“Definition of Done” (DoD) — When Done mean Done in the Scrum framework.

 

In the Scrum framework, “Done” doesn’t simply mean that a task or a piece of work has been completed. Rather, it signifies that the work meets certain predefined criteria and is ready for release or shippable. This concept is captured in the “Definition of Done” (DoD) which serves as a shared understanding within the Scrum team of what it means for a product increment to be considered complete.

The Definition of Done comprises of various aspects, including functionality, quality, documentation, integration, and acceptance criteria. Let’s examine “Done” in the context of the Scrum framework in more detail:

Functionality:

The increment must fulfill all specified functional requirements and deliver the intended value to the end-users or customers. It should be fully implemented and meet the user stories or acceptance criteria defined for the sprint.

Quality:

The increment must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. This includes functional testing, performance testing, security testing, usability testing, and any other relevant forms of testing. The increment should be free from critical defects and meet the team’s definition of acceptable quality.

Documentation:

Comprehensive documentation must accompany the increment to facilitate understanding and usage. This may include user manuals, technical documentation, API documentation, release notes, and any other documentation deemed necessary for stakeholders.

Integration:

The increment should integrate seamlessly with existing systems, components, or features within the product. Compatibility and interoperability with other parts of the system are essential to ensure that the product functions as a cohesive whole.

Acceptance Criteria:

The product owner and stakeholders must verify that the increment meets the predefined acceptance criteria. This involves a review of the increment to ensure that it aligns with the sprint goals; the product vision, satisfies user needs, and delivers the expected value.

The norms which a Scrum Team uses to define DoDs may vary from one team to another, but it must be consistent within a given Scrum Team. There are usually different DoDs at various levels:

• DoD for a Project/Product (In the project goals)
• DoD for a Release (In the release goals)
• DoD for a Sprint (In the sprint goals)
• DoD for a User Story (In the User Story)
• DoD for Tasks (In the task)

One more essential thing to keep in mind here is that a DoD is neither static nor indisputable. During the course of a project, a release, or a sprint, a DoD can be challenged by anyone from the Scrum team or other business and IT stakeholders. As long as the proposed changes of a DoD makes sense and they’re brought up to bring the project to success, the Scrum Team and the Scrum Product Owner should be openminded to listen to those proposals and implement them when and where necessary.

Best Practices:

1. Collaborative Definition: The Definition of Done should be collaboratively defined by the development team, product owner, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
2. Explicit Criteria: Each criterion in the Definition of Done should be clearly defined and unambiguous to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accountability.
3. Inspect and Adapt: Regularly review and refine the Definition of Done based on feedback, changing requirements, and evolving best practices.
4. Automated Testing: Utilize automated testing tools and continuous integration pipelines to streamline the testing process and maintain consistent quality.

Avoid Malpractices:

1. Indefinite Criteria: Ambiguous or incomplete criteria in the Definition of Done can lead to misunderstandings, rework, and delays in delivering value.
2. Skipping Testing: Neglecting thorough testing or relying solely on manual testing increases the risk of defects and compromises product quality.
3. Ignoring Stakeholder Feedback: Disregarding feedback from stakeholders or product owners can result in misaligned expectations and dissatisfaction with the delivered increment.
4. Inflexibility: Being too rigid with the Definition of Done can hinder adaptability and innovation. It should evolve with the project and accommodate changing requirements.

Conclusion:

The Definition of Done is a cornerstone of Scrum that ensures transparency, quality, and alignment throughout the development process. By defining clear criteria for completeness, teams can deliver valuable increments consistently and effectively meet customer needs. Embracing best practices and avoiding common pitfalls empower teams to harness the full potential of the Definition of Done and achieve success in Agile software development.

“Muhammad Faizan Khan is a Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer. Proven expertise and research in Agile development. Passionate about delivering high-quality software products through best testing practices and standards. He is a emerging technologies enthusiast and writer, passionate about exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.”

Note: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent specific AI models or developments. Originally published at: https://medium.com

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