Definition of Done

Definition

The Definition of Done (DoD) is a clear and shared understanding of the criteria that a product increment must meet to be considered complete in the Scrum framework. This definition helps ensure transparency and consistency within the development team, guiding the work process and minimizing misunderstandings about what 'done' means. By having a well-defined DoD, teams can improve their quality assurance practices and deliver potentially shippable products at the end of each sprint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Definition of Done is established by the Scrum Team and can evolve over time as processes improve and the team's understanding deepens.
2. Having a well-defined DoD helps mitigate risks related to incomplete or low-quality work, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
3. The DoD can include criteria such as code review completion, unit testing, documentation updates, and successful integration into the product.
4. It is essential that all team members have a shared understanding of the DoD to prevent discrepancies in quality expectations.
5. The Definition of Done applies not only to software development but can also extend to other deliverables in different domains or projects.

Review Questions

• How does the Definition of Done impact the transparency and quality of work within a Scrum team?
  • The Definition of Done impacts transparency by providing a clear standard that all team members must understand and adhere to when assessing whether work is complete. This shared understanding reduces ambiguity regarding what 'done' means and enhances communication within the team. Additionally, by ensuring that all completed work meets specific criteria, it improves quality by minimizing the chances of incomplete or subpar deliverables being presented at sprint reviews.
• In what ways can an evolving Definition of Done benefit a Scrum team's performance over time?
  • An evolving Definition of Done can significantly enhance a Scrum team's performance by fostering continuous improvement and adapting to new insights gained from each sprint. As the team gains experience and identifies areas for enhancement, they can update their DoD to include more rigorous testing, better documentation, or improved coding standards. This adaptability helps maintain high-quality outputs while encouraging a culture of learning and development within the team.
• Evaluate the role of Definition of Done in aligning stakeholders' expectations with the development team's deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
  • The Definition of Done plays a crucial role in aligning stakeholders' expectations with the development team's deliverables by providing a transparent framework that outlines what constitutes completeness. By involving stakeholders in defining these criteria during backlog refinement sessions or sprint reviews, teams can ensure that everyone's expectations are understood and met. This alignment not only helps build trust between stakeholders and developers but also increases overall satisfaction with the project's outcomes by ensuring that deliverables meet pre-agreed quality standards.

Related terms

Increment: The sum of all the product backlog items completed during a sprint, combined with the work done in previous sprints, representing a step toward the product goal.

Sprint Review: A meeting at the end of each sprint where the development team presents the completed work to stakeholders and discusses what was done, gathering feedback for future sprints.

Backlog Refinement: The ongoing process of reviewing and prioritizing the product backlog items to ensure that they are ready for upcoming sprints, including defining acceptance criteria.