The Scrum framework provides a structure for teams to deliver value consistently. The Definition of Done (DoD) is a formal agreement about the quality required for every piece of work delivered. This commitment maintains transparency and establishes a reliable baseline for what it means for an Increment to be truly usable. While the DoD represents a stable quality standard, it is not immutable. This article examines the specific times and triggers that warrant updating this fundamental quality commitment.
Understanding the Definition of Done (DoD)
The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the required quality measures. It acts as a mandatory checklist that every Product Backlog Item must satisfy before it can be considered part of a usable Increment. The DoD is applied universally to all work, setting a minimum standard regardless of the specific feature being developed. Its function is to create transparency and establish a shared understanding of when work is complete and ready for immediate deployment. This universal quality baseline distinguishes the DoD from Acceptance Criteria, which are unique requirements applied only to a specific Product Backlog Item.
The Authority and Mechanism for Changing the DoD
The entire Scrum Team—Developers, Scrum Master, and Product Owner—is accountable for creating and adhering to the Definition of Done. This collective ownership ensures the commitment reflects the team’s capabilities and business expectations. When multiple Scrum Teams work on the same product, they must establish a single, shared DoD to ensure consistent quality across all contributions. Changes to the DoD are made through the Scrum pillars of inspection and adaptation, typically outside the execution of a Sprint. Any modification requires the full commitment and consensus of the Scrum Team, as every member must agree to uphold the new quality standard.
Appropriate Moments and Triggers for Changing the DoD
Starting a New Product or Initiative
Starting a new product or major initiative often necessitates creating a new Definition of Done. The quality baseline established for an existing product may be inappropriate for a different market segment or technological platform. If the new initiative involves different security standards or a distinct deployment environment, the quality bar must be reassessed and formalized.
Significant Changes in Technology or Tooling
Adopting new development practices or updating the underlying technology stack triggers updating the DoD. Integrating an advanced automated testing framework allows the team to incorporate more rigorous test coverage requirements. Migrating to a continuous deployment pipeline mandates the inclusion of specific automation steps. These steps might include automated security scans or performance checks that were previously manual.
Response to Regulatory or Compliance Requirements
External mandates and legal obligations frequently introduce non-negotiable steps that must be embedded into the team’s quality commitment. Adhering to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA requires specific documentation, data handling protocols, and audit trails. When these requirements arise, the DoD must be immediately updated to ensure all future Increments are compliant before release.
Organizational or Team Structure Shifts
Changes in organizational structure or product management can alter the scope of what is considered “done.” If two teams working on separate components merge, they must reconcile their differing quality standards into a single, unified DoD. A shift in deployment strategy, such as moving from internal enterprise deployment to a public SaaS model, introduces new requirements. These requirements for scalability and monitoring must be reflected in the updated DoD.
Following a Sprint Retrospective Review
The Sprint Retrospective is the primary internal mechanism for the Scrum Team to inspect its process and identify areas for improvement, including quality standards. Teams may recognize their current DoD is too permissive, leading to recurring defects, and decide to introduce new requirements, such as mandatory peer code review. Conversely, as a team matures and masters a new tool, they might adapt the DoD to reflect increased efficiency. This adaptation reflects their confidence in automated processes.
Why the Definition of Done Must Remain Consistent During the Sprint
Once a Sprint begins, the Definition of Done is locked for the duration of that iteration to ensure the integrity of the work. Developers rely on the established DoD to accurately forecast the amount of work they can commit to completing. Changing quality requirements mid-Sprint introduces instability and compromises the team’s ability to meet the Sprint Goal. Modifying the DoD while work is in progress invalidates the team’s initial commitment and leads to confusion about the Increment’s actual state. Maintaining consistency throughout the Sprint protects the team’s focus and ensures the Increment meets the quality standards promised at the outset.
Implementing and Communicating the Updated Definition of Done
After the Scrum Team reaches consensus on modifications, the implementation phase requires careful procedural steps. The updated DoD must be formally documented and stored in an easily accessible location for all team members and relevant stakeholders. This documentation serves as the new formal contract for quality. Clear communication of the new quality baseline is necessary for all involved parties, especially the Product Owner and external stakeholders. The team must review existing Product Backlog Items to assess if the new standards impact the effort required for future work, ensuring accurate estimates for the next Sprint Planning.