What two practices best assist the Product Owner in managing the value of a product?

The practices of ordering the Product Backlog and validating assumptions of value through frequent releases are key components for a Product Owner in maximizing the value of a product.

Ordering the Product Backlog ensures that the most valuable items are prioritized and worked on first. This enables the team to focus on features and functionalities that will deliver the greatest benefit to stakeholders and end users, thereby optimizing investment and efforts.

Additionally, validating assumptions of value through frequent releases allows the Product Owner to receive immediate feedback from users and stakeholders. This iterative approach facilitates the ability to pivot or adjust based on actual user experience and needs, rather than assumptions made at the beginning of the project. Frequent releases enable ongoing learning which is vital in a successful product development process. Together, these practices empower the Product Owner to adapt priorities and features in alignment with user value and market demands.

This combination ultimately ensures that the product being developed is closely aligned with user expectations and delivers tangible value, which is the primary responsibility of the Product Owner role.