Author(s):

Product Manager, Toptal

Editors Note: The BPMInstitute is excited to share this article written by Omer Schechter. This article was originally published on Toptal.com, on June 3, 2020. 

Product backlogs are a critical component of product development: Comprised of a prioritized list of features that guides a product from its initial vision to its execution and formal release. By converting high-level concepts into working details, the product backlog facilitates the creation of a product. Let’s take a closer look at the key steps and the core elements of a product backlog and how a product manager is responsible for creating, prioritizing, and maintaining it.

Split the Backlog into Two Lists

When creating a backlog, define its scope, whether it applies to the entire company’s product line, a subset of products, or just a single product—this helps you manage the features.