How often should Product Backlog refinement occur?

Product Backlog refinement is a crucial part of the Scrum process that ensures the Product Backlog remains relevant and actionable. The correct understanding is that refinement should occur regularly in an iterative manner as part of ongoing Scrum practices. This means that it is not limited to a specific frequency or only done at the beginning of a project.

By incorporating regular refinement sessions, the Scrum Team can continuously revisit and update items in the Product Backlog based on new insights, changing requirements, and feedback from stakeholders or market conditions. This approach enables the team to maintain clarity around priorities and ensure that high-value items are ready for upcoming sprints.

The notion of regularity in refinement also aligns with the Agile principle of responsiveness to change, allowing the team to adapt their focus in light of new information and ensure they are delivering maximum value. Thus, regular refinement is essential for maintaining a healthy and well-prepared Product Backlog, ensuring that it effectively supports the team's ability to deliver increments of product.