Separate Definition of Done for Discovery and Delivery Work
In Scrum with UX, having a unified Definition of Done (DoD) is crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity across all work. However, some teams might consider using separate Definitions of Done for discovery and delivery work. This can have significant implications on the team’s workflow and stakeholder understanding.
Exam Question
Consider a team using a separate Definition of Done for Discovery and Delivery work. What is likely to happen?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Stakeholders will be confused about what done means.
B. They will tend to separate work into Discovery and Delivery Product Backlog Items.
C. The team will be more likely to swarm and pitch in when needed.
D. The team will do work at a higher velocity due to clear definitions of the work.
Correct Answers
A. Stakeholders will be confused about what done means.
B. They will tend to separate work into Discovery and Delivery Product Backlog Items.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. Stakeholders will be confused about what done means:
Having separate Definitions of Done for discovery and delivery can lead to confusion among stakeholders regarding the meaning of “done.” This lack of clarity can result in misunderstandings about the progress and state of the work, reducing the effectiveness of communication and transparency.
B. They will tend to separate work into Discovery and Delivery Product Backlog Items:
Using different Definitions of Done for discovery and delivery can cause the team to split their work into separate discovery and delivery Product Backlog Items (PBIs). This separation can lead to a fragmented workflow and create silos within the team, reducing collaboration and the seamless integration of discovery and delivery work.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
C. The team will be more likely to swarm and pitch in when needed:
Separate Definitions of Done can actually reduce the likelihood of swarming, as team members might focus more on their specific areas of work. Swarming requires a unified approach, which is harder to achieve with different definitions for different types of work.
D. The team will do work at a higher velocity due to clear definitions of the work:
While clear definitions are important, having separate Definitions of Done can complicate the workflow and reduce overall efficiency. The potential confusion and fragmentation can offset any gains in velocity that might come from having clearer definitions.
Benefits of a Unified Definition of Done
- Improved Clarity: A single Definition of Done ensures that all stakeholders and team members have a clear understanding of what “done” means.
- Enhanced Collaboration: A unified DoD promotes collaboration and collective ownership of all work items.
- Streamlined Workflow: Consistent criteria for all work items lead to a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding the impact of separate Definitions of Done is crucial for the PSU I exam. It demonstrates the ability to integrate UX practices into Scrum effectively, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and a streamlined workflow.
Key Takeaways
- Separate Definitions of Done can lead to stakeholder confusion and fragmented workflows.
- A unified Definition of Done enhances clarity, collaboration, and efficiency.
- Effective DoD management is essential for successful Scrum with UX integration.
Conclusion
Maintaining a single Definition of Done for all work promotes better clarity, collaboration, and efficiency in Scrum practices. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
