Why Hold Sprint Reviews Even Without a Releasable Increment?
Even when a team cannot release increments in a Sprint, holding a Sprint Review with stakeholders remains essential. It provides transparency about what was completed, surfaces impediments blocking more frequent releases, and enlists stakeholder support to remove those obstacles. The Sprint Review is not only about showcasing delivered value but also about addressing what prevents delivery.
Metaphor
A Sprint Review without a releasable Increment is like a fire drill in a building that never actually catches fire. The point isn’t to show off flames being put out, but to reveal if the exits are blocked, the alarms work, and people know where to go.
Likewise, Sprint Reviews matter even without a release because they expose what’s blocking delivery and give stakeholders a chance to help clear the path.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking:(1)