How to Effectively Manage your Product Backlog
After long break of writing article in Medium, I would like to start writing again, I do have some of unfinished draft of article. This time I will share how to effectively manage your Product Backlog.
One of artifact in Scrum Framework is PRODUCT BACKLOG.
Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. It is the single source of requirements for any changes to be made to the product. The Product Owner is responsible for the Product Backlog, including its content, availability, and ordering. (source: Scrum.org)
Product backlog management is an art form that requires relentless attention. As a Product Owner, it’s your responsibility to run a well-oiled machine and keep the product backlog healthy. This includes accommodating stakeholders, development teams, and most importantly, users. But how do you manage a product backlog in a way that is effective and results-driven? Here’s the tips :
1. CRYSTAL CLEAR
Product Backlog should be clear as a Crystal to everyone (Developer Team, Quality Assurance, Scrum Master, even to Stakeholders), feasible & easy to understand.
2. WELL-SIZED
Well-sized Backlog/Stories keep your work in progress small, your level of risk low, and your teams nimble
3. BE A VISIONARY
Plan your PRODUCT BACKLOG for a continuous delivery (Plan Backlog until few Sprints ahead).
4. VISIBLE and ACCESSIBLE
Make your PRODUCT BACKLOG Visible and Easily Accessible for Scrum Team & Stakeholder
5. PRIORITIZE
Do Prioritization on your PRODUCT BACKLOG
6. REGULARLY GROOM & REFINE
Regularly Groom & Refine your BACKLOG with Development Team
7. KEEP IT MANAGEABLE
Regularly Revisit & Decide what Backlog are not valid anymore & can be removed. It’s difficult to manage 100+ Backlogs
8. IT NEVER FINISHED!
Product Development is something that never ends, as long as the Product lives. And so, the list of demands, requirements, wishes and more (Product Backlog) will keep growing and shrinking over time, as long as the Product lives.
CLOSING
Actually, there are so many ways to effectively manage your Product Backlog. Those are 8 tips from me, it can grow more and more. If you have suggestion & input, feel free to add on comment below. Thanks & Scrum On!
