Who refines Product Backlog items?

The refinement of Product Backlog items is a collaborative process primarily involving both the Development Team and the Product Owner. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that the Product Backlog is well-groomed and contains items that are clear, actionable, and properly prioritized.

The Product Owner plays a significant role by providing the vision and context for the Product Backlog items. They ensure that the backlog reflects the needs of the stakeholders and aligns with the overall goals of the product. This includes defining the acceptance criteria and getting feedback on the items.

The Development Team contributes their technical expertise and understanding of the work involved in delivering the items, which allows them to help estimate the items, identify potential risks, and offer suggestions for improving clarity and feasibility. Their insights are crucial for breaking down larger items into smaller, more manageable pieces, which can lead to more effective planning and execution.

Therefore, the synergy between the Product Owner and the Development Team during backlog refinement ensures that the items are well-prepared for upcoming sprints, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the team and more value delivered to the customers.