Sprint Review Ceremony

Purpose: To inspect the increment (the working software delivered during the sprint) and adapt the product backlog if needed. It's a collaborative event to gather feedback from stakeholders.

Who Attends:

• Scrum Team: Development Team, Product Owner, and Scrum Master.

• Stakeholders: Customers, users, management, etc. (anyone with an interest in the product).

When: At the end of each Sprint, typically timeboxed to 1 hour per week of sprint length (e.g., 2-hour review for a 2-week sprint).

Key Activities:

1. Product Owner Recap: 

   • Briefly reminds everyone of the Sprint Goal and what the team set out to achieve.

2. Demonstration of the Increment:

   • The Development Team demonstrates the work they have completed during the sprint.

   • Focus on working software and new functionality.

   • Keep the demo focused and avoid technical jargon.

   • Showcase the features that meet the "Done" criteria.

3. Stakeholder Feedback and Discussion:

   • Stakeholders provide feedback on the demonstrated increment.

   • This is a crucial opportunity to gather insights, ask questions, and express needs.

   • The Product Owner facilitates the discussion and ensures feedback is captured.

4. Product Owner Discusses Progress Towards Goal: 

   • The PO provides an update on the overall progress towards the Product Goal, based on the sprint's outcome.

5. Review of the Product Backlog (Optional but Recommended):

   • The Product Owner may present the current state of the Product Backlog.

   • Based on the feedback and the increment, the PO may discuss potential adjustments to priorities, upcoming features, or estimated timelines.

6. Next Steps and Closing:

   • Briefly discuss any immediate next steps or key takeaways.

   • Thank stakeholders for their participation.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on the Increment: The primary focus is on the working software delivered.

• Keep it Interactive: Encourage stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the demo.

• Prepare the Demo: The Development Team should rehearse the demonstration to ensure it's smooth and efficient.

• Value Stakeholder Feedback: Actively listen to and capture all feedback, even if it's critical.

• Be Transparent: Be honest about what was and wasn't completed during the sprint.

• Keep it Business-Focused: Frame the discussion around business value and user needs.

• Stay Within the Timebox: Respect everyone's time and keep the meeting focused.

• Document Key Decisions and Feedback: Record any important decisions or feedback that will impact the Product Backlog.

• End on a Positive Note: Acknowledge the team's hard work and progress.

What to Avoid:

• Technical Deep Dives: The review is for stakeholders, so keep the technical details to a minimum.

• Status Reporting: It's a demonstration and feedback session, not a detailed progress report.

• Blaming or Defending: Focus on the product and how to improve it.

• Treating it as a Sign-Off Meeting: It's about inspection and adaptation, not formal approval.

Outcome of a Successful Sprint Review:

• Shared understanding of the increment and its value.

• Valuable feedback from stakeholders.

• Adaptation of the Product Backlog based on insights.

• Increased alignment between the Scrum Team and stakeholders.

• Clearer direction for future sprints.

By conducting effective Sprint Review ceremonies, you ensure the product is evolving in the right direction based on real-world feedback and stakeholder needs.