Scrum, a popular agile framework, emphasizes iterative development and collaboration to deliver valuable products efficiently. The Scrum Sprint Cycle, structured around time-boxed iterations known as sprints, enables teams to adapt to changing requirements and deliver incremental value. Here’s an overview of the ten critical steps in the Scrum Sprint Cycle:
- Product Vision – The customer or stakeholders communicate the product vision to the Product Owner.
- Product Backlog—The Product Owner collects stakeholders’ requests, defines a product goal and author requirements, and prioritizes them in the Product Backlog. The highest-value items are positioned at the top for sprint consideration.
- The sprint begins.
- Sprint Planning begins on the first day. The Product Owner and team collaborate to select PBI (Product Backlog Item) to include in the sprint. The scrum team defines the Sprint Goal and creates a Sprint Backlog. The development team breaks down the items into to-do tasks.
- The development phase begins. The Development Team works on sprint tasks, ensuring the definition of done (DoD) is complete and integrating completed work into the product increment daily. Tasks include design, development, test case creation, code review, and testing.
- Daily Scrum begins on the second day. The Development Team conducts daily stand-up meetings to discuss task execution plans.
- Backlog Refinement. Throughout the sprint, the Scrum Team reviews, estimates, and refines the product backlog for the next sprint.
- Sprint Review. The team presents completed work to stakeholders, receives feedback, and collaborates on adjustments or approvals for release.
- Sprint Retrospective. At the end of the sprint, the team reflects on successes, lessons learned, and areas for improvement.
- A new sprint. Based on updated backlog priorities, the cycle restarts with a new Sprint Planning session.
