What question does Sprint Planning aim to answer about the Increment?

Sprint Planning is a crucial event in the Scrum framework, and its primary goal is to establish a clear understanding of how the work needed to deliver the Increment will be achieved. During this meeting, the Scrum Team collaborates to define the objectives for the Sprint and determine what work is necessary to meet those objectives.

Choosing the focus on how the work will be accomplished reflects the essence of the Sprint Planning event, where the team assesses the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint and breaks them down into actionable tasks. This process enables the team to plan the necessary steps, estimate effort, and assign work appropriately, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the execution plan.

While discussing individual tasks, team velocity, or external factors are relevant topics within the Scrum framework, they do not address the primary concern of Sprint Planning regarding the methods and strategies for delivering the Increment. The emphasis on “how” signifies a proactive approach to addressing the complexities and responsibilities of the upcoming Sprint, fostering collaboration and clarity among team members.