The "Definition of Done" is a clear and concise set of criteria that must be met before a user story can be considered "done." It serves as a guide to ensure that the software development team and the client have a shared understanding of what needs to be delivered in order for the project to be considered complete.
Defining the "Definition of Done" is a critical step in the MVP development process. It helps to ensure that the project stays on track, and that everyone involved is working towards the same goal. Without a clear definition of what is expected, it is easy for the project to become unfocused, and for the end product to fall short of expectations.
Why is the Definition of Done important?
There are a number of reasons why the "Definition of Done" is so important in the MVP development process. These include:
1. Clarity
The "Definition of Done" provides a clear and concise set of criteria that must be met in order for the project to be considered complete. This ensures that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what is expected of them, and what they need to deliver in order for the project to be considered a success.
2. Accountability
The "Definition of Done" helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project is held accountable for their work. By clearly defining what needs to be delivered, it is easier to determine whether or not each individual is meeting their obligations.
3. Progress tracking
The "Definition of Done" also helps to track progress throughout the project. By breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable user stories, it becomes easier to track progress on each individual task. This allows the development team to identify any potential roadblocks early on and make adjustments as necessary.
4. Risk mitigation
By defining what needs to be delivered at each stage of the project, the "Definition of Done" helps to mitigate risk. It ensures that potential issues are identified early on, and that everyone involved is working towards the same goal.
Defining the Definition of Done
Defining the "Definition of Done" is a collaborative process between the development team and the client. It involves breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable user stories, and identifying the specific criteria that must be met in order for each story to be considered "done."
To define the "Definition of Done," the development team and the client should work together to answer the following questions:
What are the specific deliverables for each user story?
What criteria must be met for each user story to be considered "done"?
What are the acceptance criteria for each user story?
How will we measure the success of each user story?
By answering these questions, the team can create a clear and concise set of criteria for each user story, and for the project as a whole.
The Point
Defining the "Definition of Done" is a critical step in the MVP development process. It ensures that everyone involved in the project is working towards the same goal, and that potential issues are identified early on. By working collaboratively to define the criteria for success, the development team and the client can create a clear roadmap for the project, and ensure that the end product meets expectations.