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Transform PBIs into ready status for AI execution. Use when refining backlog items, splitting stories, or ensuring Definition of Ready.
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.
Maintain the Product Backlog in scrum.ts by performing these actions, typically in this order:
draft PBIs in User Story format (see user-story-format.md) with minimal initial detailsready PBIsrefining if neededreadydraft or refiningready PBIs that meet Definition of ReadyIterate over up to 5 PBIs in draft or refining status and perform these steps:
user-story-format.md)splitting.md)increment.md:ready if passing the review and AI can fill all gapsrefining if human help is neededLow-priority PBIs can stay in draft or refining longer even without details; focus on high-priority items first.
A PBI is ready when all these conditions are met:
increment.md) - delivers observable, user-facing valueEven ready PBIs must pass Adaptation Check for Ready PBIs in addition to the above before Sprint Planning.
| 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 |
| 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.
| 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 |
