the user’s perspective | Team-focused, ensures the team understands what constitutes a “ready” backlog item |
| Brings narratives and larger context into the backlog refinement process | Highly practical and detailed, helps in estimating and distributing tasks |
| Requires deep involvement from the product owner | Can be facilitated by the Scrum Master or the whole Scrum team |
Both these techniques offer different but essential perspectives on backlog refinement – one is user-focused and gives a holistic view of the project, while the other is more pragmatic and task-oriented.
Therefore, as an A-CSPO, you should aim to use both techniques in concert. It may be beneficial to start by mapping out user stories to understand your users’ needs and then make use of DoR to ensure the backlog items are actionable and understood by the team.
The balance between these two approaches can lead to significant improvements in the product backlog refinement process, leading to more successful sprints and, ultimately, a better product. Remember, the backlog is a living document that requires continuous refinement. Adopting these two different yet complementary approaches will ensure all aspects of the product backlog are fully covered.
By using User Story Mapping and Definition of Ready, you’ll not only add value to your product but also instill trust within your team. A well-structured and understood backlog means less confusion, less wasted time, and a smoother Agile journey. As an A-CSPO, these two techniques are essential tools in your Agile toolkit, helping you turn product visions into tangible outcomes.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Regular Product Backlog refinement involves breaking down and detailing the items to a level that can easily be understood by the team.
– True
– False
Answer: True
Explanation: Regular Product backlog refinement helps ensure the items at hand are broken down, detailed, and easier to understand for the team.
Which of the following is not a way to improve Product Backlog refinement?
– a) Adding more details to user stories
– b) Actively involving the team in refinement sessions
– c) Ignoring feedback from the team
– d) Using feedback from retrospectives
Answer: c) Ignoring feedback from the team
Explanation: In a productive Scrum environment, ignoring team feedback would not be conducive for improvement. Feedback is valuable for the evolution of a better product backlog.
Multiple select: What are some ways to improve Product Backlog refinement?
– a) Update acceptance criteria
– b) Include time estimations
– c) Include cost estimations
– d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: All these methods help to create a more refined, detailed, and manageable product backlog.
True or False: You should avoid ordering the product backlog according to business value during the refinement.
– True
– False
Answer: False
Explanation: Product backlog should be ordered according to business value as it helps in prioritising the tasks.
Product backlog refinement should take how much percent of the sprint?
– a) 5-10%
– b) 50-60%
– c) 30-40%
– d) 70-80%
Answer: a) 5-10%
Explanation: Scrum Guide suggests that refining Product Backlog shouldn’t consume more than 10% of the capacity of the Development Team.
Who is responsible for ordering the product backlog items?
– a) Scrum Master
– b) Product Owner
– c) Development Team
– d) All of the above
Answer: b) Product Owner
Explanation: The product owner is responsible for managing and ordering items in the product backlog.
True or False: Adding a ‘Definition of Ready’ to product backlog items can help refine them.
– True
– False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Definition of Ready is a checklist that a Product Backlog Item is ready to be estimated. It is indeed a good way to improve the refinement process.
Which of the following contributes to a better Product Backlog?
– a) Higher number of items
– b) More detailed descriptions for each item
– c) Items selected independently by product owner
– d) Complex items to challenge the development team
Answer: b) More detailed descriptions for each item
Explanation: Detailed descriptions make it easier for everyone to understand the requirements and expectations for each item.
True or False: The entire Scrum Team is responsible for Product Backlog Refinement.
– True
– False
Answer: True
Explanation: While the product owner is the main driver, the entire Scrum Team is responsible for the refinement process.
Multiple select: What are some good practices for Product Backlog refinement?
– a) Regularly eliminate outdated items
– b) Include technical considerations
– c) Ignore non-functional requirements
– d) Include stakeholders’ feedback
Answer: a) Regularly eliminate outdated items, b) include technical considerations, d) Include stakeholders’ feedback
Explanation: Regularly cleaning up, considering technical aspects, and including stakeholders’ feedback makes the backlog more refined and relevant.
Great blog post! I really found it helpful.
I appreciate the insights provided. Implementing a Definition of Ready (DoR) really made our refinement sessions more effective.
Absolutely! DoR helps in setting clear expectations and avoids ambiguity.
We recently added DoR in our team. It’s a game changer.
Has anyone experimented with story mapping? It seems like a good way to visualize the backlog.
Yes, we have been using story mapping for the past few months, and it has significantly improved our understanding of user journeys.
Story mapping is excellent for prioritization and identifying dependencies early on.
The idea of involving stakeholders during Product Backlog refinement sounds interesting but how feasible is it?
We invite key stakeholders to every other refinement session. It keeps everyone on the same page.
In my experience, involving stakeholders helps in gaining quick feedback and aligning expectations.
I’ve noticed that using estimation techniques like Planning Poker makes the refinement process more engaging.
Yes, we also use Planning Poker. It fosters team collaboration and brings different perspectives.
I find having a pre-refinement session before the actual backlog refinement helps in discussing and clearing up doubts.
Pre-refinement sessions have been effective for us as well. It makes the actual session more streamlined.
Involving the entire team in backlog refinement sounds ideal but is it always practical?
Involving everyone might not be practical, but rotating team members can ensure diverse inputs without overwhelming the process.
Thanks for the helpful tips!