When Should the Definition of Done Be Updated?
The Sprint Retrospective is the most appropriate time to discuss and refine the DoD because it focuses on improving effectiveness. However, teams should refine it whenever practical rather than waiting for a formal event.
Metaphor
Updating the Definition of Done is like tidying your desk on Friday afternoon. That’s the usual ritual to keep things orderly, but there’s never a bad time to clear the clutter.
Similarly, the Sprint Retrospective is the natural checkpoint for refining the DoD, though making improvements sooner only strengthens quality.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking: (1)
1.
Definition of Done [Internet]. [cited 2025 Sep 6]. Available from: https://www.scrum.org/learning-series/definition-done/