Sprint 69 :: Managing Backlog using RICE
Managing a backlog can be a troublesome event, sometimes it can even be a big challenge.
Having the ability to make informed decisions about feature prioritization is crucial to the success of a product, with so many variables to consider, product managers are faced with the challenging task of navigating through all the many options to ensure that the product remains competitive, valuable and aligned with the business objectives.
In recent years, a lot of prioritization frameworks have emerged that are invaluable tools to help product managers deal with this challenges, we are talking about frameworks like:
SJF
Kano
Cost of Delay
MoSCoW
and so many more…
In this article we will focus on RICE, one of said frameworks that was developed by Intercom, RICE scoring offers a structured and data-driven approach to prioritizing backlog items based on potential impact. For this we consider factors such as Reach, Impact, Confidence and Effort, this scoring provides product with a systematic method to evaluate and prioritize features maximizing their value and efficiency.
The development of structured frameworks like RICE has revolutionized the way product managers approach backlog prioritization. Initially conceived as a solution to the challenge of prioritizing features in a rapidly growing startup environment, RICE scoring has since evolved into a widely adopted framework used by product teams of all sizes and industries.
At its core, RICE scoring is built on four key components:
Reach
Referring to the number of users or customers who will be affected by a particular feature or initiative
Impact
Measuring the degree to which the feature will impact those users or the business as a whole
Confidence
Reflecting the level of certainty or confidence that the team has in the estimates for Reach and Impact
Effort
Representing the amount of time, resources, and effort required to implement the feature
Implementing RICE scoring in practice involves several key steps. The first step is to create a RICE scorecard that outlines how each of the four components will be evaluated and assigned a numerical value. This scorecard serves as a guide for the team when assessing backlog items and assigning scores. Next, data collection is essential for accurately assessing the Reach, Impact, and Effort of each backlog item. This may involve conducting user surveys, analyzing usage metrics, or consulting with subject matter experts to gather relevant information.
Once data is collected, the RICE scoring formula is applied to calculate a score for each backlog item. The formula typically involves multiplying the Reach, Impact, and Confidence scores and dividing by Effort to arrive at a final RICE score. The higher the RICE score, the higher priority the item is given in the product roadmap.
Like any framework, RICE scoring is not without its challenges. Uncertainty and subjectivity are two common hurdles that product teams must overcome when using RICE scoring. Uncertainty arises from the inherent unpredictability of future outcomes, making it challenging to accurately estimate the potential Reach and Impact of backlog items. Subjectivity, on the other hand, stems from the diverse perspectives and biases inherent in decision-making processes.
To mitigate these challenges, product teams must employ various strategies. Conducting user research, validation experiments, and market analysis can help increase confidence levels and reduce uncertainty in RICE scoring. Additionally, involving diverse perspectives and documenting assumptions and rationale behind score assignments can help minimize subjectivity and bias in the process.
In the world of Product Management RICE scoring is without a doubt a powerful tool to be used, however, every single week new frameworks come to light, it’s up to the product team to find out what framework works best for their team and apply it.
How do you normally prioritize your backlog?
The Product Land ⛰️
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