Characteristics of a Scrum Team
A Scrum Team is designed to be cross-functional and self-managing, allowing it to tackle problems and deliver valuable increments of the product collaboratively. Integrating UX skills within the Scrum Team is essential for ensuring that the product not only functions well but also provides a great user experience.
Exam Question
Which of the following describe a Scrum Team?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Implements the designs of the UX team.
B. Self-managing around solving problems.
C. Collocated near UX people.
D. Cross-functional with UX skills on the team.
Correct Answers
B. Self-managing around solving problems.
D. Cross-functional with UX skills on the team.
Explanation
Correct Answers
B. Self-managing around solving problems:
A key characteristic of a Scrum Team is its ability to self-manage. This means that the team has the autonomy to organize and manage their own work without relying on external direction. They work together to identify and solve problems, decide how to approach their tasks, and ensure that they meet their Sprint Goals.
D. Cross-functional with UX skills on the team:
A Scrum Team must be cross-functional, meaning that it possesses all the skills necessary to complete the work and deliver a product increment. This includes having UX skills within the team to ensure that user experience is considered and integrated into the product development process from the start.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
A. Implements the designs of the UX team:
This option suggests a separation between the UX team and the Scrum Team, which goes against the principle of cross-functionality. In Scrum, all necessary skills, including UX, should be integrated into the Scrum Team to ensure seamless collaboration and delivery.
C. Collocated near UX people:
While physical proximity can facilitate better communication, it is not a defining characteristic of a Scrum Team. The focus should be on integrating UX skills within the team rather than relying on proximity to a separate UX team.
Benefits of Cross-Functional and Self-Managing Teams
- Enhanced Collaboration: Having all necessary skills, including UX, within the team fosters better collaboration and integration of user experience considerations into the development process.
- Increased Flexibility: Self-managing teams can quickly adapt to changes and find the best solutions to problems without waiting for external approval or direction.
- Improved Efficiency: Cross-functional teams can handle all aspects of product development, reducing handoffs and delays associated with waiting for input from separate teams.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding the characteristics of a Scrum Team is crucial for the PSU I exam. This knowledge ensures that you can effectively manage and integrate UX work within a Scrum framework, leading to better product outcomes and user satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
- A Scrum Team is self-managing and cross-functional, including all necessary skills to deliver a product increment.
- Integrating UX skills within the team ensures that user experience is a fundamental part of the development process.
- Self-managing teams have the autonomy to organize their work and solve problems collaboratively.
Conclusion
Incorporating UX skills within a cross-functional and self-managing Scrum Team is essential for delivering high-quality products that meet both functional and user experience requirements. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
