Concepts
1. An Introduction to Product Backlog Items
In simple terms, PBIs are features, functions, requirements, enhancements, and fixes that make up the work to be done. They are critical elements of the product backlog, serving as the master to-do list that helps scrum teams focus on delivering the highest value.
Defining a PBI includes specifying the desired outcomes, which can pave the way for a more productive and outcome-focused work process. Furthermore, deregulating the value associated with each item can guide the team in prioritizing work and ensuring deliverables align with project objectives and stakeholder expectations.
2. Crafting Detailed PBI Descriptions
A Product Backlog item needs to be comprehensive but easy to understand. Generally, PBIs must have specific attributes described using a format similar to the widely-used User Story format, which follows “As a user, I want…” syntax. In this scenario, the ‘user’ is the persona or role who will benefit from the developed feature.
With this in mind, your PBI, for example, could be:
‘As a website visitor, I want to be able to filter products by size so that I can quickly find what I am looking for.’
This example encapsulates the requirements (the feature of filtering products), persona (website visitor), and the benefit (to facilitate quicker search).
3. Highlighting the Value
The value of the feature or enhancement should be clear, enabling the development team to understand the reason behind developing the feature. Additionally, it allows the team to make necessary decisions keeping product value in mind.
In our previous example, the value lies in improving user navigation on the website, which could potentially increase sales (as customers find desired products quickly). Therefore, the value of this PBI is enhanced customer experience and potentially, increased revenues.
Defining value in PBIs necessitates the product owner to have a keen understanding of their user base and the key pain points that the product aims to address.
4. Prioritizing PBIs
After the creation of PBIs, they should be ranked based on their importance. The priority is typically influenced by the item’s value, aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and the needs of the stakeholders.
A prioritized product backlog guides the team members in selecting the tasks to work on during the sprint planning meeting.
| No. | Product Backlog Item | Desired Outcome | Value | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | As a website visitor, I want to filter products by size. | Improved user navigation. | Enhanced customer experience, potential increase in sales. | High |
| 2 | As an admin, I want to generate monthly reports. | Efficient report generation. | Time-saving, enables data-driven decision making. | Medium |
| 3 | As a user, I wish to integrate the calendar app with the tool. | Efficient scheduling. | Increases productivity and user satisfaction. | Low |
By systematically creating and prioritizing PBIs that focus on outcomes and value, you can improve your product backlog management and guide your team to create meaningful, high-value products solutions. This practice is not just an effective strategy for your CSPO exam preparation, but it’s also an indispensable skillset in the real-world application of Scrum principles.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: A Product Backlog item should contain both a detailed description of the outcome desired and the added value it brings to the customer.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Having both elements in a Product Backlog item is necessary as it provides clarity for the Development Team and stakeholders about the expectations and the potential benefits.
Which of the following needs to be included in a Product Backlog item?
- a) User Story
- b) Acceptance Criteria
- c) Estimated effort
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: A well-formed Product Backlog item includes a User Story, Acceptance Criteria for verifying the completion of the item, and Estimated effort to complete it.
True or False: User Stories are the only form of description suitable for Product Backlog items.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While User Stories are commonly used to define Product Backlog items, other forms of description such as use cases or traditional requirements can also be used depending on what the team finds most suitable.
In Scrum, who is responsible for maintaining the Product Backlog?
- a) The Development Team
- b) The Product Owner
- c) The Scrum Master
- d) The Stakeholders
Answer: b) The Product Owner
Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog, though the entire Scrum Team contributes to its content.
True or False: The value described in a Product Backlog item refers only to the financial gain the product will achieve.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Value can incorporate many aspects aside from direct financial gain, such as improved user satisfaction, increased productivity, reduced risk, and more.
What is the primary purpose of a Product Backlog?
- a) To list all tasks the development team has to do
- b) To provide a single source of requirements for any changes to be made to the product
- c) To track the working hours of the development team
- d) To provide a schedule for the product release
Answer: b) To provide a single source of requirements for any changes to be made to the product
Explanation: The Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything known to be needed in the product and serves as a single source of requirements.
True or False: A Product Backlog item should be written in technical language to ensure the development team understands it.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A Product Backlog item should be written in a language understandable to all stakeholders, including the product owner, scrum master, development team, and any non-technical stakeholders.
Which of these are characteristics of a well-crafted Product Backlog item?
- a) Independent
- b) Negotiable
- c) Valuable
- d) Estimable
- e) All of the above
Answer: e) All of the above
Explanation: A good Product Backlog item should be Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, and Estimable. This is also known as the “INVEST” criteria.
True or False: Adding a description of a desired outcome and value means the Product Owner’s job is finished.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Adding the description and value is only part of the Product Owner’s job. They also need to prioritize the item in the backlog, clarify details as needed, and accept the completed work.
A Product Backlog item can also be seen as:
- a) A feature to be added
- b) A bug to be fixed
- c) A piece of technical debt to be paid off
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: A Product Backlog item could be anything that increases the product’s value or improvement in some way. It may be a new feature, a bug fix, or handling technical debt.
This blog provided some clarity on how to write a Product Backlog item. Thanks!
Can anyone provide an example of a Product Backlog item with the desired outcome and value?
I already knew the basics, but this article deepened my understanding. Appreciate it!
For desired outcomes, I always align them with business objectives. Anyone with similar insights?
How can we measure the value of a Product Backlog item effectively?
Thanks for the detailed explanation!
The blog could use more real-world examples.
This helps in my prep for the CSPO exam. Thanks!