Definition of Done Workshop

The 'Definition of Done' workshop allows the team to collectively define the criteria that must be met for an increment to be considered complete. This process fosters alignment and clarity on quality expectations, which is essential for a high-performing Scrum team. By working together, the team strengthens its shared understanding of quality objectives and expectations, improving collaboration and product delivery.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and Objectives

   10 min

   The facilitator begins by explaining the workshop's objective: to collectively define what 'done' means for the team. They present the concept of the Definition of Done and its importance within the Scrum framework. Participants are invited to share their initial expectations and questions to ensure a common understanding.

   Tip — Use a concrete example from a past project to illustrate the importance of a clear Definition of Done.

2. 2

   Criteria Brainstorming

   20 min

   The facilitator asks participants to individually reflect on the criteria they believe should be included in the Definition of Done. Each participant notes their ideas on sticky notes. Then, participants place their sticky notes on a board and group them by similar themes.

   Tip — Encourage participants to think about quality criteria, testing, documentation, and client validation.

3. 3

   Discussion and Consolidation

   30 min

   The facilitator guides a discussion on the proposed criteria, ensuring that each participant understands and agrees with the suggested elements. The criteria are discussed, merged, or modified as necessary to create a consensual list. The goal is to reach a shared understanding and collective agreement.

   Tip — Use facilitation techniques like a round-robin to give everyone a chance to speak.

4. 4

   Validation and Finalisation

   15 min

   Once the list of criteria is finalised, the facilitator asks the team to validate the Definition of Done. This can be done through a show of hands or verbal consensus. The facilitator ensures that all team members feel comfortable with the final version.

   Tip — Ensure that the Definition of Done is realistic and applicable to all types of work the team undertakes.

5. 5

   Documentation and Communication

   10 min

   The facilitator documents the finalised Definition of Done and ensures it is accessible to all team members. It is important that this document is visible and easily consultable for use during future sprint planning.

   Tip — Use an online collaborative tool to share the Definition of Done, especially if the team works in a hybrid or remote mode.

6. 6

   Conclusion and Next Steps

   5 min

   The facilitator concludes the workshop by thanking participants for their contributions. They remind everyone of the importance of regularly revisiting the Definition of Done to adapt it to the team's or project's evolution. Next steps include integrating this definition into the daily work process.

   Tip — Suggest planning a review of the Definition of Done during the next retrospective to ensure its continued relevance.

Variants

• Use examples of Definitions of Done from other teams as a starting point.
• Invite a member from another team to provide an external perspective and new ideas.
• Organise a review session of the Definition of Done after each sprint to refine it.