What Role Does the Definition of Done Play in an Increment?
The Definition of Done ensures that each piece added to the product is truly complete. It may evolve over time to raise quality standards, such as requiring alignment or consistency when adding new work.
Metaphor
The Definition of Done is like the safety seal on a medicine bottle; without it, you can’t be sure what’s inside is safe or finished. It marks the shared standard that every piece of work must meet before it’s added to the product.
In this way, it ensures each Increment is trustworthy, consistent, and usable.
Works Consulted
In addition to any sources cited above, the following works informed my thinking:(1)
1.
Susek C. What is a Product Increment [Internet]. scrum.org; [cited 2025 Sep 1]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TLTynKujNo&t=1s