How do Agile teams typically prioritize backlog items?

Agile teams typically prioritize backlog items using the Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) method because it provides a structured and quantifiable approach to decision-making. WSJF helps teams focus on both maximizing the value delivered and minimizing the time or cost to implement those features. It evaluates items based on two main criteria: the value derived from delivering an item (which can include customer value, time criticality, and risk reduction) and the effort or time required to complete it. By calculating the WSJF score, teams can prioritize items that deliver the highest value in the shortest amount of time, aligning with Agile principles of delivering high-value iterations quickly.

While intuition and experience can inform decision-making, they do not provide a consistent framework for prioritization. Relying solely on team consensus might lead to ambiguity without a structured evaluation process, and focusing only on deadline urgency can result in neglecting the overall value that items can contribute. Therefore, using WSJF is the most effective method as it balances value with practicality, ensuring that the most valuable features are delivered in a timely manner.