The Agile framework provides a structure for complex product development, emphasizing iterative delivery and rapid feedback. Scrum is a specific method within this framework that relies on defined roles, events, and artifacts to maximize the value of the work delivered. To ensure every work item meets a consistent level of quality and completeness, a clear set of standards is necessary. This assurance of quality and shared understanding is codified in the Definition of Done.
What is the Definition of Done?
The Definition of Done (DoD) is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets all required quality measures. It functions as a mandatory checklist that every Product Backlog item must satisfy before it can be considered complete. The DoD creates a shared understanding within the Scrum Team and for stakeholders of when work is truly finished. Defining these standards regulates the quality of the potentially shippable product resulting from each Sprint.
The Development Team’s Responsibility for the DoD
The responsibility for defining, adhering to, and upholding the Definition of Done rests primarily with the Development Team. As the professionals who create the Increment, they are the most qualified to determine which technical quality standards are achievable and necessary. If the organization does not already impose a Definition of Done, the Development Team must create one specifically for the Product Increment. This ownership ensures the quality standards are realistic and reflect the team’s technical capabilities and constraints.
Defining the standards gives the Development Team control over their quality commitment, as they must execute against these standards throughout the Sprint cycle. This accountability prevents external parties from imposing arbitrary or technically unachievable measures of completeness. The quality standards must be clear enough that the Development Team can confidently state whether an item has met the required criteria at the close of the Sprint.
Collaboration Across the Scrum Team
While the Development Team holds primary accountability for the technical components of the DoD, its creation requires input and agreement from the entire Scrum Team. The Product Owner plays a significant role by ensuring the DoD aligns with stakeholder expectations and market requirements. They provide context on the quality necessary to satisfy customers and achieve the product goal. The defined standards must be sufficient to produce a valuable Increment that the Product Owner feels comfortable releasing.
The Scrum Master supports this process by coaching the team on defining high-quality standards and facilitating the creation of the DoD. They help the team navigate potential conflicts and ensure the definition is clear, concise, and understood by everyone involved. The Definition of Done must ultimately be agreed upon by the entire Scrum Team, including the Development Team, the Product Owner, and the Scrum Master. This collective agreement solidifies it as a binding commitment for all future work.
Why the Definition of Done is Essential for Transparency
The consistent application of the Definition of Done is foundational to maintaining transparency regarding the state of the Increment. It makes the distinction between work that is merely “started” and work that is truly “done” unambiguous for everyone. Stakeholders and the Product Owner can reliably understand that any item meeting the DoD has passed a set of agreed-upon quality checks. This clarity prevents miscommunication about the product’s readiness for release.
The DoD functions as a quality gate, ensuring only completed work is measured for progress and presented at the Sprint Review. It directly impacts forecasting, as only items that satisfy the DoD are included when calculating the team’s velocity or determining delivery dates. When multiple Scrum Teams work on a single product, they must all share and adhere to the same Definition of Done. This shared standard ensures the resulting integrated Increment is cohesive and meets a uniform quality level across all contributing teams.
When and How to Evolve the Definition of Done
The Definition of Done is not static; it must evolve as the product, technology, and the Development Team mature. As the team gains experience, improves processes, or integrates new tools, the quality standards should increase to reflect this growth. Triggers for evolving the DoD include scaling the product to a larger user base or introducing new regulatory compliance requirements. An increase in technical debt or the need to improve long-term maintainability are also signals for adaptation.
The responsibility for inspecting and adapting the Definition of Done remains with the Scrum Team, primarily driven by the Development Team. This inspection often occurs during the Sprint Retrospective, where the team discusses ways to increase the quality of the work and better align with organizational standards. Regularly reviewing the current DoD against recent outcomes and future goals ensures the definition remains a relevant measure of completeness.