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Backlogs, Priorities, and Requirements
A backlog is not an idea repository.
It is a prioritized, contextualized list of work candidates to consider in the near future to achieve the current product goal.
Basic Structure of a Backlog Item
Title
Problem / Background
User
Goal
Scope
Out of Scope
Workflow
Acceptance Criteria
Risk
Dependencies
Evidence
Judging Priorities
No single formula makes the decision automatically.
The following dimensions are usually considered together.
| Dimension | Question |
|---|---|
| Value | Is the user/business value substantial? |
| Reach | How many people will it affect? |
| Frequency | How often will it be used? |
| Urgency | Will delaying it cause a loss? |
| Risk | Are the technical or product risks significant? |
| Effort | How much will implementation cost? |
| Confidence | How reliable is the evidence? |
| Strategic Fit | Does it match the product direction? |
A Simple Scoring Example
Priority
≈ Value × Reach × Confidence
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Effort
A score is a tool for structuring discussion, not the answer.
Must / Should / Could
Classifications such as MoSCoW can also be used.
- Must: The goal cannot be achieved without it
- Should: Important, but alternatives exist
- Could: If capacity allows
- Won't now: Not doing it at this time
The last category is the most important.
Backlog management includes decisions about what not to do.
Acceptance Criteria
Describe observable results rather than implementation methods.
Poor example:
Add a QPushButton.
Good example:
When the user selects a Preset, the Camera FOV and Transform are restored together.
Backlog Refinement
Check regularly.
Does it connect to the goal?
↓
Is the problem still valid?
↓
Is the scope too large?
↓
Are there dependencies?
↓
Is acceptance clearly defined?
↓
Is the priority still right?
A growing backlog is not an achievement. Removing unnecessary items and making choices clearer is also the PO's job.