Velocity metrics and burn down charts tell you something is happening. It's purpose is as an indicator of something trending right or wrong. It doesn't preclude

Velocity metrics and burn down charts tell you something is happening. It's purpose is as an indicator of something trending right or wrong. It doesn't preclude good design and architectural analysis and product feature prioritization. If you don't have direction for the velocity it is meaningless. Unfortunately many a times its just a number to berate dev. teams on their productivity. That was not its intent. I forget who said it but - the road to hell is paved with good intentions :)