What is the Scrum Team’s responsibility for delivering increments?

The Scrum Team is responsible for ensuring that there is at least one usable Increment per Sprint because this aligns with the fundamental principles of the Scrum framework. An Increment is defined as the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a Sprint, along with the value of all previous Sprints. This means that the Scrum Team must consistently build upon the existing product and deliver a working piece of software that can potentially be released to stakeholders.

The emphasis on having at least one usable Increment highlights the importance of delivering value to its stakeholders in a timely manner, thereby enabling the organization to respond to changing market demands and feedback effectively. This practice not only fosters accountability within the team but also aids in continuous improvement and adaptability, which are core elements of Agile methodologies.

Ensuring that an Increment is usable also involves the team adhering to the Definition of Done, a shared understanding of what it means for a Product Backlog item to be complete. This encourages a culture of quality within the team while also ensuring they remain focused on delivering meaningful advancements in the product.

In summary, the Scrum Team’s responsibility to deliver at least one usable Increment per Sprint ensures continuous delivery of value, aligns with Agile principles, and emphasizes quality while promoting adaptability and responsiveness.