What are artifacts in Scrum?

In the context of Scrum, artifacts are crucial components that provide transparency and ensure that everyone involved has access to important information throughout the development process. Artifacts include elements like the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment, which collectively support the management and execution of work within a Scrum framework.

The significance of these artifacts lies in their ability to provide key information that aids the team in successfully completing the sprint cycle. For example, the Product Backlog encapsulates all potential work that might be needed in the project, prioritized by the Product Owner. The Sprint Backlog details the work selected for a specific sprint, ensuring focused delivery. The Increment reflects the completed work, measuring progress and highlighting what has been accomplished.

While other choices may touch upon important aspects of project management, they do not define artifacts in the Scrum framework as it relates to transparency, information availability, and facilitating the sprint cycle's success. Artifacts are specifically oriented toward ensuring that the Scrum Team and stakeholders are aligned on goals, progress, and deliverables, which ultimately drives the efficiency and effectiveness of the team's output.