DoD - Definition of Done vs DoR - Definition of Ready

The Definition of Done, DoD, is a set of criteria that determines when a user story is considered complete within the Scrum framework.

It ensures that all work is finished according to a consistent standard for the team and is ready for release, providing transparency and ensuring quality.

If the organization does not have a defined DoD, it is the developers' responsibility to create it.

Allows for an objective assessment of completed work and helps manage team capacity and expectations.

The DoD is typically documented as a checklist or list of criteria that is visible to the entire team and can be referenced throughout the sprint.

The DoD is a living element that should improve and expand as more is learned.

The Definition of Ready, DoR, is a set of criteria agreed upon by the Product Owner and the Developers in Scrum, which outlines the requirements a Product Backlog item must meet before being selected for a Sprint Backlog.

The DoR ensures that items are sufficiently refined, understood, and feasible for implementation, reducing the risk of delays and misunderstandings during Sprint Planning.

Although not a formal part of the Scrum framework, the DoR serves, in some cases, as a collaborative tool, promoting communication and shared understanding between the Product Owner and the Development Team.

The DoR is considered an antipattern because it goes against the principles of empiricism in Scrum, hindering a team's ability to follow empirical process control and can become a barrier to communication and autonomy for the team.