What is required when a scrum team says a product backlog item is done?

What is required when a scrum team says a product backlog item is done?

Options:

• The item has been developed and tested
• The item has been deployed to the production environment
• The item meets the Scrum Team’s shared understanding of the definition of “Done”
• The item meets the definition of Done provided by the Product Owner

Answer:

The item meets the Scrum Team’s shared understanding of the definition of “Done”.

To complete:

In the Scrum framework, the concept of “Done” isn’t just a casual term; it’s a critical milestone that determines the quality and completeness of a product backlog item. When a Scrum team claims that an item is “Done,” it signifies that the item has undergone rigorous checks and meets specific criteria. But what exactly is required when a Scrum team says a product backlog item is done? Let’s explore the essential elements that contribute to defining “Done” in Scrum.

Defining “Done” in Scrum

The Scrum Guide emphasizes that each product backlog item (PBI) must meet a clear and unambiguous “Definition of Done.” The Definition of Done is a set of criteria that the team agrees upon for a PBI to be considered complete. It is a comprehensive checklist that reflects the team’s commitment to delivering high-quality work. Typically, the Definition of Done varies from one Scrum team to another, depending on their context, product, and specific requirements. However, there are some common elements that are universally expected when declaring a PBI as “Done”:

1. Functionality: The foremost requirement for a PBI to be “Done” is that it must be fully functional. It should work as intended without any critical bugs or issues.
2. Testing: Extensive testing is crucial. The PBI should have undergone various testing phases, including unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing. Testing helps ensure that the feature meets the required quality standards.
3. Documentation: Adequate documentation is a vital part of the Definition of Done. This includes user manuals, technical documentation, and any necessary guides for the product.
4. Acceptance Criteria: All acceptance criteria outlined during sprint planning or backlog refinement should be met. This demonstrates that the team has fulfilled all the requirements defined by the product owner.
5. Code Review: The code associated with the PBI should have undergone peer review. Code review helps identify and fix any coding issues, ensuring maintainability and readability.
6. No Open Bugs: The PBI should not have any open or unresolved defects or bugs. All known issues should be addressed and verified as fixed.
7. Performance: If performance criteria have been defined for the PBI, it should meet those criteria. This ensures the product’s optimal performance under specified conditions.
8. Integration: The PBI should integrate seamlessly with the existing product without causing disruptions. Integration testing should confirm that the new functionality doesn’t negatively affect the system.
9. Approval: The product owner and other stakeholders should approve the completed PBI to ensure it aligns with their expectations and requirements.

Why a Clear “Definition of Done” Matters

A well-defined “Definition of Done” is paramount in Scrum for several reasons:

1. Transparency: It provides transparency regarding the quality and completeness of PBIs. The team and stakeholders have a shared understanding of what is expected.
2. Quality Assurance: It ensures that only high-quality work is considered “Done.” This prevents the accumulation of technical debt and subpar work.
3. Predictability: A consistent “Definition of Done” allows the team to make reliable forecasts about how much work they can complete in each sprint.
4. Customer Satisfaction: Meeting the Definition of Done leads to satisfied customers and product owners, as it reflects a commitment to delivering valuable and reliable product increments.
5. Continuous Improvement: Teams can use their “Definition of Done” as a basis for continuous improvement. They can refine it over time to enhance their development process.

In conclusion, achieving “Done” in Scrum is not merely a formality; it’s a cornerstone of the framework. It signifies that a product backlog item is not only complete but meets rigorous quality standards. Defining and adhering to a clear “Definition of Done” is a practice that fosters transparency, quality, and the successful delivery of valuable product increments.