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)