Product Backlog Refinement Checklist
This checklist is a guide to help ensure comprehensive and effective Product Backlog Refinement. It can be used by the team during refinement sessions or by individuals when preparing for them.
Section 1: Preparation for Refinement
- Has dedicated time been allocated for refinement in the team's schedule? (It's an ongoing activity, but specific sessions are often beneficial).
- Has the Product Owner identified the key items to be discussed during the refinement session? (Focus on items expected to be worked on in the near future).
- Have relevant stakeholders or subject matter experts been identified and invited if their input is needed for specific items?
- Are the necessary tools and resources available (e.g., issue tracking software, whiteboarding tools, documentation)?
Section 2: Reviewing and Understanding Product Backlog Items
- **Item Description:** Is the title and description of the item clear, concise, and understandable to everyone?
- Is it written from a user's perspective where applicable (e.g., as a User Story)?
- Does it explain *what* is needed and *why* it is valuable?
- **Acceptance Criteria:** Are clear, testable Acceptance Criteria defined for the item?
- Do the Acceptance Criteria specify the conditions that must be met for the item to be considered complete?
- **Visual Aids and Supporting Information:** Are there any relevant wireframes, mockups, diagrams, or documentation available to support the understanding of the item?
- **Questions and Clarifications:** Have all questions regarding the item been raised and discussed?
- Have ambiguities or uncertainties been clarified?
Section 3: Sizing and Estimation
- **Team Discussion on Effort:** Has the Development Team discussed the effort required to implement the item?
- **Estimation Technique:** Has the team used a collaborative estimation technique (e.g., Planning Poker, Magic Estimation)?
- **Estimated Size:** Has an estimate (e.g., in Story Points or other relative sizing units) been assigned to the item?
- If the item is large, has the team discussed potential ways to break it down into smaller, estimable pieces?
