How Does the DoD Differ from Acceptance Criteria?
The DoD applies to the Increment and defines whether it is “done,” while acceptance criteria apply to a Product Backlog Item and define whether that PBI is done. Saying a PBI “meets the DoD” is a verbal shortcut; the Increment must conform to the DoD after integration.
Acceptance criteria cannot be reused across PBIs, but the DoD can.
Metaphor
The DoD is like the building code every house in a neighborhood must meet, while acceptance criteria are the custom blueprints for a single house. The building code ensures safety and quality across all houses, while the blueprints define the unique features of this house.
In Scrum, acceptance criteria confirm a PBI’s specifics, but the DoD guarantees every integrated Increment stands on solid, consistent standards.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking: (1), (2)