A Definition of Done (DoD) is a crucial element of the scrum framework that outlines the standards and requirements a product increment must meet before it can be considered “done”. Having a clear, well-defined Definition of Done ensures the development team has a shared understanding of what quality means for each product increment. A Definition of Done checklist takes this concept one step further by providing a documented set of criteria to reference throughout the sprint process.
Using a DoD checklist offers many advantages to scrum teams striving to build high-quality products efficiently.
Benefits of Having a Strong Definition of Done
Having a strong, comprehensive Definition of Done checklist provides several important benefits:
- Improves product quality – By defining quality standards upfront, the team can ensure all work completed meets the desired bar for “done” before moving forward. This results in higher product quality.
- Increases transparency – A documented DoD checklist provides clear visibility into the work being done. This helps identify any gaps and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
- Enhances team alignment – Getting all team members to align on the definition of done creates shared expectations. Everyone knows what “done” means.
- Drives continuous improvement – The checklist can be updated over time as the team matures. As quality standards increase, so does the DoD checklist.
- Reduces uncertainty – A clear DoD checklist removes ambiguity around work expectations during a sprint. The team knows exactly what it means for a product increment to be “done”.
Having a strong, well-defined DoD checklist is critical for any scrum team looking to optimize their development process. When implemented effectively, it leads to better product quality, transparency, and team alignment.
Creating a Definition of Done Checklist
When creating a DoD checklist, it’s important to collaborate with the entire scrum team to define the criteria. Get input from developers, QA, product owners, designers, and other roles to ensure alignment. The checklist should include both definitions of done items that are common across all product backlog items, as well as requirements specific to certain features or components.
Some examples of items to include:
- Code reviewed and merged
- All automated tests passed
- Meets defined coding standards
- Documentation updated
- Accessibility standards met
- Works on all supported browsers/devices
- Reviewed and accepted by product owner (meet acceptance criteria)
- User interface designs are complete
- Deployed to the production environment
Your Definition of Done checklist will likely evolve over time. As will the quality standards applied to the checklist. So treat it as a living document.
Using the Definition of Done Checklist
- Reference the Definition of Done checklist during sprint planning when breaking down product backlog items into individual tasks and subtasks. Review the relevant criteria that must be met for each item.
- As work is completed throughout the sprint, consult the Definition of Done checklist to determine if all standards have been met before considering a task finished. Do not mark items as “done” if they do not satisfy the entire checklist.
- Incorporate the DoD as part of the “definition of ready” during backlog grooming and sprint planning. This sets expectations upfront on what must be included for items to be ready for work.
- Periodically review the DoD checklist during standups or retrospectives to realign the team and ensure there is a shared understanding of what “done” means.
- Update the checklist over time as the team’s skills improve and quality standards increase. The DoD is a living document that evolves as the team matures.
The Definition of Done checklist is an invaluable tool to keep the team focused on quality and aligned on the definition of “done”. Consistent usage during sprints will quickly reveal any gaps or misalignment.
Conclusion
A well-defined Definition of Done checklist is an invaluable tool for scrum teams seeking to build high-quality products in an efficient manner. By clearly outlining the necessary standards upfront, a DoD checklist supports transparency, alignment, and continuous improvement across the team. Collaborating cross-functionally to create the checklist gets all team members on the same page for what “done” means for every product increment. Consistently referencing and updating the DoD checklist during sprints enables clearer expectations, better quality control, and higher-performing teams.