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

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23-10-2024

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The "Done" Line: What Makes a Scrum Product Backlog Item Truly Finished?

In the agile world of Scrum, the concept of "done" is more than just a checkbox. It's a crucial element that ensures quality, transparency, and efficient workflow. But what exactly constitutes a "done" product backlog item (PBI)? This article delves into the definition of "done," its importance, and how to ensure your Scrum team is truly delivering value.

Defining "Done": A Shared Understanding

The most common definition of "done" comes from the Scrum Guide itself:

"A Product Backlog item is Done when it meets the Definition of Done for the team." (Scrum Guide, 2020)

This simple statement implies that a team needs a clear, shared understanding of what it means for a PBI to be completed. This definition, also referred to as the "Definition of Done" (DoD), is a critical element of a successful Scrum implementation.

The Importance of a Shared DoD

A well-defined DoD offers several benefits:

• Transparency: Everyone knows exactly what's expected for a PBI to be considered finished.
• Quality: Consistent standards ensure that all PBIs meet a predefined level of quality.
• Predictability: With a clear DoD, teams can more accurately estimate how much work can be completed within a sprint.
• Faster Feedback: As soon as a PBI meets the DoD, it's ready for testing and user feedback.

Elements of a "Done" PBI

The specific elements of a DoD will vary depending on the team and the nature of the project. However, some common elements include:

• Code Complete: All coding for the PBI is finished, tested, and integrated into the main codebase.
• Unit Tests Complete: All relevant unit tests have been written and pass successfully.
• Code Review: The code has been reviewed by another team member.
• Documentation Complete: All necessary documentation, including user stories, technical specifications, and test cases, are finalized.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Complete: The PBI has been tested by users and meets their acceptance criteria.
• Deployment Ready: The PBI is ready to be deployed to production.

Practical Examples

Let's consider a simple example: developing a new feature for a web application. The DoD might include:

1. Code Complete: The feature's code is written and integrated into the main application.
2. Unit Tests Complete: Unit tests for the feature are implemented and passing.
3. UI Design: The feature's user interface is designed and implemented.
4. User Acceptance Testing: The feature has been tested by the product owner and other stakeholders and meets their requirements.
5. Documentation: A feature guide explaining how to use the new feature is created.

Beyond the Checklist: Value Delivery

While the DoD is a checklist, it's essential to remember that "done" ultimately means delivering value to the customer. This implies:

• Meeting user needs: The PBI should address the user's problem and meet their expectations.
• Being valuable: The delivered PBI contributes to the overall goals of the product.
• Ready for use: The PBI is fully functional and ready for users.

Conclusion

Defining "done" is not just a formality in Scrum. It's a crucial step in building a culture of transparency, quality, and consistent delivery. By establishing a clear DoD and adhering to its elements, Scrum teams can ensure that each PBI truly represents completed work, delivering value and improving the overall development process.

References:

• Scrum Guide: https://www.scrum.org/resources/scrum-guide