The Backlog Grooming Process
- Plan Frequent Grooming Sessions: Backlog grooming is usually done regularly, either in a dedicated session or as part of the sprint planning calendar.
- Bring the Grooming Team Together: The product owner, the scrum master, and the development team members often make up the grooming team. For more insights, other stakeholders might also be included, such as designers or subject matter experts.
- Examine the Backlog: Examine the current product backlog to start the grooming session. Examining user stories, features and other backlog items are all included in this process.
- Make the backlog a priority: Sort the backlog items in a collaborative manner according to their dependencies, business value and relevance.
- Refinement and Detailing: Pay attention to the important details. This entails defining requirements, supplying any extra data required for development and adding or modifying acceptance criteria.
- Estimation: Assess each item in the backlog in terms of effort or complexity. This facilitates planning and helps the group understand the relative responsibilities of various jobs.
- Answer queries and worries: Take use of the grooming session to answer any queries or worries brought up by team members. Make sure that everyone is aware of the backlog items and their relative importance.
- Eliminate or Postpone Low-Priority Items: Determine which backlog issues are lower priority or no longer relevant, and have a discussion about them. Choose whether to put them on hold or remove them from the backlog.
- Updates & Documentation: Make sure that any updates or additional information are recorded in the backlog documentation, including user stories. Inform the team and all relevant parties of any changes.
- Get ready for the sprint planning process: The backlog has been trimmed and polished, making it suitable for the next sprint planning meeting. Based on the priorities and specifics addressed throughout the grooming process, the team may safely choose and commit to a set of backlog items for the upcoming sprint.
What is Backlog Grooming? Definition, Benefits, Process and Best Practice
Backlog grooming is usually a continuous operation that is carried out at regular intervals during the development phase. Backlog grooming meetings can vary in frequency depending on the team’s needs, but they are typically conducted at the sprint planning meeting, which takes place before the start of a sprint. The product owner is essential in giving direction and determining which backlog tasks are prioritized.
Table of Content
- What is Backlog Grooming?
- Importance of Backlog Grooming
- What is a DEEP Product Backlog?
- The Backlog Grooming Process
- Benefits of Backlog Grooming
- Who owns the Backlog Grooming Process?
- Who Should Attend Backlog Grooming Sessions?
- Best Practices for Backlog Grooming
- Conclusion: Backlog Grooming
- FAQs on Backlog Grooming