One of the key concepts, especially in Scrum, is the Definition of Done (DoD). The Definition of Done is essentially a clear and shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete, and it’s a necessary framework to establish when navigating through the Agile methodology. In the process of preparing for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) exam, it’s crucial to understand the importance and advantages of DoD in Scrum teams.
Here are three primary advantages of employing a strong Definition of Done:
- Improved Transparency and Visibility:
A concrete DoD encourages team transparency and visibility. It does so by defining precise benchmarks for work completion. The team agrees on the parameters and prerequisites for considering a backlog as ‘done.’ So everybody is on the same page about what the end-product should look like and what quality controls it needs to pass. This common understanding eliminates ambiguity and confusion.
For instance, let us take a situation where a Scrum team is working on a new feature in an application. If the agreed DoD includes ‘code developed’, ‘code reviewed’, ‘unit testing done’, and ‘passed QA testing’, all the team members are clear about when to consider this item complete. As Scrum teams are self-organizing and operate with shared responsibility, such clarity promotes better team synchronization and communication.
- Ensures High-Quality Output:
DoD is not just a checklist but also a commitment to quality. Having a clear definition means that work cannot pass as finished unless it meets the set quality parameters. Preventing partially done or bad quality work from getting into the shipment phase is an essential advantage of the DoD.
For example, if ‘passed user acceptance testing (UAT)’ is part of the DoD, it ensures that the developed feature is thoroughly tested by important stakeholders (i.e., end-users, clients) before it’s marked as Done. Therefore, it helps in maintaining high work quality, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Efficient Project Management & Predictable Deliveries:
A strong definition of Done also enhances the overall effectiveness of the Scrum team by facilitating better project management. The DoD gives clarity about the quantity of work that has been done and how much is left. This clarity allows for better Sprint planning, and aids in calculating the velocity of the team across Sprints. As a result, the team can make more accurate predictions about delivery times, making the overall process smoother and more successful.
For instance, suppose a user story expected to be completed in the current Sprint couldn’t fulfill one of the criteria in the DoD. In such a case, this backlog item can’t be considered as Done and won’t add to the team’s velocity. Such a situation provides an insight into the team’s actual productivity and helps the Scrum Master and Product Owner in more accurate Sprint planning for future Sprints.
In summary, Scrum teams can drastically improve their efficiency, predictability, transparency, and quality of project deliverance with a strong Definition of Done.
Therefore, understanding and implementing an effective DoD is pivotal for anyone aiming to become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
Practice Test
True or False: One of the advantages of a strong Definition of Done is improved team productivity.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A clear Definition of Done ensures everyone on the team understands what it takes to complete a task, saving time and effort, and thereby improving productivity.
The Definition of Done provides a clear understanding of:
- a. Meeting timelines
- b. Allocating suitable resources
- c. Meeting quality standards for a potentially deliverable product increment
- d. Prioritizing the Backlog
Answer: c. Meeting quality standards for a potentially deliverable product increment
Explanation: The Definition of Done sets clear consensus on what it takes for a product increment to be considered complete, maintaining the required level of quality.
True or False: A strong Definition of Done can lead to false assumptions about the product quality.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A strong Definition of Done, on the contrary, helps to prevent any misunderstanding about the product quality as it clearly demarcates what is considered to be a finished work.
A strong Definition of Done leads to:
- a. Increased project scope
- b. Increased misunderstandings
- c. More effective sprint planning
- d. Longer sprint durations
Answer: c. More effective sprint planning
Explanation: By clearly defining what is considered done, estimates and plans for sprints can be made more effectively and accurately.
True or False: A strong Definition of Done can reduce rework and unwanted surprises at the end of sprints.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: With a clear Definition of Done, there will be fewer surprises and less rework required at the end of sprints by ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the process.
A strong Definition of Done does not drive:
- a. Transparency
- b. Team Collaboration
- c. Team Productivity
- d. Customer meetings
Answer: d. Customer meetings
Explanation: Definition of Done primarily fosters collaboration, productivity and transparency within the team, it won’t drive the customer meeting scheduling process.
True or False: Expression of “done” in different terms by team members may result in inconsistencies and defocus.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: It’s crucial for everyone to share the same criteria for “done”. Different interpretations can lead to inconsistencies and in turn affect performance.
A well-defined Definition of Done supports in avoiding:
- a. Goal setting
- b. Technical debt
- c. Daily standup meetings
- d. Sprint backlog
Answer: b. Technical debt
Explanation: By setting clear acceptance criteria for when a task is “done”, the team helps in reducing or preventing the accrual of technical debt.
True or False: Definition of Done helps teams understand the costs and benefits of different levels of product quality.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: With a clear Definition of Done, teams can better understand and appreciate the trade-offs between various quality levels and corresponding costs.
The Definition of Done is overly rigid and undermines the team’s ability to adapt to change.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Definition of Done is flexible and can be updated as the team grows and adapts, contributing to the team’s ability to pivot when needed.
Interview Questions
What are the advantages of having a strong Definition of Done in Scrum?
A strong Definition of Done ensures all stakeholders have a common understanding of what “done” means for a product increment.
It helps prevent misunderstandings or assumptions about the completeness of work in a sprint.
It improves the transparency of the development process by clearly outlining the criteria that must be met for work to be considered complete.
It increases product quality by ensuring that all necessary tasks, including testing and documentation, are completed before an increment is deemed done.
It facilitates continuous improvement by providing a baseline for evaluating the team’s performance and identifying areas for enhancement.
A robust Definition of Done enables the team to deliver shippable increments at the end of each sprint.
It helps the team avoid technical debt by ensuring that all work is fully integrated and meets the team’s quality standards before being considered complete.
Having a well-defined Definition of Done encourages collaboration and alignment within the team as everyone works towards achieving the same goal.
It provides a clear set of criteria for the Product Owner to assess whether a product increment meets the expectations and requirements of the stakeholders.
A strong Definition of Done helps build trust between the development team and stakeholders by establishing a reliable and consistent standard for assessing the completeness of work.