tech·nic·al·ly agile class·i·fic·at·ion

Artifact

Defined outputs that make progress, quality, and value transparent and inspectable.

An artifact is a defined, inspectable representation of work that supports transparency, empirical decision-making, and continuous improvement in agile systems.

Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/artifact/

Overview

An artifact is a formal, inspectable output that represents work and progress in a system of delivery. In Agile, Lean, and DevOps contexts, artifacts provide a shared understanding of what is being worked on, what is Done, and what remains. They are not tools or documents, but defined constructs that exist to support transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

In Scrum, there are three core artifacts: the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. Each artifact is designed to make key information visible and understandable. The Definition of Done further ensures that an Increment meets a standard of quality and completeness.

Artifacts serve as reference points for empirical decision-making. They enable teams and stakeholders to inspect the current state of the work, identify risks, and adapt their approach. In Kanban and DevOps, similar constructs exist—such as visual work boards, flow diagrams, and deployment pipelines—that function as artifacts by exposing delivery progress and system behaviour.

Artifacts are not passive records. They are active instruments of delivery governance. When used effectively, they enhance alignment, support evidence-based forecasting, and reinforce trust between stakeholders and teams by making progress and value delivery visible.

Learn More about Artifact

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Concepts


Categories


Tags

GitHub (1)
Scaling (12)
Windows (150)

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

Epic Games Logo
Trayport Logo
Higher Education Statistics Agency Logo
Healthgrades Logo
Ericson Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo
Emerson Process Management Logo
Boeing Logo

NIT A/S

Illumina Logo
Alignment Healthcare Logo
Sage Logo
SuperControl Logo
Jack Links Logo
Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo
Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company) Logo
Boxit Document Solutions Logo
Slaughter and May Logo
Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo
Washington Department of Transport Logo
Royal Air Force Logo
Ghana Police Service Logo
Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo
New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo

CR2

Illumina Logo
ProgramUtvikling Logo
Jack Links Logo
Genus Breeding Ltd Logo
Sage Logo