When Should the DoD Be Updated?
The team treats the DoD as evolving rather than static, inspecting and adapting it regularly as they learn and as the product changes. Continual improvement of the DoD is considered a sign of healthy practice.
Metaphor
A Definition of Done should be updated whenever new insights, practices, or product needs emerge—like upgrading your phone’s operating system. The updates fix bugs, add new features, and keep it compatible with today’s environment.
Likewise, a team’s evolving DoD ensures quality standards stay relevant and effective as both the team and product mature.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking: (1)
1.
Crafting a Definition of Done [Internet]. scrum.org; 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 6]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MD5onpE6jg