what is required when a scrum team says a product backlog item is done?

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16-10-2024

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The Done Definition: What Makes a Scrum Team's Work Truly Finished

In the agile world of Scrum, the "Done" definition isn't just a formality. It's a critical agreement that clarifies when a Product Backlog Item (PBI) is truly complete, leaving no room for ambiguity or hidden work. This shared understanding ensures quality, transparency, and predictable delivery. But what exactly does it take for a Scrum team to declare a PBI "Done?"

The Core Principles of "Done":

According to "Scrum: A Pocket Guide" by Gunther Verheyen, a PBI is considered "Done" when it meets all the following criteria:

• Meeting the Definition of Ready: Before even starting work, the PBI must be "Ready" - clearly defined, estimated, and prioritized. This ensures the team has a solid foundation for development.
• Meeting the Definition of Done: This is the heart of the "Done" concept, and it's where the team truly defines its standards for completion.
• Meeting the Acceptance Criteria: These specific criteria, outlined for each PBI, ensure the work meets the stakeholders' expectations and aligns with the product vision.

Defining "Done" for Your Team:

The "Done" definition should be collaboratively created and agreed upon by the entire Scrum team. It should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Here are some examples of potential "Done" criteria:

• Code: Code is written, reviewed, tested (unit and integration), and deployed to the staging environment.
• Documentation: User stories, acceptance criteria, technical documentation, and release notes are all complete.
• Deployment: The feature is deployed to the production environment and validated by the team.
• User feedback: The feature is released to users, and their feedback is gathered and analyzed.

Why is a "Done" Definition So Important?

A clear "Done" definition provides several crucial benefits:

• Transparency: Everyone understands what constitutes a finished PBI, avoiding misunderstandings and surprises.
• Improved Velocity: Consistent "Done" criteria make it easier to track the team's progress and predict their velocity.
• Quality Assurance: Defining "Done" ensures that all work meets a certain standard, preventing defects and rework.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and refining the "Done" definition encourages the team to learn and improve their processes.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Value to "Done":

The "Done" definition should not be a rigid checklist. Teams can add value by:

• Considering the User Experience: Does the feature meet user needs and provide a positive user experience?
• Integrating Security: Are security vulnerabilities addressed and mitigated?
• Ensuring Accessibility: Does the feature comply with accessibility standards?

Example: Implementing a New Feature:

Let's say a Scrum team is working on adding a new "Search" feature to a website. Their "Done" definition could include:

• Code: The search functionality is coded, unit tested, and integrated into the website.
• Documentation: A user manual and help section are created for the new search feature.
• Deployment: The feature is deployed to the live website, and the team verifies its functionality.
• User Feedback: The team monitors user feedback and resolves any issues.

By consistently applying their "Done" definition, this team ensures the new search feature meets their quality standards, provides a positive user experience, and contributes to the overall value of the product.

Conclusion:

The "Done" definition is a crucial element of successful Scrum implementations. By establishing a shared understanding of what constitutes "Done," Scrum teams can achieve greater transparency, predictability, and quality in their work. Remember, it's not just about ticking off a checklist. It's about delivering truly finished work that adds value to the product and enhances the user experience.