During a Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team discusses their Definition of Done. They realize that their current DoD does not include any automated testing, leading to frequent manual regressions and slow releases. What is the most appropriate action for the Scrum Team to take regarding their Definition of Done?
- AThe Developers should agree to immediately implement automated testing for all new code.
- BThe Product Owner should prioritize adding automated testing as a Product Backlog Item for a future Sprint.
- CThe Scrum Master should update the Definition of Done to include automated testing immediately.
- DThe Scrum Team should update their Definition of Done to include automated testing and plan how to achieve it in upcoming Sprints.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Scrum Team should update their Definition of Done to include automated testing and plan how to achieve it in upcoming Sprints.
The Definition of Done is a commitment for the entire Scrum Team. If they identify a necessary improvement, they should update the DoD to reflect the desired quality standard and then plan how to achieve that new standard. This might involve dedicating Sprint work to implementing automated testing. The DoD is not owned by a single role, nor is it a separate PBI.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While the Developers are responsible for technical practices, the DoD is a team commitment, and implementing it requires a plan, not just an immediate agreement.
- B. Automated testing is a quality standard and part of 'how' the team delivers, not a 'what' (Product Backlog Item) to be prioritized by the Product Owner, although the PO might support dedicating capacity for it.
- C. The DoD is a commitment of the entire Scrum Team, not solely the Scrum Master's responsibility to update unilaterally.
Definition of Done as a Commitment
The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. It is a commitment by the entire Scrum Team, ensuring transparency and quality for every Increment. If the Definition of Done for the organization is not sufficient, the Scrum Team must create one that is appropriate for the product.
- A commitment of the entire Scrum Team.
- Ensures quality and transparency.
- Must be met for every Increment.
- Can evolve and improve over time in Retrospectives.
Memory trick: DoD is a team promise; improve it together, then plan the how.