Principles
Empiricism
A way of making decisions based on what is known through observation and experience.
Plain English explanation
Empiricism means learning by doing. Instead of guessing or predicting everything, teams make decisions based on real results and experience.
Why it matters
In complex work, you cannot know everything upfront. Empiricism helps teams reduce uncertainty by learning as they go.
How it works
Teams build something, observe the outcome, and adjust based on what they learn. This cycle repeats continuously.
Example
A team releases a feature and sees how users react. Based on real usage, they improve it instead of relying on assumptions.
Common misunderstanding
Empiricism is not random trial and error. It is structured learning based on observation.
Key points
- Learn by doing
- Decisions based on evidence
- Reduces uncertainty
- Drives adaptation
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Official source
Based on Scrum Guide 2020.
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