11 Examples of a Definition Of Done

John Spacey, updated on July 24, 2023

Definition of done are a series of conditions that are used to accept deliverables as completed. A well designed definition of done prevents contributors from casually saying that something is done when it isn't up to standards that make it usable.

Functionality

The deliverable achieves requirements.

Non-Functional Requirements

The deliverable conforms to non-functional requirements in areas such as performance.

Standards

The deliverable complies with requisite standards and best practices.

Sanity Check

The owner of the deliverable tested it or reviewed it.

Testing

The deliverable has been formally tested.

Review

The deliverable has been peer reviewed.

Defects

The deliverable has no major defects.

Documentation

Required documentation has been completed.

Integration

The deliverable has been integrated.

Delivery

Items have been delivered as expected including checking them in, handing them off or release them into an environment.

Communication

Communication has been completed including updating status, communicating status or knowledge transfer.

Integration is a common area where things are left incomplete after being reportedly finished. For example, a software developer may say that work is done when code is completed but not integrated with other code, platforms and environments.

Overview: Definition Of Done
Type	Scrum
Definition	Basic requirements for features to be considered potentially releasable that are agreed amongst a scrum team.
More Examples	The feature is complete. The feature is usable. The feature is documented. The feature is integrated with other available features. The feature is checked in to source control. All UAT test cases have been run and defects documented. High priority defects have been fixed.
Related Concepts	Non Functional Requirements