Concepts
Creating a Definition of Done (DoD) is a crucial initial step for successful project management, especially within Agile frameworks including Scrum. In the context of the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) examination, thorough understanding and application of the DoD is heavily tested and plays a role in differentiating between a good ScrumMaster and a great ScrumMaster.
What is a Definition of Done?
Before we delve into the how-to, let’s quickly revisit what a DoD is. The Definition of Done is essentially a set of agreed-upon criteria which must be met before a task is considered complete. These could include standards related to coding, testing, documentation, and any other critical aspects relevant to the project and the Scrum team.
Creating a Definition of Done
Creating a Definition of Done requires a team effort, ensuring all voices are heard, and that alignment, buy-in and commitment come from every angle. Here are the steps a Scrum team can take to create their DoD:
- Collective Brainstorming: The first step in creating a DoD is for all members of the Scrum team, including the product owner, to come together and collectively brainstorm the essential elements they believe should constitute as “done”.
- Listing Requirements: The team should then capture all these requirements in a list. This list can range from coding standards to peer reviews, system integrations testing, user manual updates, etc.
- Arranging in Order of Importance: Once all the requirements are listed down, the team should arrange them in order of importance—making sure the most crucial requirements are prioritized.
- Setting Expectations: The next step is for the team to set expectations for when the task will be moved to the subsequent stage, or when it will be considered ‘done’.
- Review and Consensus: The final step is for all team members to review the list, add any missing elements and reach a consensus about what makes a task ‘done’.
Here’s what a Sample DoD for a development task could look like:
| Task | Definition of Done |
|---|---|
| Coding | Passed peer review, Met coding standards |
| Testing | Passed all unit tests, functional tests, integration tests |
| Documentation | Updated user manual, Updated technical documentation |
Each team has unique dynamics, skills and project requirements—therefore there’s no one-size-fits-all DoD. However, a good principle to uphold when establishing your DoD is that it should be rigorous enough to guarantee the quality of the deliverable, but not so stringent that it stalls progress and decreases velocity.
In conclusion, fostering clarity around task closure through a well-defined DoD is vital in managing expectations and maintaining high team morale and productivity. For those preparing for the CSM exam, understanding the process and implications of establishing a DoD is key to acing the certification and shining in your ScrumMaster role.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: The Definition of Done (DoD) in the Scrum framework is decided by the Product Owner exclusively.
- a) True
- b) False
b) False
What should be included in a Definition of Done?
- a) Product requirements
- b) Agile practices
- c) Acceptance criteria
- d) Development process
c) Acceptance criteria
Who is involved in creating the Definition of Done?
- a) The Development Team
- b) The Product Owner
- c) The Scrum Master
- d) All of the above
d) All of the above
True or False: The Definition of Done should be consistently used within a Scrum Team but can vary from one team to another.
- a) True
- b) False
a) True
When should the Definition of Done be created in the Scrum project?
- a) During the Sprint Planning
- b) At the beginning of the project
- c) During the Sprint Review
- d) At any given time in the project
b) At the beginning of the project
True or False: The Definition of Done can change over time as per the team’s consensus.
- a) True
- b) False
a) True
In the Scrum framework, what purpose does the Definition of Done serve?
- a) It defines product features.
- b) It sets sprint goals.
- c) It defines work requirements for the team.
- d) It helps ascertain the completion of work.
d) It helps ascertain the completion of work.
The Definition of Done ensures that the increments are –
- a) Integrated
- b) Deployable
- c) Usable
- d) All of the above
d) All of the above
True or False: Including testing into the Definition of Done is optional.
- a) True
- b) False
b) False
Is the ‘Definition of Done’ equivalent to acceptance criteria?
- a) Yes
- b) No
b) No
The Definition of Done is influenced by which of the following?
- a) Organizational standards or guidelines
- b) Compliance or regulatory constraints
- c) Team’s own definition and understanding of quality
- d) All of the above
d) All of the above
True or False: The Definition of Done (DoD) can be regarded as a checklist of the work that needs to be completed before a product increment is considered done.
- a) True
- b) False
a) True
Great post! Understanding the responsibilities of the Scrum Team is crucial for success.
Could someone clarify the main accountability of the Scrum Master?
The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team.
Thanks for this post. It really helped clarify the team’s roles for me.
What are the core responsibilities of the Development Team?
In my experience, the Development Team also needs to self-organize and manage their own work.
I appreciate the detailed explanation on Scrum Team responsibilities.
I noticed some teams still struggle with understanding the role of the Scrum Master.