Definition of Ready and Definition of Done
Definition of Ready (DOR) and Definition of Done (DOD) are important concepts in agile teams as they provide a clear understanding of when a task or product is complete and ready for the next stage of development.
Definition of Ready
The Definition of Ready defines the criteria that must be met for a product backlog item to be considered “ready” for development. This includes the information and resources that need to be in place before a task can be worked on, such as detailed user stories, acceptance criteria, and any necessary dependencies.
Definition of Done
The Definition of Done, on the other hand, is a shared understanding of what it means for a product backlog item or task to be “done.” It should be a clear and measurable definition that outlines the acceptance criteria that must be met for a task to be considered complete. This can include functional requirements, performance criteria, and any other necessary conditions that must be met.
DOR and DOD in Scrum
The Definition of Done is not a formal artefact in the Scrum framework however it is referred to quite a bit when describing when the product increment has met the required quality:
The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product.
The moment a Product Backlog item meets the Definition of Done, an Increment is born.
The Definition of Done creates transparency by providing everyone a shared understanding of what work was completed as part of the Increment. If a Product Backlog item does not meet the Definition of Done, it cannot be released or even presented at the Sprint Review. Instead, it returns to the Product Backlog for future consideration.
If the Definition of Done for an increment is part of the standards of the organization, all Scrum Teams must follow it as a minimum. If it is not an organizational standard, the Scrum Team must create a Definition of Done appropriate for the product.
The Developers are required to conform to the Definition of Done. If there are multiple Scrum Teams working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.
Scrum Guide | Scrum Guides
Definition of Ready is not mentioned at all in the Scrum Guide at all but what is mentioned is not a formal definition.
Product Backlog items that can be Done by the Scrum Team within one Sprint are deemed ready for selection in a Sprint Planning event. They usually acquire this degree of transparency after refining activities. Product Backlog refinement is the act of breaking down and further defining Product Backlog items into smaller more precise items. This is an ongoing activity to add details, such as a description, order, and size. Attributes often vary with the domain of work.
Scrum Guide | Scrum Guides
Where should the DOR and DOD sit?
Ideally the DOR should sit in between the backlog of work and the work actually starting. Alternatively, the DOD sits as a gateway to “Done”.
In summary
Establishing clear DOR and DOD criteria can help ensure that tasks are completed to a high standard and that development is efficient and effective. It also helps to prevent scope creep and ensures that the team is working on the right things at the right time.
