Empiricism in Scrum
Scrum is based on the empirical process or Empiricism, which means working in a fact-based, event-based, experience-based and evidence-based manner.
The dictionary meaning of Empiricism —
(Noun) The theory is that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses.
Scrum promotes an incremental and iterative approach to optimize predictability and risk.
Three pillars of Empiricism on which Scrum is based —
- Transparency
- Inspection
- Adaptation
Transparency is an absolute must in product development. No hidden agenda or deceitful tactics are acceptable. Trust is paramount; everyone must work together towards a common goal that aligns with the organization's objectives. Honesty is valued in every aspect of the process, and positive and negative news must be communicated openly and transparently.
Inspection in Scrum includes inspecting the product, process, and people for their betterment. A skilled inspector effectively does an assessment, and feedback is shared like a stakeholder checks the product backlog during the sprint review and shares the changes or feedback.
Adaptation means adapting the facts and feedback from inspection. When an inspector determines that a process or product deviates from accepting limits. An adjustment is made to minimize further deviation. The result of adaptation is continuous improvement.
Every event in Scrum provides a moment to inspect and adapt —
- In Sprint Planning, the Scrum team inspects the product backlog and action item from the sprint retrospective and adapts the sprint backlog.
- In Daily Scrum, the development team inspects the sprint goal and adapts the daily plan.
- In the Sprint Review, the Scrum team inspects the product (feedback from the customer or stakeholder) and adapts the product backlog.
- In the Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum team inspects the process and people and adapts at least one item in the sprint backlog.
In these events and any situation you are in, maintain transparency, inspect the condition and adapt based on the facts and feedback.
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