In Scrum methodology, the Definition of Done (DoD) is an integral part of the framework, while the Definition of Ready (DoR) is an external and optional tool. Although they may seem similar, the DoD and DoR serve different purposes. The DoD specifies the criteria that a product backlog item must meet to be considered a completed increment. In contrast, the DoR helps the Scrum team determine when a product backlog item is sufficiently refined and prepared for development. While a Scrum team must have a clear and effective DoD, adopting a DoR is optional and can be experimented with to see if it benefits your team.

DoR vs DoD

The Definition of Done (DoD) represents a collective agreement among team members about what constitutes a complete product backlog item (PBI). This shared understanding ensures that all necessary criteria are met before an item is considered finished. Examples of what might be included in a DoD are:

• Another team member undertook a thorough review of the PBI.
• The PBI has been tested without any errors.
• Relevant documentation has been updated.

The DoD applies uniformly to all items in the backlog. In contrast, acceptance criteria are specific to each PBI and define what needs to be achieved for that particular item.

The Definition of Ready (DoR) is an optional tool that some teams use to specify the criteria a product backlog item must meet before it can be selected for a sprint. This helps ensure that items are sufficiently prepared and allows the team to commit to work with confidence. Examples of what might be included in a DoR are:

• The PBI is well written.
• Acceptance criteria are defined and testable.
• All relevant stakeholders have given their approval.

Implementing a DoR can help teams plan and execute their work more effectively, minimizing surprises and focusing on delivering high-quality results. However, relying too heavily on a DoR can lead to delays as teams may spend too much time checking off requirements before starting, which can hinder flexibility and incremental progress.

In Scrum, a key distinction between the DoD and the DoR is their focus. The DoD pertains directly to the PBI itself, while the DoR often addresses external factors.

For instance, the DoD encompasses aspects related to testing, acceptance criteria, and other details crucial for a PBI to be considered a completed increment, all of which are intrinsic to the PBI. On the other hand, the DoR is concerned with factors external to the PBI, such as dependencies, team capabilities, and decisions made by the Product Owner.

Utilization and re-evaluation of the definitions

The DoD guides the team in evaluating whether their work on a PBI is finished. It is also used during sprint planning to help the team understand the full scope of work required for a PBI. Additionally, the DoD is shared during the sprint review, allowing stakeholders to assess how well the outcomes or PBIs align with the defined criteria.

In contrast, DoR is not a mandatory part of Scrum but can be useful at various stages, particularly during refinement and sprint planning. During refinement, the team uses the DoR to determine if there are any prerequisites that need to be addressed before a PBI can be considered for the next sprint planning session.

During sprint planning, the team uses the DoR to decide which PBIs should be added to the sprint backlog. This initial phase of the sprint involves evaluating whether the PBIs are sufficiently prepared to avoid potential obstacles and ensure they contribute effectively to the sprint goals. Including PBIs that are not ready can lead to unnecessary impediments and hinder the value addition of an increment.

Both the Definition of Done and the Definition of Ready should be adaptable and may need adjustments over time. It is beneficial to discuss any necessary changes during retrospectives to identify why the current definitions may not be fully serving the team. Analyzing these issues can provide insights into improving or modifying the definitions.

Firstly, if the definitions are overly exhaustive, they might be hindering the team's progress rather than facilitating it. Secondly, if new insights or discoveries arise, they may necessitate a revision to ensure the definitions remain relevant and effective. Additionally, if certain criteria within the definitions become outdated or no longer applicable, updating them ensures they align with current needs. Lastly, if the definitions are not fulfilling their intended purpose or are failing to support the team effectively, a revision may be necessary to better serve their goals.

How can High-Performance Teams utilize DoR and DoD

In a high-performing Agile team, you will observe a natural evolution in the DoR and DoD as the team matures and refines their practices. Unlike newer Agile teams, which often have extensive DoR lists and shorter DoD lists, experienced teams strike a balance that reflects their increased efficiency and confidence.

High-performing teams typically streamline their DoR, focusing on essential readiness criteria and avoiding excessive pre-work. They have developed a strong understanding of how to initiate work effectively without needing an exhaustive checklist. This evolution is a result of their comfort with iterative development and their ability to manage work dynamically.

Similarly, as teams gain experience, their DoD becomes more comprehensive and robust. Initially, a high-performing team may have a basic DoD, but over time, they refine their definition to include detailed quality standards and completion criteria. This enhancement reflects their growing expertise and their ability to consistently deliver high-quality increments.

A key aspect of a high-performing team is their ability to adapt and grow. They continuously learn new skills, onboard new team members with specialized expertise, and improve their processes. As a result, their DoD evolves to encompass all necessary activities and criteria, ensuring thorough and high-quality deliverables.

The Definition of Done establishes the criteria for completing work, while the Definition of Ready ensures that the team is adequately prepared to tackle the product backlog items. Having both in place enables teams to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness by working together more effectively toward their objectives.

In conclusion, while both the Definition of Ready (DoR) and Definition of Done (DoD) play crucial roles in guiding Scrum teams, they serve distinct purposes. The DoR ensures backlog items are prepared for development, whereas the DoD confirms when a task is complete. High-performing teams evolve these definitions over time, refining their processes to enhance efficiency and deliver high-quality results. By balancing readiness and completion criteria, teams can navigate Agile development more effectively, driving continuous improvement and success in their projects.