How to create your Scrum Definition of Done

What is the Definition of Done

The Definition of Done should be tailored to fit the team. A general definition of done would be when a story is in production and being used at the same time.

However, the concept of "done" is subjective and can vary from team to team, and even from project to project. Some teams might consider a project "done" when it has been thoroughly tested and is ready for deployment, while others might consider it "done" when it has been successfully deployed and is being used by end users.

That being said, there can be a time buffer between when a story has completed development and when it goes live. This buffer can make it difficult to accurately track and estimate how long a story took to develop from beginning to end. Done should also include the rest of the team being happy with the quality of the product as well as some testing to ensure it’s functional and doesn’t contain bugs.

So how can you know when a project is truly done?

Is a project done when all the features have been implemented? Is it when all the bugs have been fixed? Or is it something else entirely? Here are a few tips to help you and your team determine when a project is truly complete:

1. Clearly define what "done" means for your team. This might include the successful completion of all features, the fixing of all known bugs, the successful deployment of the code, or any other criteria that is important to your team.
2. Set clear, measurable goals for each project. This will help you and your team know when you are on track to meet your definition of done, and when you need to adjust your approach.
3. Track your progress regularly. Use tools like project management software or a simple spreadsheet to keep track of what tasks have been completed, what still needs to be done, and the status of each task.
4. Involve all team members in the process. Make sure everyone on your team has a clear understanding of what "done" means for your project, and encourage them to speak up if they have any concerns or ideas for improving the process.
5. Continuously review and improve your process. As you work on more projects, take the time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved upon in terms of determining when a project is truly "done."

By following these tips, you and your team can establish a clear, consistent definition of "done" that will help you deliver high-quality, reliable code on every project.