LeanUX Backlog Management Methodology

"A backlog is not a todo list. It's a collection of validated hypotheses waiting to become working software."

Story States

State	Meaning	Entry Criteria
Draft	Idea captured, not validated	Has problem statement
Ready	Validated, has UAT, ready to build	All DoR items complete
In Progress	Actively being built	UAT test written (RED)
In Review	Code complete, awaiting review	All tests green
Done	Merged, deployed, validated	UAT passes in production
Blocked	Cannot proceed	Blocker documented

Story Sizing Criteria

Right-Sized

Completable in 1-3 days | 3-7 UAT scenarios | Delivers demonstrable value | Explainable in 2 minutes

Oversized Indicators

7 UAT scenarios | >3 days effort | Multiple distinct user outcomes | Cannot demonstrate in single session

Splitting Strategy

Split by user outcome, not technical layer. Each resulting story delivers independently demonstrable value.

Example: "User Management" (20 scenarios) splits into:

• "Quick Login" (5 scenarios) -- returning customer on trusted device
• "New Registration" (4 scenarios) -- first-time customer sign-up
• "Password Recovery" (3 scenarios) -- customer who forgot credentials
• "Profile Settings" (4 scenarios) -- customer updating preferences

Definition of Ready (DoR) - Hard Gate

Stories pass ALL 8 items before proceeding to DESIGN wave.

Checklist with Pass/Fail Examples

1. Problem statement clear and in domain language

• Pass: "Maria wastes 30 seconds typing credentials on every visit"
• Fail: "Users need authentication"

2. User/persona identified with specific characteristics

• Pass: "Returning customer (2+ orders) on trusted personal device"
• Fail: "User" or "Customer"

3. At least 3 domain examples with real data

• Pass: "Maria on her MacBook, last login 5 days ago, goes directly to dashboard"
• Fail: "User logs in successfully"