Artifacts are documents and other items produced during a portfolio, program, or project to facilitate management, decision-making, and communication. They provide essential information to project teams, stakeholders, and management.
Key Aspects of Artifacts
- Support Project Execution – Used to track progress, manage risks, and guide decision-making.
- Can Be Formal or Informal – Ranges from structured documents to informal reports or working materials.
- Used Across All Project Phases – Created and updated throughout the project lifecycle.
- Help Maintain Transparency – Provide visibility into project health and performance.
Types of Artifacts
Artifacts vary based on the methodology used, such as traditional project management (waterfall) or Agile frameworks.
Project Management Artifacts
- Project Charter – Defines project objectives, scope, and key stakeholders.
- Project Management Plan – Outlines how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.
- Risk Register – Documents identified risks and mitigation strategies.
- Issue Log – Tracks problems and resolutions during the project.
Agile Artifacts
- Product Backlog – A prioritized list of features or requirements.
- Sprint Backlog – Work planned for a single Agile sprint.
- Burndown Chart – A visual representation of remaining work versus time.
- Definition of Done (DoD) – Criteria that determine when a deliverable is complete.
Technical & Deliverable Artifacts
- Requirements Documentation – Captures business and functional needs.
- Design Specifications – Provides blueprints for development or construction.
- Test Plans & Reports – Defines testing criteria and records test outcomes.
- User Manuals & Training Materials – Supports end-user adoption and usage.
Example Scenarios
Software Development
A development team maintains an evolving backlog of user stories, sprint reports, and testing results as artifacts throughout the project.
Construction Project
Blueprints, material procurement plans, and progress reports serve as critical artifacts to ensure alignment with architectural and safety standards.
Strategic Portfolio Management
A portfolio manager relies on investment analysis documents and status dashboards to track the performance of multiple projects.
Why Artifacts Matter
- Enable Effective Communication – Ensure stakeholders have access to critical project information.
- Support Decision-Making – Provide a historical record of project progress and issues.
- Improve Accountability – Help track responsibilities and commitments across teams.
See also: Project Management Plan, Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Burndown Chart, Risk Register, Definition of Done (DoD).