Product Backlog
The ordered list of all product requirements, owned by the Product Owner.
Detailed Explanation
The Product Backlog is a Scrum artifact — an ordered list of everything known to be needed in the product. It is the single source of requirements for any changes to the product. The Product Owner is the sole person responsible for managing the backlog.
Product Backlog items include features, functions, requirements, enhancements, and fixes. Items are described with a description, order, estimate, and value. Higher-ordered items are clearer and more detailed than lower-ordered ones — a concept called progressive elaboration.
The Product Backlog is never complete. As long as a product exists, its backlog exists. It evolves as the product and market evolve. Regular refinement sessions (grooming) ensure the top items are ready for upcoming sprints.
Key Points
- Single source of truth for all product requirements
- Owned exclusively by the Product Owner
- Items ordered by value, risk, priority, and necessity
- Higher items are more detailed; lower items are coarser
- Never complete — evolves with the product
- Refined regularly through grooming sessions
Practical Example
A Product Owner maintains a backlog for a fintech app: top items include 'Bank integration API' (13 story points), 'Two-factor authentication' (8 points), and 'Transaction export to CSV' (5 points). Lower items like 'Dark mode' and 'Gamification features' are less refined. Weekly refinement breaks top items into sprint-sized stories.
Tips for Learning and Applying
The Product Owner must be empowered to make prioritization decisions
Keep the backlog ordered, not just categorized
Refine the top 2-3 sprints worth of items to 'ready' status
Say no to backlog items that do not align with product vision
Related Terms
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