Backlog Health Score is a winning metric!
Backlog Health Score is a winning metric!
Embedded Files
Problem: Our Backlog was disorganized and inconsistent, making it difficult to manage effectively. I decided to use a metric so that I can measure how good shape is my backlog. I explored different metrics to evaluate its condition and found the Backlog Health Score invaluable. I evaluated our backlog, and the result was disappointing, 3 out of 5! The backlog health score evaluates the overall state of the backlog using key metrics like size, age, volatility, prioritization, and velocity. Clearly, action was needed.
Action: I shared my observation with the team in one of our retrospective sessions and we all agreed this needed attention. I took the lead in the process while the team agreed to put extra effort into refining the backlog until we had a healthy backlog.
Decluttering: We walked through every backlog items, parking, or removing outdated and irrelevant tasks which were a surprisingly large number! A backlog is like a living thing: if neglected, some parts get rotten.
I only keep items I aim to work on within the next 1-3 quarters, up to 20-30 Items. I normally have parking lots for Ideas and feedback.
Standardizing Items: We ensured all items were properly structured with story points, clear Verb+Noun titles, parent Epics, estimated release versions, etc.
I made sure Backlog items speak for me when I'm not around. Quality tickets make stakeholder management easier.
Maintaining the Process: Once the backlog was healthy, we established ongoing practices to keep it organized, ensuring we never skipped backlog care routines.
I found out a clean backlog requires ongoing attention, but maintaining it is far easier than fixing it.
Result: One of my proudest achievements at Tecnotree was raising our average backlog health measure from 3/5 (3 out of 5) to 5/5 Stars and keeping it at 5 Stars for four consecutive years. This improvement not only streamlined our processes but also reduced our challenges in stakeholder management. It helped me build a better relationship with our stakeholders by reducing their number of complaints per day! With a transparent backlog that provided answers upfront, stakeholders felt more informed and engaged.
Monitoring these metrics helped me identify bottlenecks and ensure we were tackling the right tasks at the right time. A high backlog health score indicated that our team was well-prepared and aligned with project objectives, leading to smoother operations and more stakeholder satisfaction.
Use it! Highly recommended!
Vision Development Using Vision Canvas and Vision statement
Vision Development Using Vision Canvas and Vision statement
Developing a vision is one of my favorite parts of being a Product Owner. I rely on tools like Vision Canvas, which helps me structure my thoughts and makes it easier to communicate. It starts with defining a vision statement and breaking it into actionable components.
The real magic happens when I engage stakeholders. I focus on creating a space where ideas flow freely, ensuring everyone feels included, valued, and heard. This collaboration not only refines the vision but aligns us as a team.
Of course, vision development doesn’t end after one draft. It’s a living process. I revisit and refine the vision regularly. Quarterly or monthly.
After all, a well-crafted vision isn’t just words.
Product Road-mapping: Mind Mapping, Brainstorming, MoSCow, Kano, and others.
Product Road-mapping: Mind Mapping, Brainstorming, MoSCow, Kano, and others.
Creating a product roadmap is like crafting a strategic story for the product's journey. I often use methods like MoSCoW or/and Kano to guide the process. It starts with a draft roadmap. From there, I bring stakeholders into the mix through brainstorming sessions, using tools like mind maps to capture diverse ideas and perspectives. Magic is in feedback and editing.
The next steps? Refinement, prioritization, and iteration. Like a living document, the roadmap evolves, is reviewed and updated monthly or quarterly, to ensure it remains aligned with business goals and customer needs. It’s not just a plan; it’s a dynamic guide that keeps the team aligned and moving forward.
Funnel-Shaped Backlog made my backlog crystal-transparent!
Funnel-Shaped Backlog made my backlog crystal-transparent!
In my experience with backlog management, I found that using a Funnel-Shaped backlog significantly improved our workflow and stakeholder engagement. Using this approach I organized the backlog items so that more detailed items that are refined, measured, and split enough are at the bottom of the funnel (close and ready for development), while high-level features that need more elaboration sit at the top.
By maintaining this funnel shape, I was able to prioritize effectively and keep everyone on the same page.
Isn't it crystal-clearly transparent?
I ensured that everyone involved could easily see what was being worked on and what was coming next!
About Agile Methodologies: Embracing the Incompleteness of Scrum
About Agile Methodologies: Embracing the Incompleteness of Scrum
One of the wisest insights I've come across about Agile methodologies comes right from the opening of the Scrum Guide: “The Scrum framework is purposefully incomplete”, wow!
This line has stayed with me because it encapsulates what I believe is the essence of Agile as an empirical process. Scrum gives you the foundation, the essential rules, and the principles. But beyond that, it leaves room for teams to shape their own version of Scrum, tailored to their unique personalities, context, challenges, and goals.
In practice, this means not blindly following a “one-size-fits-all” Agile approach but thoughtfully filling in the “empty lines” to make the framework work for your team. It's great that Scrum has empty lines that are acknowledged. At times, this has meant tweaking ceremonies, redefining roles, or creating new tools to solve specific challenges. The beauty of this mindset is that it encourages ownership and creativity within teams.
In my mind, Scrum is not about rigidly following a manual; it’s about continuous learning and improving how we work as a team. When a team sees this incompleteness as an opportunity instead of a constraint, it becomes a catalyst for innovation and growth. For me, this mindset has been a cornerstone of how I foster collaboration and empower teams to achieve their best.
Every team is unique, and Agile's brilliance lies in giving us just enough structure to start while trusting us to fill in the rest.
That’s where the magic happens, in embracing the incompleteness!
Backlog Items: User Stories
Backlog Items: User Stories
Backlog items are at the heart of effective product development. I structure each one using the User Story format:
"As a [user], I want to [action], so that [benefit]."
To ensure clarity, I include 3–10 acceptance criteria—just enough to capture the essentials while keeping things easy to understand. Beyond the basics, I enrich tickets with visuals like animations, sequence diagrams, context diagrams, and flowcharts. These tools make the work more engaging and ensure seamless communication, helping the team grasp and execute ideas efficiently.
A happy team creates features that make customers happy!
A happy team creates features that make customers happy!
I aim to foster a working atmosphere that’s both fun and productive. Storytelling and visualization are my go-to tools, especially with the development team. I ensure they fully understand the business value of their work. When they ask, “Arash, what’s the point of this feature?” I help their imagination envision the customer’s perspective within the story, making it easier to empathize and connect with the purpose of their work. The result? With a clear big picture, they explore different angles, ensuring we deliver exactly what the customer wants.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse