The Agile Product Backlog

The Product Backlog is a list of the items that need to be developed and changes that need to be made to a product, specified in order of priority. It can include anything from new features to bug fixes to platform improvements. The content and prioritization of this list are the responsibility of the Product Owner, and it is something that evolves over time as work is completed and new requirements are added.

Properties of the Product Backlog

One of the key elements of the Product Backlog is that it must be the single source of truth that the team can refer to. This is why it is vital that it is regularly maintained and kept up to date, and that it doesn’t become cluttered with items that are no longer required.

Another important attribute of the Product Backlog is that each item is given an adequate level of corresponding details relevant to its priority. This means that the features that are at the top of the list should be sufficiently specified to be able to be used for planning and estimation, while those that are of a lower priority need not have as much information, as this might end up being wasted effort if the requirement is never planned for delivery.

Last but not least, although the Product Backlog should be put together and updated collaboratively, and it should be visible to all stakeholders, it remains solely and fully under the ownership of the Product Owner, and any decisions about ordering or content must always be ultimately taken by the person performing this role.

 

Recommended Further Reading

The following materials may assist you in order to get the most out of this course: