The Done Increment

In Scrum, a "Done" Increment represents a product that meets the team’s agreed-upon standards of quality, functionality, and completeness. But what does a truly Done Increment look like? Here are some sample attributes:

• Meets Quality Standards: The quality criteria outlined by the Definition of Done must be met. This often includes code reviews, documentation updates, adherence to security protocols, non-functional requirements, and more.
• Meets Acceptance Criteria: Every backlog item included in the increment should satisfy its predefined acceptance criteria. This ensures that the team and stakeholders understand exactly what "completion" means for each item.
• Integrated and Tested: The Increment should be fully integrated with the existing system and tested end-to-end. This includes unit tests, integration tests, and potentially user acceptance tests (UATs) to ensure functionality, performance, and compatibility.
• Documented (if applicable): All relevant documentation must be completed and updated as part of the work marked "done." This can include user manuals, technical specifications, or release notes.
• Releasable State: A Done Increment should be ready for release at any point. This means it is production-ready, without any known defects or unfinished work that could hinder deployment.

How a Solid Definition of Done Helps Deliver Business Value

A solid Definition of Done (DoD) is more than a checklist; it’s a powerful alignment tool for teams and stakeholders. Here’s how a strong DoD drives real business value:

• Ensures Quality and Predictability: When teams share an understanding of what constitutes a done increment, they produce consistent, high-quality work. This predictability is crucial for stakeholders who depend on timely, dependable releases that meet business needs.
• Reduces Technical Debt: A strong DoD minimizes the risk of leaving unfinished work or shortcuts that could lead to technical debt. By committing to quality and completeness, teams can maintain a healthy product backlog and avoid the snowball effect of accumulating issues over time.
• Builds Stakeholder Trust: When a Scrum team delivers Done Increments consistently, stakeholders develop greater trust in the team’s ability to deliver. They gain confidence that what is forecasted will be delivered as promised—without hidden "gotchas" or incomplete features.
• Improves Team Focus and Autonomy: A well-defined DoD clarifies what "done" means, helping teams make better decisions and self-organize more effectively. This clear structure promotes autonomy and empowers teams to move forward confidently, knowing what is expected.
• Facilitates Incremental Value Delivery: Scrum thrives on delivering incremental value. A solid DoD ensures that each Increment provides value that can be evaluated, used, or built upon immediately. This maximizes the return on investment and gives valuable feedback to the next Sprint.

Building Your Definition of Done

To craft a robust Definition of Done, consider the following steps:

• Align with Organizational Standards: Where applicable, ensure the DoD aligns with organizational or regulatory quality standards.
• Involve the Team: Collaborate with the entire Scrum Team to create a DoD that reflects shared understanding and standards.
• Keep it Evolving: Continuously inspect and adapt the DoD as the team matures and project needs evolve.

The attributes of a Done Increment and the strength of the Definition of Done are critical to the success of any Scrum team. By embracing a solid DoD, teams create transparency, foster trust, and drive business value through every sprint. It’s not just about checking off boxes; it’s about delivering meaningful, high-quality outcomes that propel businesses forward.

Until next time, keep iterating, keep improving, and keep delivering value.