What Are The Types of Product Backlog Items?

What Are the Types of Product Backlog Items?

The product backlog lists all the tasks that must be completed to deliver a product to the customer.

A product backlog item (or PBI) is a single piece of work that exists in the product backlog. A typical product backlog contains four main types of product backlog items, including: 

Features

A feature (also known as a user story) is a distinct functionality that a user needs to add value to the end product. Requests for features can come from the end-users themselves, as well as the product manager, salespeople, the support team, etc. The product owner keeps track of these requests to ensure that the product continues to delight existing customers and attract new ones.

Defects

Bugs and defects are problems with an already-delivered feature. The number of defects or bugs in your product backlog depends on the type of development cycle you choose. In Waterfall teams, testing is often the last stage in the process, meaning products can be released to market with several defects that need to be resolved. However, Agile teams test for defects at the end of every iteration, so bugs don’t tend to survive for long in the product backlog. 

Technical work

Technical work must be done to maintain the product and keep it up to date. This can include anything from upgrading your databases to installing a new operating system for the development team. These types of product backlog items are also referred to as “technical debt” because, much like financial debt, they can cause problems if allowed to build up. It is wise to prioritize technical work alongside features and defects. 

Knowledge acquisition/research

Research is essential when you know very little about how to implement a new feature or want to try out a new idea. The team needs to set aside time to acquire the knowledge necessary to begin the work. 

These four types of product backlog items guide product development teams and, when managed correctly, are the key to delivering value to both your customer and your organization.