Who Creates the Definition of Done?

If the organization has a DoD, Developers must at least conform to it and may add stricter standards. If no organizational DoD exists, the Scrum Team must create one for their product; multiple teams on the same product must integrate their Increments into one shared DoD.

Metaphor

Creating a Definition of Done is like setting the house rules for a shared kitchen. If the landlord provides a baseline—like “take out the trash weekly”—everyone must follow it, but the roommates can agree to stricter rules like “label leftovers” or “wipe the counters nightly.” When multiple roommates share the same kitchen, one consistent set of rules keeps meals edible and the space livable.

Works Consulted

In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking: (1), (2)

1.
Definition of Done [Internet]. [cited 2025 Sep 6]. Available from: https://www.scrum.org/learning-series/definition-done/
2.
Crafting a Definition of Done [Internet]. scrum.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 6]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MD5onpE6jg