Introduction to Definition of Done

Purpose

The Definition of Done (DoD) serves as a comprehensive framework that establishes clear, consistent criteria for determining when work is complete. Its primary purposes are:

• Quality Assurance: Establish clear, non-negotiable quality standards across all work
• Consistency: Ensure uniform completion criteria across teams and projects
• Expectation Management: Set clear expectations for what "done" means for all stakeholders
• Technical Debt Prevention: Prevent the accumulation of technical debt by ensuring all aspects of quality are addressed
• Transparency: Provide visibility into the quality and completion state of deliverables

Definition

The Definition of Done is a formalized, explicit, and shared understanding that describes the state of work when it meets the organization's quality standards. It is:

• A checklist of criteria that must be satisfied for any work to be considered complete
• A living document that evolves as practices, technologies, and requirements change
• A contract between the development team and stakeholders
• A tool for ensuring consistent quality across deliverables
• A foundation for continuous improvement

The DoD applies at multiple levels:

• User Story/Task: Criteria for individual work items
• Sprint/Iteration: Criteria for a collection of work items
• Release: Criteria for shippable product increments
• Product: Criteria for entire products or major features

Benefits

For Development Teams

• Provides clear guidelines for quality expectations
• Reduces rework and technical debt
• Enables self-assessment of work completeness
• Creates shared understanding of quality standards
• Prevents "almost done" syndrome
• Improves estimation and predictability

For Product Management

• Ensures consistent quality across deliverables
• Reduces ambiguity about work status
• Improves product quality and reliability
• Provides transparency into development processes
• Aligns expectations with development capabilities

For Organizations

• Establishes quality culture and mindset
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs
• Improves customer satisfaction through consistent quality
• Enhances predictability and reliability of delivery
• Provides framework for continuous improvement

How to Use This Documentation

This wiki contains comprehensive documentation on our Definition of Done framework. To use it effectively:

1. Start with the Overview: Understand the core components and implementation guidelines
2. Explore Specific Areas: Dive into relevant sections based on your role or needs
3. Apply the Guidelines: Incorporate the DoD criteria into your work processes
4. Contribute Improvements: Suggest updates or clarifications as needed

The Definition of Done is a living framework that evolves over time. Your participation in its evolution ensures it remains relevant and effective for our organization.