15.4 - Prioritization Techniques

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Understanding Prioritization Techniques

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's start discussing how prioritization affects backlog management. Prioritization is critical as it ensures that we focus on delivering the most value first. Can anyone explain what they think makes prioritization important?

Student 1
Student 1

It helps teams know what to work on first, ensuring important tasks get done!

Student 2
Student 2

I think it also aligns the team's work with what stakeholders expect.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Prioritization ensures that our efforts are aligned with what is most valuable to the business and customers. Remember, keeping your focus on value can be summarized with the acronym 'VAB' for Value-Alignment-Benefit.

MoSCoW Method

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s dive into one specific technique: the MoSCoW method. Can anyone tell me what the categories mean in this method?

Student 3
Student 3

Must Have is critical to the product, while Could Have adds nice features.

Student 4
Student 4

And Won’t Have are the things we ignore for now.

Teacher
Teacher

Great summary! Remember this mnemonic: 'Mighty Shoulds Couldn't Waste' to recall each category easily. This method is particularly useful during backlog grooming!

Kano Model

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's explore the Kano model. This model evaluates features based on customer satisfaction. What are some categories from the Kano model?

Student 1
Student 1

Basic Needs are what customers expect, like login functionality!

Student 2
Student 2

Performance Needs are features that increase satisfaction, like faster page loads.

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! An easy way to remember is 'Bigger Brighter Delights In Reverse'. It represents each category in increasing satisfaction. How do you think we should prioritize using this technique?

Student 3
Student 3

We should ensure we cover the basics before adding delighters!

Comparison of MoSCoW and Kano

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s compare the MoSCoW method and the Kano model. Can anyone explain their primary focus?

Student 4
Student 4

MoSCoW focuses on urgency, while Kano looks at user satisfaction.

Student 1
Student 1

MoSCoW uses a rule-based system, but Kano is research-based.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely right! Remember, MoSCoW is excellent for project planning, while Kano enhances user experience. A useful analogy is MoSCoW being like a traffic light prioritizing action, whereas Kano assesses the driving experience.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

Prioritization techniques help teams focus on delivering value effectively by categorizing backlog items.

Standard

This section discusses essential prioritization techniques, including the MoSCoW method and the Kano model, which assist Business Analysts in determining which backlog items deliver the most value and align with stakeholder expectations.

Detailed

In-Depth Summary of Prioritization Techniques

Prioritization is a crucial aspect of product backlog management that ensures valuable work is performed timely. This section elaborates on popular prioritization approaches: the MoSCoW method and the Kano model.

MoSCoW Method

The MoSCoW method helps in categorizing backlog items based on priority: Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won't Have. This systematic approach aids Business Analysts (BAs) in tagging user stories during backlog grooming while aligning priorities with business goals.

Kano Model

Conversely, the Kano model categorizes features by understanding customer satisfaction and perceived value, dividing them into Basic Needs, Performance Needs, Delighters, Indifferent, and Reverse features. Using this model, BAs can identify what truly enhances user experience versus features that may detract from it.

Both techniques advocate for prioritization based on value and interaction with stakeholders, ensuring that the product aligns with business objectives and user expectations. This section emphasizes BAs' roles in backlog management and offers tips to keep the backlog organized and relevant.

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MoSCoW Method

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🔶 1. MoSCoW Method
The MoSCoW method divides requirements into four categories based on importance and urgency.

Priority Meaning Example
Must Non-negotiable. Without it, the product fails User authentication, checkout process
Should Important but not critical for MVP Profile picture upload
Could Nice-to-have, adds delight Dark mode, social media sharing
Won’t Out of scope for current release Multi-language support (planned for later)

BA Usage:
● During backlog grooming, tag user stories with MoSCoW priorities
● Align prioritization with business goals and timelines

Detailed Explanation

The MoSCoW method is a technique that helps teams classify tasks based on how crucial they are for a project's success. Here are the four categories:

  1. Must Have: These are essential features or requirements that the product cannot function without. If they are missing, the product fails.
  2. Should Have: These are important features that are not critical but significantly enhance the product. While the product can still function without them, having them improves user experience.
  3. Could Have: These are desirable features that would add extra enjoyment or functionality but are not necessary for the product to work.
  4. Won’t Have: These are features that are currently out of scope and will not be included in the present release, though they may be considered later.

Business Analysts (BAs) use this method during backlog grooming sessions by tagging user stories to ensure the team focuses on tasks that align with business goals and timelines.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are planning a birthday party. You have a list of things you want to get done:
- Must Have: A cake, a venue, and guests.
- Should Have: Balloons and decorations — nice, but the party can happen without them.
- Could Have: A magician or party games — these would be fun additions, but not necessary.
- Won’t Have: A grand fireworks show — it's a great idea but outside your budget and not possible this year. This categorization helps you focus on what truly matters for the party's success.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • MoSCoW Method: A prioritization technique categorizing items into four groups: Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won't Have.

  • Kano Model: A framework to categorize features based on user satisfaction and perceived value.

  • Product Backlog: An ordered list of everything needed to improve a product.

  • Backlog Grooming: Reviewing and refining items in the backlog to ensure they are ready for development.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An example of a Must Have in a software product could be user authentication. Without it, users cannot access the product.

  • A Could Have feature might be a dark mode that enhances user experience but is not essential to product functionality.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Mighty Shoulds Couldn't Waste, prioritize with careful taste!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a wizard who marks magical spells: Must Have for protection, Should Have for fun, Might Could Have just in case, and Won’t Have until the time is done.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'Bigger Brighter Delights In Reverse' to recall Kano's categories!

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'VAB' to remember Value-Alignment-Benefit for prioritization.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: MoSCoW Method

    Definition:

    A technique that divides requirements into four categories: Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won't Have.

  • Term: Kano Model

    Definition:

    A framework that categorizes product features based on customer satisfaction and perceived value.

  • Term: Product Backlog

    Definition:

    A dynamic list containing all features, enhancements, bugs, and research tasks required for product improvement.

  • Term: Backlog Grooming

    Definition:

    The process of reviewing and refining backlog items to prepare them for development.