What defines a "ready" item in the Product Backlog?

A "ready" item in the Product Backlog refers to those that are well-defined and small enough to be understood and actionable for the team during a sprint. When backlog items meet these criteria, they are usually described using the "INVEST" criteria—Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable.

Having well-defined items ensures that the Scrum Team clearly understands the acceptance criteria and can engage effectively in the upcoming sprint, reducing uncertainties or ambiguities. Additionally, smaller items are manageable and can be completed within a sprint, accommodating the iterative nature of Scrum while enabling continuous delivery of value.

Other options, while they may touch on aspects of the backlog, do not capture what makes an item "ready." Large or complex items might require decomposition into smaller parts. Items that have been discussed with stakeholders alone do not guarantee they have been sufficiently refined to be actionable by the team. Similarly, recently added items may lack the necessary detail or clarity until they are explored and refined in collaboration with the team.