What does the term 'Product Backlog' refer to?

The term 'Product Backlog' refers to an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. This encompasses not just features, but also enhancements, bug fixes, technical work, and knowledge acquisition that might be needed in the future. The purpose of the Product Backlog is to ensure that the development team is focused on the highest priority items that will deliver the most value to the stakeholders.

The ordering of the Product Backlog is crucial. It reflects the current understanding of the product’s priorities and the necessary steps to reach the desired outcome. As the project progresses, items in the backlog can be re-prioritized to adapt to changing market conditions, stakeholder feedback, and insights gained during development.

This focused approach enables the team to have a clear path in delivering the product incrementally, allowing for adjustments based on empirical evidence. Thus, the Product Backlog is dynamic, evolving throughout the project lifecycle, and serves as a single source of truth for the team regarding what needs to be accomplished.