How often should the Product Backlog be refined?

The recommended approach is to refine the Product Backlog regularly, as new information emerges. This practice aligns with Agile principles and allows the Scrum Team to adapt to changes, improve understanding of requirements, and ensure that the most valuable items are prioritized for upcoming Sprints. Continuous refinement helps to clarify details, break down larger items into smaller, manageable pieces, and incorporate feedback or insights gained from previous Sprints or stakeholder interactions.

By refining the backlog frequently, the team can maintain a healthy backlog that reflects current priorities and ensures they're ready for upcoming Sprint Planning sessions. This practice fosters agility and responsiveness to changing market demands, user feedback, or technological advancements, which is essential for delivering valuable products incrementally.