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Product management, Engineering

Backlog

A collection of tasks that need to be completed

Also called: Backlog, Work Queue, Task List, ToDo List, Pending List, Deferred List, and Waiting List

See also: Backlog Epic, Backlog Grooming, Backlog Refinement, Feature Creep

Relevant metrics: Number of tasks completed, Time to complete tasks, Number of tasks added, Number of tasks removed, and Number of tasks in progress

In this article

What is Backlog

Backlog is a project management tool that helps teams organize, prioritize, and track their work. It provides a platform for teams to collaborate on tasks, track progress, and manage projects. It also allows teams to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Backlog also offers features such as issue tracking, time tracking, and reporting.

Where did Backlog come from?

The term “backlog” originated in the early 19th century. It was first used to describe a pile of wood that was stored for future use. The term was then adopted by the business world to refer to a list of tasks or projects that need to be completed. The term is now used to refer to any list of tasks or projects that need to be completed, regardless of the industry. It is also used to refer to the amount of work that is waiting to be done.

Understanding the Benefits of a Backlog

The Backlog is a list of tasks that need to be completed. It can be used to prioritize tasks, track progress, and identify areas of improvement. By having a backlog, organizations can ensure that tasks are completed in the most efficient way possible, and that resources are used in the most effective manner.

Types of Backlogs

There are several types of backlogs, including product backlogs, sprint backlogs, and feature backlogs. Product backlogs are used to track all tasks related to a product, while sprint backlogs are used to track tasks related to a specific sprint. Feature backlogs are used to track tasks related to a specific feature.

Establishing and maintaining a Product Backlog:

Establshing a backlog

  • Define the product’s vision and goals. The first step in establishing a product backlog is to clearly define the product’s vision and goals. This will help to set the direction for the development team and ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
  • Gather requirements. Next, gather requirements from stakeholders, including customers, end-users, and internal teams. This will help to ensure that the backlog includes all of the features and functionality that are required to meet the product’s goals.
  • Prioritize items. Once all of the requirements have been gathered, prioritize them based on their importance to the product’s vision and goals. This will help to ensure that the most important work is completed first, and that resources are allocated effectively.
  • Define items in detail. For each item in the backlog, define the requirements in detail, including the user stories, acceptance criteria, and any dependencies. This will help to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of what needs to be done and how it will be done.

Maintaining a backlog

  • Regularly review and update. Regularly review and update the backlog to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date. This will help to ensure that the backlog continues to reflect the latest requirements and priorities.
  • Encourage stakeholder involvement. Encourage stakeholders, including customers and end-users, to provide feedback and suggestions for improvements. This will help to ensure that the backlog continues to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
  • Prioritize items based on value. Regularly prioritize items in the backlog based on the value that they will bring to the product and its users. This will help to ensure that resources are allocated effectively, and that the most important work is completed first.
  • Collaborate with the development team. Collaborate with the development team to ensure that the backlog accurately reflects the work that needs to be done, and that everyone has a shared understanding of what is expected.

Benefits of Implementing a Backlog

Backlogs are beneficial for project management, as they help to prioritize tasks and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. They also help to keep track of progress and provide visibility into the project. Additionally, backlogs can help to identify potential risks and issues, as well as provide a clear timeline for completion.

  • Prioritization. The backlog serves as a prioritized list of work that needs to be done, which helps the team to focus on the most important tasks and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.
  • Clarity. A backlog provides a clear and detailed understanding of what needs to be done, and how it will be done. This helps the team to stay focused and avoid distractions, while also ensuring that everyone has a shared understanding of what is expected.
  • Flexibility. The backlog is a living document that can be updated and refined as needed. This allows the team to respond quickly to changes in requirements or shifting priorities, ensuring that they remain focused on delivering value to the customer.
  • Communication. The backlog serves as a tool for communication between the development team and stakeholders, helping to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.
  • Transparency. The backlog provides visibility into the team’s work, and helps stakeholders to understand what the team is working on, and why. This helps to build trust and alignment, and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives.

Challenges of Implementing a Backlog

  • Keeping track of tasks. A backlog can quickly become overwhelming if tasks are not properly tracked and organized. Without a system in place to keep track of tasks, it can be difficult to prioritize and manage the backlog.
  • Allocating resources. When implementing a backlog, it is important to ensure that the right resources are allocated to the right tasks. Without proper resource allocation, tasks may not be completed in a timely manner.
  • Establishing deadlines. Establishing deadlines for tasks in the backlog is essential for ensuring that tasks are completed on time. Without deadlines, tasks may not be completed in a timely manner.
  • Managing changes. As tasks in the backlog are completed, new tasks may be added or existing tasks may need to be modified. It is important to have a system in place to manage changes to the backlog in order to ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Relevant questions to ask
  • What is the purpose of the backlog?
    Hint The purpose of the backlog is to provide a list of tasks and items that need to be completed in order to achieve a desired outcome.
  • What tasks or items need to be included in the backlog?
    Hint Tasks and items that need to be included in the backlog include user stories, features, bug fixes, tasks, and any other items that need to be completed in order to achieve the desired outcome.
  • How will the backlog be managed and updated?
    Hint The backlog will be managed and updated by the project manager or product owner. They will be responsible for adding, removing, and prioritizing items in the backlog.
  • What is the timeline for completing the tasks in the backlog?
    Hint The timeline for completing the tasks in the backlog will depend on the priority of the tasks and the resources available to complete them.
  • What resources are available to help complete the tasks in the backlog?
    Hint Resources available to help complete the tasks in the backlog include developers, designers, testers, and other personnel.
  • How will progress be tracked and reported?
    Hint Progress will be tracked and reported by the project manager or product owner. They will be responsible for tracking the progress of tasks and reporting it to stakeholders.
  • What is the expected outcome of the backlog?
    Hint The expected outcome of the backlog is to achieve the desired goal or objectives of the project.
  • How will the backlog be prioritized?
    Hint The backlog will be prioritized based on the importance of the tasks and the resources available to complete them.
  • What risks are associated with the backlog?
    Hint Risks associated with the backlog include delays in completing tasks, lack of resources, and changes in scope.
  • How will the backlog be communicated to stakeholders?
    Hint The backlog will be communicated to stakeholders through regular updates and progress reports.

You might also be interested in reading up on:

People who talk about the topic of Backlog on Twitter
Relevant books on the topic of Backlog
  • Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business by David J. Anderson (2010)
  • User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development by Mike Cohn (2004)
  • Manage Your Project Portfolio: Increase Your Capacity and Finish More Projects by Johanna Rothman (2009)
  • Agile Estimating and Planning by Mike Cohn (2006)
  • Agile Product Management with Scrum: Creating Products that Customers Love by Roman Pichler (2015)

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