Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum FrameworkMedium
A Scrum Team has developed a 'Done' Increment at the end of their Sprint. The Product Owner decides not to release this Increment to users immediately, as they want to gather more feedback in the next Sprint. What is the most accurate statement regarding this 'Done' Increment?
- AIt must be discarded if not released within the Sprint.
- BIt is not truly 'Done' because it has not been released to users.
- CThe Definition of Done has not been met if it's not released.
- DIt is a usable Increment, regardless of the release decision.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It is a usable Increment, regardless of the release decision.
A 'Done' Increment means it is usable and meets the Definition of Done. The decision to release is a business decision made by the Product Owner, independent of whether the Increment itself is 'Done'. It does not need to be released to be considered 'Done'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Increments are cumulative and build upon previous ones; they are not discarded if not released.
- B. The Scrum Guide explicitly states that a 'Done' Increment is usable, regardless of whether it is released.
- C. The Definition of Done ensures quality and readiness, not mandatory release. Release is a separate decision.
Increment and Release
A 'Done' Increment is always usable and meets the Definition of Done, making it potentially releasable. The decision to actually release it is a business decision, not a condition for it being 'Done'.
- Done = Usable + DoD met.
- Release is a business decision.
- Not releasing doesn't negate 'Done'.
Memory trick: A 'Done' Increment is like a wrapped gift: it's ready, but you choose when to give it (release).