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Why is "Sprint Review" an informal meeting ?

Last post 04:50 pm July 3, 2014 by Charles Bradley
3 replies
Bui Tuan Ninh
06:43 am July 3, 2014

Hello,

I found that sentence in page 11 of Scrum-Guide document, at section "Sprint Review".

I think that once "Sprint Review" is official event and be mentioned as its important, why it is "informal" meeting?

Could you help me clear ?

Thank you.

Ludwig Harsch
06:55 am July 3, 2014

You are right, it is an event and as such part of the framework and its rules.
I think what they want to point out with the word informal is the difference to a formal status or project closure meeting in waterfall projects.
"During the Sprint Review, the Scrum Team and stakeholders collaborate about what was done in the Sprint. Based on that and any changes to the Product Backlog during the Sprint, attendees collaborate on the next things that could be done to optimize value."
So the attendees collaborate. This is very different to a Product Owner presenting what was done and stakeholders giving standing ovations, which is not the purpose of the review, because "the presentation of the Increment is intended to elicit feedback and foster collaboration".

Ian Mitchell
07:07 am July 3, 2014

> I think that once "Sprint Review" is official
> event and be mentioned as its important, why it is "informal" meeting? 

Formality would constrain behavior and could potentially reduce openness and transparency. Honest and frank discussion is necessary in order to maximize the value of the event. That's what is meant here by "informality".

Charles Bradley
04:50 pm July 3, 2014

+1 to both answers above.

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