In Scrum, what does 'increment' refer to?

The term 'increment' in Scrum specifically refers to the sum of all completed Product Backlog items during a Sprint, as well as those completed in all previous Sprints. This captures the essence of incremental development, which is a core principle of the Scrum framework. An increment is not merely about the work completed in isolation during a single Sprint; it represents the cumulative value and functionality that has been built up over time, contributing to a potentially shippable product.

This concept underscores the importance of delivering functional improvements regularly, allowing teams to gather feedback and adapt the product based on real-world usage and evolving requirements. Each increment should build upon the previous work, ensuring that the overall product continues to grow and improve with every Sprint. This approach fosters transparency and helps in assessing the progress of the project more effectively, as stakeholders can see tangible results throughout the development process.