Answering: “Which of the following is an example of an Increment?” (PSD)

A valuable, useful set of product features is an example of an Increment. Plans, mock-ups, designs and roll-out schedules may be useful work, but none of them is a usable product.

Exam Question

Which of the following is an example of an Increment?
(choose the best answer)
A. A plan for the overall product release.
B. A mock-up of the product marketing materials.
C. A design for the product.
D. A product roll-out plan.
E. A valuable, useful set of product features.
F. All of the above.

Correct Answer

E. A valuable, useful set of product features.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide calls an Increment “a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal” and says “in order to provide value, the Increment must be usable.” It also says that “work cannot be considered part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done.” A set of features that works and meets the Definition of Done fits that description. A release plan, marketing mock-up, product design or roll-out plan is a document about the product, not a working part of it. Stakeholders cannot use any of them to get value.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. A plan for the overall product release. A release plan describes intended work. It is not usable product.

B. A mock-up of the product marketing materials. A mock-up is a representation, not working functionality that meets the Definition of Done.

C. A design for the product. Design is part of the work of building an Increment, not an Increment on its own.

D. A product roll-out plan. Like a release plan, it is a document about delivery rather than delivered value.

F. All of the above. Only E is usable product, so this option cannot be correct.

Exam Tip

Ask “could a user actually use this?” when judging whether something is an Increment. Plans and designs fail that test.

Key Takeaways

• An Increment must be usable and meet the Definition of Done.
• Plans, designs and mock-ups are not Increments.
• Each Increment is a step toward the Product Goal.