What Is the Definition of Done in Scrum?
The Definition of Done (DoD) describes the quality standards an Increment must meet to be considered “done” and suitable for effective inspection. Since the 2020 Scrum Guide, the DoD is a commitment contained in the Increment and represents the Developers’ commitment to quality.
Metaphor
A Definition of Done is like a chef’s health inspection checklist. It ensures every dish leaving the kitchen meets agreed safety and quality standards, not just that it looks tasty.
In Scrum, this shared standard guarantees each Increment is genuinely ready for inspection and use, not just half-baked work dressed up as progress.
The Definition of Done is a foundational element of Scrum.
Metaphor
The Definition of Done is like the airport’s security checkpoint—without it, each airline could decide its own rules for who gets through, and dangerous gaps would slip by. The shared checkpoint ensures everyone passes the same safety bar, not just their airline’s version of “good enough.”
Likewise, the DoD prevents work that looks finished but fails hidden quality standards from slipping into release.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking:(1)