What does the term 'increment' refer to in Scrum?

In Scrum, the term "increment" specifically refers to the sum of all completed Product Backlog items during a Sprint. This means that an increment is a concrete step towards the final product, representing the work that has been done and integrated in a Sprint. It encompasses all the features and functionalities that have been developed, tested, and made ready for delivery in that Sprint.

The increment is crucial because it provides a measure of progress and a tangible output from the Scrum process. After each Sprint, the increment is reviewed during the Sprint Review, allowing stakeholders to see the value delivered and to provide feedback for further development. It is essential for ensuring that the project remains aligned with customer needs and expectations, as it allows the team to demonstrate what has been accomplished.

This term underscores the iterative nature of Scrum, where work is divided into manageable pieces (Sprints) that contribute to a cumulative and evolving product. By focusing on the increment, teams ensure they are consistently delivering value and adapting to changes throughout the project lifecycle, thereby aligning closely with Agile principles of flexibility and responsiveness to change.