Inputs to Release Planning

• Backlog items & priorities
• Team velocity (real historic velocity)
• Upcoming risks or holidays
• Complexity maps (e.g., epic → stories)

Planning Steps

• 1. Break epics into deliverable slices
• 2. Estimate stories → get rough size
• 3. Apply velocity → forecast sprint count
• 4. Adjust for uncertainty / buffer

Smell of Bad Release Plan

• Fixed date + fixed scope
• No data used
• Velocity expected to increase
• No buffer or risk planning