Acceptance Criteria vs. Definition of Done

Definition

Acceptance criteria are specific conditions that a product increment must satisfy to be accepted by the stakeholders, while the definition of done is a shared understanding among the team about what it means for work to be considered complete. Acceptance criteria focus on individual user stories or tasks, ensuring they meet user requirements, while the definition of done applies to all work, providing a checklist that ensures quality and completeness before the work can be considered finished.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acceptance criteria are defined before the development begins and are specific to each user story, guiding the team's work and setting expectations for stakeholders.
2. The definition of done includes broader criteria that apply to all work items, such as code review, testing completion, and documentation, ensuring consistency across the team.
3. Both acceptance criteria and the definition of done are important for transparency and communication within the team, helping everyone understand what needs to be achieved.
4. While acceptance criteria can change based on feedback from stakeholders, the definition of done remains consistent unless agreed upon by the team to adapt it.
5. Failing to meet either acceptance criteria or the definition of done can result in incomplete features, which may lead to rework and missed deadlines.

Review Questions

• How do acceptance criteria and the definition of done differ in their application within an Agile project?
  • Acceptance criteria are specific conditions attached to individual user stories that define when those stories can be considered complete. They focus on user requirements and ensure that features meet stakeholder expectations. On the other hand, the definition of done applies to all deliverables within a project and sets a general standard for quality and completeness. Understanding these differences helps teams prioritize their work effectively.
• In what ways do acceptance criteria enhance communication between developers and stakeholders during an Agile project?
  • Acceptance criteria serve as a clear set of expectations for both developers and stakeholders regarding what needs to be achieved for each user story. By defining specific conditions for success, acceptance criteria facilitate discussions between developers and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the goals. This enhanced communication helps reduce misunderstandings, leading to smoother development processes and more satisfactory outcomes.
• Evaluate how a well-defined definition of done can impact overall project success in an Agile framework.
  • A well-defined definition of done plays a crucial role in project success by establishing clear quality standards that all deliverables must meet before they can be considered complete. This consistency helps prevent incomplete features from being delivered, reducing rework and ensuring high-quality outputs. Furthermore, it fosters accountability within the team, as everyone understands their responsibilities toward meeting these standards. As a result, projects are more likely to achieve their goals on time while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.

Related terms

User Story: A brief description of a feature from the perspective of the end-user, often following the format 'As a [type of user], I want [goal] so that [reason]'.

Sprint Review: A meeting at the end of a sprint where the team demonstrates the completed work to stakeholders and gathers feedback.

Quality Assurance: A systematic process aimed at ensuring that a product meets specified requirements and is free from defects.