Backlog
A backlog (to-do-list) is a list of (often prioritized) uncompleted work items (deliverables), or (drivers) that need to be addressed.
Consider making backlogs visible, not only to other members of a team, but also to the wider organization.
Types of backlog include:
- governance backlog
- operations backlog
- sprint backlog
- product backlog
- impediments backlog
Implementation:
- analog backlog: sticky notes on a wall, or index cards, magnets and whiteboard
- digital backlog: e.g. Google Sheets, Trello, Kanban Flow, Jira, Asana
Each item on a (prioritized) backlog typically contains:
- a short description of a deliverable or a driver
- a unique reference number (or link) for each work item
- (the order of work items)
- dependencies to other work items or projects
- due date (if necessary)
- (optional) a measure for value
- (optional) a measure for investment (often an estimate of time or complexity)