How frequently should a Product Backlog be refined?

Refining the Product Backlog regularly is essential to ensure that it remains relevant, prioritized, and aligned with business objectives. Regular refinement sessions allow the team to review and adjust the items in the backlog based on new information, changing requirements, and feedback from stakeholders or users. This ongoing process helps the team clarify and detail backlog items, making it easier to estimate work and prioritize tasks for upcoming Sprints.

Through these sessions, the development team can collaborate effectively, selecting the most valuable items to work on next, and ensuring that the backlog reflects current priorities. Regular refinement also aids in minimizing uncertainty and enabling better planning, as items are continuously groomed and clarified. This approach contrasts with less frequent or ad-hoc refinement, which can lead to a backlog filled with outdated, poorly defined, or lower-priority items, ultimately hindering the team's effectiveness.