The Definition of Done (DoD) is a sacrosanct measure of quality, ensuring that every piece of work meets the standards necessary for release. On the other hand, acceptance criteria focus on the work’s content. Merging the two can risk the integrity of a working, usable product. This article delves into the nuances of maintaining the sanctity of the DoD while ensuring the delivery of valuable increments.
Why having Acceptance Criteria on the Definition of Done risks the sanctity of the working usable product
The DoD is my touchstone for quality. It’s a measurable and automatable standard that ensures every increment is of a certain quality. Introducing optional or non-executable elements into the DoD can diminish its importance, potentially jeopardising the transparency and empiricism foundational to our work.
The DoD isn’t about guaranteeing functionality but ensuring that what we’ve built works. It’s the bedrock of transparency. If stakeholders are still determining whether the work meets the necessary standards for release, there needs to be more clarity on the additional effort required. Similarly, if Developers are unsure of these standards, they can’t accurately gauge the work needed.
Incorporating elements that might undermine this transparency or minimise these standards is a risk we shouldn’t take. The DoD’s primary purpose is to maintain this clarity.
Why having Acceptance Criteria on the Definition of Done may not risk the sanctity of the working usable product
There are instances where quality measures form part of the acceptance criteria. In such cases, one might be tempted to add “must meet acceptance criteria” to the DoD. However, this can jeopardise the team’s flexibility in determining the Sprint’s contents while upholding the DoD’s sanctity.
Instead, we should scrutinise the acceptance criteria. If specific criteria always need to be true, they should be incorporated into the standards and, by extension, the DoD. For instance, criteria like “all content is spelled correctly and has good grammar” or “all copy meets visual spacing guidelines” can be integrated into the DoD.
If you’re keen on including acceptance criteria in the DoD and wish to maintain the flexibility of value delivery, consider phrasing it as “for all work delivered in the Sprint, quality-based acceptance criteria on each backlog item are fulfilled”. This retains the original intent while allowing the team to adapt based on their learnings.
Conclusion
The DoD aims to ensure transparency, confirming that all showcased work meets our product’s standards. Anything that jeopardises this transparency or the adaptability of Sprint’s contents should be approached with caution. Only adopt such changes if you can guarantee the preservation of adaptability and transparency.
-–
NKDAgility can help!
These are the intricacies that lean-agile aficionados thrive on, but most find daunting. If you find it hard to distinguish between the Definition of Done and Acceptance Criteria, my team at NKDAgility is here to assist. Don’t let these issues undermine your value delivery. Seek help sooner rather than later.
Right now, you can request a free consultation with my team or enrol in one of our upcoming professional Scrum classes . Because you don’t just need agility, you need Naked Agility.
Smart Classifications
Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.
What to read next
Acceptance Criteria vs Definition of Done: Why Getting This Right Builds Trust and Delivers Quality Faster
Stop confusing acceptance criteria with definition of done, learn the crucial difference to boost quality, speed, and trust in your agile …
Unlocking Success in Agile: Why Your Definition of Done is Essential for Quality Delivery
Explains why a clear Definition of Done is vital in Agile and Scrum for quality delivery, transparency, and risk mitigation, with tips for …
Definition of Done - Objective vs Subjective
Explains the difference between subjective goals and the objective Definition of Done in Scrum, highlighting how clear, measurable criteria …
Your Evolving Definition of Done
Explains how the Definition of Done evolves in Scrum, aligning team practices with organisational standards to ensure consistent quality, …
The Definition of Done is a Commitment to Quality
Defines the Definition of Done in Scrum as a clear, shared standard for quality, ensuring increments are releasable, transparent, and …
Why 'Definition of Done' is Crucial for Success in Scrum
Explains how a clear Definition of Done in Scrum ensures consistent quality, team alignment, and customer satisfaction across all projects, …
Detecting agile theatre with real delivery signals
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Why Outsourcing DevOps Fails, and How Real Engineering Excellence Starts With Your Team
Avoid DevOps vendor lock-in, discover how true engineering excellence starts with partnership, not outsourcing. Ready to transform your …
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Kendall Guide - A System of Work for AI Adoption
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Estimating Better in an Overloaded System Is a Poor Man’s Strategy
High work in progress (WIP) causes delays and unpredictability; improving estimates won’t help. Limiting WIP and focusing on flow is key to …
The Definition of Done is a Commitment to Quality
Defines the Definition of Done in Scrum as a clear, shared standard for quality, ensuring increments are releasable, transparent, and …
Why Your Definition of “Done” Is Holding Back Quality, Agility, and Trust, And How to Raise the Bar
Is your team’s “done” really done? Discover how a clear, objective definition of done boosts quality, agility, and trust in product …
Acceptance Criteria vs Definition of Done: Why Getting This Right Builds Trust and Delivers Quality Faster
Stop confusing acceptance criteria with definition of done, learn the crucial difference to boost quality, speed, and trust in your agile …
How to Evolve Your Definition of Done: Start Small, Grow Smarter, and Build Lasting Momentum
Unlock a smarter Definition of Done, start small, evolve standards, and build team momentum without overwhelm. Discover how progress drives …
Why Most Transformations Fail Without Honest Conversations
Most transformations fail without open, honest conversations that address real issues, making transparency and tough dialogue essential for …
Why Your Definition of Done Is the Secret Weapon for Real Business Impact and Agile Growth
Transform your definition of done into a strategic advantage, deliver real value, reduce risk, and drive business impact with every sprint.
Detecting agile theatre with real delivery signals
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Why Outsourcing DevOps Fails, and How Real Engineering Excellence Starts With Your Team
Avoid DevOps vendor lock-in, discover how true engineering excellence starts with partnership, not outsourcing. Ready to transform your …
Estimating Better in an Overloaded System Is a Poor Man’s Strategy
High work in progress (WIP) causes delays and unpredictability; improving estimates won’t help. Limiting WIP and focusing on flow is key to …