This article discusses the Definition of Done in Scrum
In Agile development, where adaptability and continuous delivery are key, the Definition of Done (DoD) acts as a cornerstone. It’s more than a checklist — it’s a shared understanding of what “complete” means. This ensures transparency, quality, and consistent value delivery.
What is the Definition of Done?
The Scrum Guide defines the DoD as a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. In simple terms, it’s a set of agreed-upon criteria that must be satisfied for a Product Backlog Item (PBI) to be considered “done.”
Sample Definition of Done for an E-commerce Website
Here’s a sample DoD for an e-commerce website. Each point can include specific details — for example, “Performance and Security Standards Met” might list page load time limits, vulnerability checks, and encryption criteria.
- Acceptance criteria met
- Performance and security standards met
- User experience (UX) and accessibility verified
- Documentation and code quality maintained
- Deployment readiness confirmed
Why is the Definition of Done Important?
The DoD drives success by:
- Ensuring Transparency: It provides a clear, shared understanding of what “done” means, eliminating ambiguity and fostering trust.
- Maintaining Quality: It sets high standards, reducing defects and rework.
- Boosting Predictability: A consistent DoD supports more accurate sprint planning and forecasting.
- Enabling Continuous Improvement: The DoD becomes a baseline for identifying improvements.
- Delivering Value: Each Increment is potentially releasable, ensuring value delivery.
Organizational Definition of Done: Minimum, Not Maximum
Many organizations create a company-wide DoD to promote consistency. However, this should define minimum standards — not maximum limits.
Rigid, overly detailed organizational DoDs can restrict teams and reduce flexibility. Instead, teams should build on the organizational baseline, adapting their DoD to fit their product’s unique needs. This balance preserves quality while empowering teams to respond to evolving requirements.
The organizational DoD should focus on essentials that apply to all products, like security scans and basic documentation guidelines.
Who drafts the Definition of Done?
The Scrum Team — including Developers, Product Owner, and Scrum Master — is responsible for the Increment and its quality. Together, they define and maintain the DoD.
- Product Owner: Ensures the DoD aligns with stakeholder expectations.
- Developers: Define the technical criteria needed to meet “done.”
- Scrum Master: Facilitates the process, ensuring the DoD is clear, realistic, and understood by everyone.
This collective responsibility ensures the DoD reflects the team’s combined expertise and remains achievable.
Why the Definition of Done Must Be Clear
Ambiguity causes misunderstandings, inconsistencies, and rework. A clear, precise DoD prevents this. We call such a clear and crisp DoD as a “Strong” DoD.
A Strong DoD:
- Uses SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Avoids jargon and unclear technical terms
- Is easily accessible to all team members
- Is reviewed and updated regularly
Clarity ensures everyone stays aligned, promoting consistency and minimizing errors.
How the Definition of Done Evolves
The DoD isn’t static — it evolves with changing technology, requirements, and team capabilities. As the team learns and grows, new criteria may emerge to enhance quality and efficiency.
Ways the DoD can evolve:
- Retrospectives: Regular reviews help identify areas for improvement.
- Stakeholder Feedback: External input reveals gaps or necessary adjustments.
- Technological Advancements: New tools may require updated criteria.
- Learning and Experimentation: Successful new practices should be integrated.
- Scaling: Organizational DoDs may need adjustments to support multiple teams.
By embracing continuous improvement, the Scrum Team keeps the DoD relevant and effective, supporting high-quality product delivery.
The Definition of Done is a foundation of Scrum. It ensures a shared understanding of quality and completeness. By creating a clear, evolving DoD, Scrum Teams enhance transparency, improve predictability, and deliver greater value to their stakeholders.
By WOA Auther….
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