Capturing Non-Functional Requirements in Scrum
In Scrum, delivering a valuable and useful product Increment requires not only meeting the functional requirements but also ensuring that the product adheres to non-functional requirements such as stability, security, performance, and reliability. Non-functional requirements are essential for the product’s overall quality and usability, and they must be carefully considered throughout the development process.
Exam Question
A valuable and useful product Increment needs to represent the product’s non-functional requirements, such as stability, security, financial integrity, performance, reliability, extensibility, marketability, and other requirements.
From your experience, how have you captured these types of requirements?
How do you know that the Increment is compliant with the non-functional requirements?
Explanation
Capturing Non-Functional Requirements
- Incorporating Non-Functional Requirements into the Product Backlog: Non-functional requirements should be treated as integral parts of the Product Backlog. They can be captured as specific Product Backlog Items (PBIs) or as acceptance criteria within other PBIs. By including them in the Product Backlog, the Product Owner ensures that these requirements are visible and prioritized along with functional requirements.
- Using the Definition of Done: The Definition of Done (DoD) is a critical tool in Scrum that helps ensure that all aspects of quality, including non-functional requirements, are met. The Scrum Team can explicitly include non-functional requirements in the DoD, ensuring that each Increment meets these criteria before it is considered complete and potentially shippable.
- Continuous Integration and Automated Testing: Implementing continuous integration and automated testing practices allows the Scrum Team to consistently check the product against non-functional requirements. For example, performance tests, security scans, and stress tests can be automated to ensure that each Increment complies with the required standards.
Ensuring Compliance with Non-Functional Requirements
- Regular Reviews and Inspections: During the Sprint Review, the Scrum Team can demonstrate how the Increment meets the non-functional requirements by showcasing specific tests or metrics. Additionally, continuous inspection through automated testing during the Sprint helps catch any deviations early, allowing the team to address them promptly.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Close collaboration with stakeholders, especially those concerned with non-functional aspects such as security and performance, is crucial. Engaging these stakeholders in Product Backlog refinement and Sprint Reviews helps ensure that non-functional requirements are adequately captured and verified in each Increment.
- Adapting the Definition of Done: As the product evolves, the Scrum Team may need to adapt the Definition of Done to include more stringent non-functional requirements. This adaptation ensures that as new challenges or market demands arise, the product continues to meet the necessary standards for stability, security, and other non-functional criteria.
Relevance to the PSM III Exam
In the PSM III exam, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and verify non-functional requirements in Scrum is essential. Successfully capturing these requirements and ensuring compliance is key to delivering high-quality, valuable products that meet both user and business needs.
Key Takeaways
- Non-functional requirements should be incorporated into the Product Backlog and the Definition of Done.
- Continuous integration and automated testing help ensure that each Increment complies with non-functional requirements.
- Regular reviews, stakeholder collaboration, and adapting the Definition of Done are essential practices for maintaining compliance with non-functional requirements.
Conclusion
Capturing and ensuring compliance with non-functional requirements is a critical aspect of delivering a valuable and useful product Increment in Scrum. By integrating these requirements into the Product Backlog, Definition of Done, and development practices, the Scrum Team can consistently meet the high standards required for a successful product. For more insights on how to prepare for the PSM III exam, visit our Scrum Master PSM III™ Exam Prep.
