If the Development Team cannot deliver the Increment due to unclear requirements, what should they do?

When the Development Team finds that they cannot deliver the Increment due to unclear requirements, the most appropriate action is to consult the Product Owner. The Product Owner is responsible for managing the product backlog, which includes clarifying requirements and prioritizing tasks for the team. By engaging with the Product Owner, the Development Team can gain a better understanding of what is expected and ensure that any ambiguities are resolved. This collaboration helps keep the project aligned with stakeholder needs and expectations, resulting in a more effective and efficient delivery process.

Consulting the Product Owner also reinforces the Agile principle of customer collaboration over contract negotiation. It fosters communication and encourages transparency, which is crucial for addressing issues promptly. In Scrum, the Product Owner serves as the key liaison between stakeholders and the Development Team, making them the most appropriate source for clarifications regarding requirements.

Other options do not provide the same level of effectiveness in addressing the issue. Simply skipping the delivery would not help the team progress and could lead to frustration. Seeking help from a stakeholder might be useful, but the Product Owner is specifically designated to provide clarity on requirements. Documenting the issue for future sprints may lead to recurring problems rather than resolving them in the current iteration, making it a less proactive approach.