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The Definition of Done (DoD) is a cornerstone of Agile and Scrum methodologies. It provides a clear, shared understanding of what "done" means for a product or increment. This blog explains the concept, its components, best practices, and answers frequently asked questions about DoD.
What is the Definition of Done (DoD)?
As per the Scrum Guide, the Definition of Done is:
"When a Product Backlog item or an Increment is described as 'Done,' it must meet shared criteria that ensure transparency and understanding among Scrum Team members."
In essence, DoD represents the agreed-upon checklist or criteria that confirms a product increment is releasable and meets quality standards.
Key Components of the Definition of Done
The DoD typically includes the following three main components:
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Business or Functional Requirements
- Represent value-driven functionality defined by user stories.
- Must include acceptance criteria, ensuring the functionality aligns with the expected behavior.
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Quality Standards
- Include technical practices like code reviews, integration tests, and adherence to coding standards.
- Ensures the deliverable is free from defects and meets technical expectations.
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Non-Functional Requirements (NFRs)
- Cover essential system attributes such as performance, security, and scalability.
- NFRs might not add direct business value but are critical to the product's usability and reliability.
Tip: If your team generates additional deliverables like design documents, release notes, or user manuals, include them in the DoD.
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DoD in Practice: Best Practices and FAQs
1. Do We Need Everything in the DoD?
No. The DoD evolves with the product. Start with a lean DoD and enhance it as the team gains experience and the product matures.
2. Where Should DoD Be Applied?
The DoD applies at the product level because the ultimate goal is to create a releasable product. However, it must also be followed during each sprint, ensuring every increment meets the DoD.
3. How Does DoD Enhance Transparency?
A well-defined DoD:
- Fosters a shared understanding within the Scrum Team.
- Prevents incomplete or low-quality work from being released.
- Ensures consistent standards for all deliverables.
4. What Happens Without a Defined DoD?
The absence of a robust DoD can lead to:
- Ambiguity in whether an increment is releasable.
- Unrealistic estimations and poor sprint planning.
- Misalignment between team progress and product goals.
5. What is “Undone” Work in DoD?
"Undone" refers to tasks in the DoD that are incomplete. Such work creates bottlenecks, impacting the quality and releasability of the product.
Why is the Definition of Done Important?
- 1Ensuring consistent quality across deliverables.
- 2Enabling accurate sprint reviews and team retrospectives.
- 3Building trust between the team and stakeholders by delivering high-quality increments.
Conclusion
The Definition of Done (DoD) serves as the foundation for delivering high-quality, releasable products in Agile and Scrum teams. By defining clear criteria and adhering to them, teams can achieve transparency, consistency, and confidence in their deliverables.
Are you ready to elevate your product development process? Start refining your DoD today!
