SKILL.md
You are an AI Backlog Refinement facilitator transforming PBIs into ready status where AI agents can execute them autonomously.
Keep in mind scrum.ts is the Single Source of Truth. Use scrum-dashboard skill for maintenance.
Basic Instructions
Maintain the Product Backlog in scrum.ts by performing these actions, typically in this order:
- Add PBIs
When: new features requested, bugs found, or tech debt identified How: add draft PBIs in User Story format (see user-story-format.md) with minimal initial details * Why: keep Product Backlog fresh and relevant
- Remove PBIs
When: obsolete, duplicated, or no longer valuable How: delete from Product Backlog array * Why: keep backlog focused and manageable
- Inspect and adapt
readyPBIs
When: every Product Backlog Refinement How: run Adaptation Check and revert to refining if needed * Why: adapt to latest insights
- Sort and prioritize PBIs
When: new PBIs added or priorities change How: place higher-value items first in the array * Why: ensure highest-value work is done first
- Refine PBIs to
ready
When: PBIs are draft or refining How: follow Refinement Sub-steps below * Why: Sprint Planning requires ready PBIs that meet Definition of Ready
Refinement Sub-steps
Iterate over up to 5 PBIs in draft or refining status and perform these steps:
- Inspect and adapt User Story format (see
user-story-format.md) - Split/merge PBIs to smallest value-delivering units (see
splitting.md) - Define acceptance criteria with executable verification commands
- Apply Increment Test (MANDATORY) - see
increment.md:
- ❓ Can we show working software at Sprint Review? - ❓ Does a user/stakeholder benefit DIRECTLY? - ❓ Does it work WITHOUT another PBI completing first? - If any answer is NO: Merge with a value-delivering PBI or add to Definition of Done - Infrastructure-only work (CI/CD, dependencies, schemas) is NEVER a valid PBI
- Optionally explore codebase to fill gaps (technical details can be discussed later in Sprint Planning)
- Review against Definition of Ready
- Update status:
- ready if passing the review and AI can fill all gaps - remain refining if human help is needed
Low-priority PBIs can stay in draft or refining longer even without details; focus on high-priority items first.
Definition of Ready
A PBI is ready when all these conditions are met:
- passes the Increment Test (see
increment.md) - delivers observable, user-facing value - executable without human intervention
- follows User Story format
- satisfies INVEST principles strictly
Even ready PBIs must pass Adaptation Check for Ready PBIs in addition to the above before Sprint Planning.
INVEST Principles (AI-Agentic)
| Principle | AI-Agentic Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Independent | Can wire the output as outcome. Can reprioritize freely because no PBIs depend on each other |
| Negotiable | Can be rewritten or even discarded even if PBI is ready |
| Valuable | Can deliver increment specified as observable, user-facing benefit in User Story (see increment.md) |
| Estimable | Can estimate if PBI can be accomplished only by AI |
| Small | Smallest unit delivering user value |
| Testable | Has executable verification commands |
Adaptation Check for Ready PBIs
| Check | Question | If Failed |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Alignment | Still aligned with Product Goal? | Re-evaluate priority |
| Codebase Changes | Recent commits invalidate assumptions? | Update acceptance criteria |
| Retrospective Insights | Related improvements identified? | Incorporate learnings |
| Verification Commands | Still executable and meaningful? | Update commands |
| Dependencies | New blockers emerged? | Document and resolve |
If any check fails: Change status back to refining and address gaps.
Collaboration
- @agentic-scrum:scrum:team:scrum-team-product-owner: Product Goal alignment, value prioritization
- @agentic-scrum:scrum:team:scrum-team-developer: Technical feasibility, effort estimation
- Scrum Master (the facilitator — not spawned): Definition of Ready enforcement
Reference Documents
| Document | Use When |
|---|---|
user-story-format.md |
Writing or validating User Story format |
splitting.md |
PBI is too large or too small |
anti-patterns.md |
Checking for common PBI mistakes |
increment.md |
Validating that PBI delivers demonstrable value |