What impact does backlog stability have on sprint length decisions?

Backlog stability plays a significant role in determining the appropriate length of sprints. When the backlog is unstable, meaning that requirements are frequently changing or new items are continually being added, shorter sprints become advantageous. This is because shorter sprints allow the team to frequently reassess priorities, adapt to new information, and deliver incremental value more rapidly.

By having shorter sprints in the context of an unstable backlog, teams can better respond to changes and fluctuations in requirements, helping to ensure that the work being conducted is relevant and aligned with stakeholders' current needs. This iterative approach mitigates the risks associated with an unpredictable backlog and ensures that the team is not committing to long-term deliverables that may quickly become obsolete or irrelevant.

In contrast, when the backlog is stable, there may be less need for constant reassessment, allowing for potentially longer sprints as the team can focus on delivering a more comprehensive set of features without the immediate pressure to adjust frequently. Therefore, shorter sprints are indeed indicated for environments where the backlog is unstable, enabling flexibility, responsiveness, and risk management within the agile framework.