Introduction
Clear criteria make the difference between successful projects and chaotic ones. For development teams, two frameworks stand out as essential tools: Definition of Ready (DoR) and Definition of Done (DoD). These concepts help teams set boundaries, clarify expectations, and deliver quality work consistently.
Let's explore how these frameworks differ, why they matter, and how to implement them effectively in your development workflow.
Understanding the Basics
Definition of Ready (DoR)
The definition of Ready means a user story has all the information the team needs before they start working on it. A ready story lets developers begin work without hitting roadblocks or needing to ask many questions.
Think of DoR as your pre-flight checklist. Before takeoff, pilots verify all systems work correctly. Similarly, before development begins, teams check that stories meet specific criteria.
Definition of Done (DoD)
The definition of Done represents the complete set of conditions that software must satisfy to be considered finished. It ensures everyone shares the same understanding of what "complete" means.
DoD acts as your landing checklist. Just as pilots follow procedures to ensure a safe landing, development teams use DoD to confirm they've completed all necessary steps before considering work finished.
Why DoR and DoD Matter for Dev Teams
Both frameworks offer significant benefits:
- They reduce ambiguity and miscommunication
- They prevent scope creep and Feature bloat
- They maintain consistent quality standards
- They help teams estimate work more accurately
- They decrease rework and technical debt
Most importantly, they create shared understanding across the team about expectations at each stage of development.
Crafting an Effective Definition of Ready
Key Components of DoR
A strong Definition of Ready typically includes:
- Clear acceptance criteria: Each Story should specify how success will be measured.
- Independent implementation: The Story can be developed without depending on other unfinished work.
- Size estimation: The team has estimated the Story's complexity and effort.
- Technical feasibility: The team has confirmed that the Story can be implemented with available resources.
- User value: The Story clearly articulates the benefit to end users.
DoR Template for User Stories
Here's a practical template for ensuring user stories meet your Definition of Ready:
text
## User Story: [Title]
**As a** [type of user]
**I want to** [perform some action]
**So that** [I can achieve some goal/benefit]
**Acceptance Criteria:**
1. [Criterion 1]
2. [Criterion 2]
3. [Criterion 3]
**Technical Notes:**
- [Implementation details, API endpoints, etc.]
- [Potential challenges]
**Dependencies:**
- [List any dependencies]
**Definition of Ready Checklist:**
- [ ] Story is clear and understandable
- [ ] Acceptance criteria are defined
- [ ] Story is estimated
- [ ] Dependencies are identified
- [ ] Design/mockups are available (if needed)
- [ ] Story fits within sprint capacityCreating a Robust Definition of Done
Key Components of DoD
A practical Definition of Done typically includes:
- Code quality checks: Code meets agreed standards and passes reviews.
- Testing requirements: All specified tests pass (unit, integration, etc.).
- Documentation: Required documentation has been created or updated.
- Performance criteria: The implementation meets performance requirements.
- Deployment readiness: The Code can be deployed to the target environment.
DoD Template
Here's a practical template for your Definition of Done:
text
## Definition of Done Checklist
**Code Quality:**
- [ ] Code follows team coding standards
- [ ] Code reviewed by at least one team member
- [ ] Technical debt addressed or documented
**Testing:**
- [ ] Unit tests written and passing
- [ ] Integration tests passing
- [ ] Acceptance criteria verified
- [ ] Manual testing completed (if required)
**Documentation:**
- [ ] Code documented according to standards
- [ ] User documentation updated (if needed)
- [ ] Release notes prepared
**Deployment:**
- [ ] Feature can be deployed to production
- [ ] Monitoring in place
- [ ] No regression issues identified
**Approval:**
- [ ] Product Owner approval
- [ ] Stakeholder demo completed (if required)DoR vs. DoD: Key Differences
Understanding the differences helps teams apply each framework effectively:
| Aspect | Definition of Ready | Definition of Done |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Before work begins | After work is completed |
| Focus | Preparation and clarity | Completion and quality |
| Ownership | Product Owner/Business Analyst | Development Team |
| Purpose | Ensures work is ready to start | Ensures work meets quality standards |
| Scope | Individual user stories | All development work |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
DoR Pitfalls
- Too rigid: If your DoR contains too many requirements, stories may never become "ready."
