Sprint Review
Overview
A Sprint Review is a key Scrum ceremony held at the end of a Sprint where the Scrum Team demonstrates the work completed during the Sprint to stakeholders and receives feedback. It serves as an inspection and adaptation opportunity, ensuring the product aligns with business needs.
Purpose of a Sprint Review
- Showcase the Increment – Present the completed work to stakeholders.
- Gather Feedback – Get input from stakeholders to refine the product.
- Inspect Progress – Evaluate whether the team is on track with business goals.
- Adapt the Product Backlog – Adjust priorities based on new insights.
Who Attends the Sprint Review?
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Scrum Team | Demonstrates the completed work. |
| Product Owner | Explains what was delivered and updates the Product Backlog. |
| Developers | Present features, discuss technical aspects, and answer questions. |
| Scrum Master | Facilitates the review and ensures effective collaboration. |
| Stakeholders | Provide feedback and discuss business implications. |
Agenda of a Sprint Review
- Sprint Overview – The Product Owner summarizes what was planned vs. completed.
- Demonstration of the Increment – Developers present working software.
- Stakeholder Feedback – Discuss how the new features meet business needs.
- Product Backlog Updates – Adjust backlog items based on feedback.
- Next Steps – Outline potential priorities for the next Sprint.
Sprint Review vs. Sprint Retrospective
| Aspect | Sprint Review | Sprint Retrospective |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Product & Deliverables | Process & Team Improvement |
| Participants | Scrum Team + Stakeholders | Scrum Team Only |
| Goal | Inspect & adapt product features | Inspect & adapt teamwork |
Best Practices for a Sprint Review
- Show Real Progress – Demo working software, not just slides.
- Encourage Stakeholder Engagement – Foster a two-way discussion.
- Timebox Effectively – Typically 1-2 hours for a 2-week Sprint.
- Be Open to Feedback – Use input to refine future work.
- Avoid a Status Report Mindset – It’s about inspection and adaptation, not just reporting.
Conclusion
The Sprint Review is a collaborative event where the Scrum Team and stakeholders align on progress, discuss feedback, and refine future plans. It ensures that product development remains valuable, transparent, and adaptive to business needs.