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27 Product Backlog Anti-Patterns

Scrum is a tactical framework to build products, provided you identify what is worth making in advance. But even after a successful product discovery phase, you may struggle to create the right thing in the right way if your Product Backlog is not up to the job — garbage in, garbage out. The following article points to 27 common Product Backlog anti-patterns — including the Product Backlog refinement process — limiting your Scrum team’s success.

The Product Backlog According to the Scrum Guide

First of all, let’s have a look at the current edition of the Scrum Guide on the purpose of the Product Backlog:

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A Forensic Product Backlog Analysis: Part 1

Garbage in, garbage out. No matter whether your team chose Scrum for the right purpose (solving complex, adaptive problems), whether your product quality is top-notch, or whether your teammates embrace self-management to the fullest... if your Product Backlog is not up to the job, all of these accomplishments will account for little, as your team will provide less value to its customers than possible. Here is where the forensic Product Backlog analysis steps in, a light-weight, simple practice to help Product Owners and Scrum Masters unearth anti-patterns that led to your low-value Product Backlog.

Learn more on how a piece of paper and a pencil can turn the perception of your Scrum Team around among stakeholders and customers.