- Solution: Focus on essential criteria that truly block development.
- Too vague: If criteria lack specificity, the DoR loses its value.
- Solution: Make each criterion measurable and concrete.
DoD Pitfalls
- Checkbox mentality: Teams may focus on checking boxes rather than delivering quality.
- Solution: Regularly review and discuss the spirit behind each criterion.
- Scope creep: Adding too many items to DoD can slow delivery.
- Solution: Include only what's necessary for quality and consistency.
Implementing DoR and DoD in Your Team
- Start simple: Begin with a minimal set of criteria and evolve over time.
- Get team buy-in: Involve the entire team in creating and refining definitions.
- Make them visible: Post your DoR and DoD where everyone can see them.
- Review regularly: Revisit your definitions during retrospectives to improve them.
- Adapt to context: Different projects may need different criteria.
Real-World Examples
DoR Example: Mobile App Feature
## User Story: In-App Purchase Flow
**As a** premium user
**I want to** upgrade my subscription within the app
**So that** I can access advanced features immediately
**Acceptance Criteria:**
1. User can view available subscription tiers
2. User can select and purchase a subscription
3. User receives confirmation of purchase
4. User gains immediate access to premium features
5. User can view subscription status in profile
**Technical Notes:**
- Integrate with payment gateway API
- Handle offline purchase attempts gracefully
- Store subscription data securely
**Dependencies:**
- Payment gateway integration must be complete
- User authentication system must be in place
**Definition of Ready Checklist:**
- [ ] Story is clear and understandable
- [ ] Acceptance criteria are defined
- [ ] Story is estimated at 8 story points
- [ ] Dependencies are identified
- [ ] UI mockups are available
- [ ] Story fits within sprint capacityDoD Example: Web Application Feature
## Definition of Done: User Authentication System
**Code Quality:**
- [ ] Code follows team coding standards
- [ ] Code reviewed by security team
- [ ] No critical or high vulnerabilities
**Testing:**
- [ ] Unit tests cover 80%+ of code
- [ ] Integration tests for all authentication flows
- [ ] Security penetration testing completed
- [ ] Cross-browser testing completed
**Documentation:**
- [ ] API endpoints documented
- [ ] User guide updated with login instructions
- [ ] Release notes prepared
**Deployment:**
- [ ] Feature deployed to staging environment
- [ ] Monitoring alerts configured
- [ ] Performance testing shows <200ms response time
**Approval:**
- [ ] Product Owner approval received
- [ ] Security team sign-off obtainedStreamlining DoR and DoD with Project Management Tools
Managing DoR and DoD becomes more manageable with the right tools. Teamcamp offers an all-in-one solution that helps development teams implement these frameworks effectively.
With Teamcamp, you can:
- Create customizable templates for user stories that incorporate DoR checklists
- Set up automated workflows that enforce DoR and DoD criteria
- Track progress visually as stories move from "ready" to "done"
- Generate reports that identify bottlenecks in your process
- Collaborate in real-time on refining acceptance criteria
The platform integrates these quality gates naturally into your workflow, making them helpful tools rather than bureaucratic obstacles.
Conclusion
Definition of Ready and Definition of Done provide essential guardrails for development teams. They create clarity, maintain quality, and help teams deliver value consistently.
Start by creating simple, clear definitions addressing your team's needs. Refine them over time based on what works and what doesn't. Remember that these frameworks exist to serve your team-not the other way around.
For teams looking to implement these frameworks effectively, consider exploring Teamcamp.
Its flexible project management features help teams maintain quality standards while keeping processes lightweight and developer-friendly.
By integrating DoR and DoD into your workflow with Teamcamp, you can achieve the right balance between structure and agility-delivering better software with less friction.
