What is the Difference Between a Sprint Review and a Retrospective?

Understanding the distinct roles of a sprint review and a retrospective is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of Agile teams. While often confused, these two meetings serve fundamentally different purposes: a sprint review is a formal meeting focused on inspecting the increment and adapting the product backlog, whereas a retrospective is an informal, internal team meeting focused on improving the development process itself. Mastering when and how to use each is key to driving both product value and team health.

What is the Purpose of a Sprint Review vs. a Retrospective?

The core difference lies in their objectives. A sprint review is an external-facing event. Its primary goal is to gather feedback on the product increment from key stakeholders, which can include product owners, clients, and end-users. It's a collaborative session to present the work completed during the sprint and adjust the product roadmap based on the feedback received.

In contrast, a sprint retrospective is an internal, team-focused ceremony. The goal is for the Scrum team (developers, Scrum Master, and Product Owner) to inspect how they worked together during the sprint. The team discusses what went well, what could be improved, and creates a concrete plan for enhancing their processes, tools, and communication in the next sprint.

Who Attends Each Meeting?

The attendee list is a clear differentiator that influences the entire tone of the meeting.

• Sprint Review Attendees: This is a broader meeting. Attendees typically include the entire Scrum Team plus stakeholders. The development team demonstrates the working product, and stakeholders provide direct feedback.
• Retrospective Attendees: This meeting is exclusively for the Scrum Team. The closed nature fosters psychological safety, allowing for candid discussions about team dynamics, challenges, and process improvements without external scrutiny.

The following table summarizes the key distinctions:

When Do These Meetings Occur in the Sprint Cycle?

Timing is standardized within the Agile framework to ensure information is fresh and actionable. Both meetings occur at the end of the sprint.

1. Sprint Review: This is held first. The team showcases the completed work to stakeholders immediately after the sprint's development work concludes.
2. Sprint Retrospective: This is held after the sprint review and before the next sprint planning. This sequencing allows the team to incorporate any relevant feedback from the review into their internal process discussion.

Holding the retrospective last ensures the team can reflect on the entire sprint experience, including the stakeholder interaction, and plan improvements for the next cycle.

How Does the Tone and Format Differ?

The differing purposes and attendees naturally lead to distinct meeting formats.

A sprint review is more structured and presentation-like. The team prepares a demo, and the agenda is focused on showcasing functionality and collecting feedback. It is a forward-looking meeting centered on the product.

A retrospective, however, employs various techniques to facilitate open dialogue. Formats can range from simple "Start, Stop, Continue" discussions to more creative activities aimed at uncovering insights. The tone is collaborative and reflective, with the goal of creating a safe space for honest feedback.

What are the Tangible Outcomes of Each Meeting?

The concrete results of each meeting are what drive progress.

• Sprint Review Outcomes: The most significant output is a revised and adapted Product Backlog. Based on stakeholder feedback, items may be reprioritized, added, or removed. This directly influences what the team works on next.
• Retrospective Outcomes: The main output is a list of actionable items the team commits to for the next sprint to improve their workflow. This could involve adopting a new tool, changing a communication practice, or addressing a specific impediment.

To implement these meetings effectively, remember that the sprint review is your window to the market, ensuring you build the right product. The retrospective is your team's engine for continuous improvement, ensuring you build the product right. By clearly separating these two vital ceremonies, teams can enhance both product value and their own efficiency.