Understanding Increments in Scrum

An Increment in Scrum refers to a completed and usable piece of the product that adds value to the overall project. It is the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a Sprint, meeting the Definition of Done, and is ready for release or further development.

Exam Question

Which of the following is an example of an Increment?
(choose the best answer)
A. A plan for the overall product release.
B. A mock-up of the product marketing materials.
C. A design for the product.
D. A product roll-out plan.
E. A valuable, useful set of product features.
F. All of the above.

Correct Answer

E. A valuable, useful set of product features.

Explanation

Correct Answer

E. A valuable, useful set of product features:
An Increment in Scrum is defined as a completed piece of the product that delivers value and is potentially releasable. It must be in a usable condition, meeting the Definition of Done, and contribute to the product’s overall functionality. This means that an Increment is not just a plan, design, or mock-up; it is a working, integrated part of the product that could be released to stakeholders.

Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate

A. A plan for the overall product release:
While important, a plan does not constitute an Increment. An Increment is a working piece of the product, not just a plan or document.

B. A mock-up of the product marketing materials:
Mock-ups are prototypes or drafts and do not represent a functional part of the product. They are tools used during the design phase but are not Increments themselves.

C. A design for the product:
A design outlines what the product should look like or how it should function, but it is not a working product feature. Therefore, it does not qualify as an Increment.

D. A product roll-out plan:
Similar to a release plan, a roll-out plan is a strategic document. It does not deliver immediate, usable value to the product and is not considered an Increment.

F. All of the above:
This option is incorrect because only a usable, valuable set of product features qualifies as an Increment. The other options are important to the development process but do not meet the criteria of being a potentially shippable product Increment.

Relevance to the PSD Exam

Understanding what constitutes an Increment is crucial for the PSD exam, as it directly relates to the Scrum framework’s goal of delivering value in every Sprint. Recognizing the difference between a plan, design, and a usable product feature is key to grasping the concept of Incremental delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Increment: A completed, usable, and valuable piece of the product that meets the Definition of Done and could be released if the Product Owner chooses.
• Value Delivery: Each Increment should add value to the product and contribute to its overall development.

Conclusion

An Increment is a critical concept in Scrum, representing a usable, valuable set of product features that can be released or built upon in future Sprints. Understanding this ensures that Scrum Teams focus on delivering tangible value in every Sprint. For more insights and preparation tips for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.