What is Definition of Ready?

In Agile and Scrum methodologies, the Definition of Ready (DoR) is a complementary  concept that ensures work items are ready before entering a sprint.
. It serves as a checklist of criteria a user story or task shall meet to be considered ready for development. This practice enhances clarity and efficiency within the development process.

Purpose of the Definition of Ready

The DoR establishes a shared understanding among team members about when a backlog item is ready to be worked on. By opting for transparent criteria, it helps prevent the inclusion of ill-defined tasks in a sprint, thereby reducing potential delays and rework. This alignment ensures that the team can focus on delivering value without unnecessary interruptions.

Key Components of the Definition of Ready

A well-crafted DoR typically includes the following elements:

Clear Description

The user story or task should be articulated in a way that all team members understand its purpose and scope.

Acceptance Criteria

Specific conditions that must be met for the work item to be accepted as complete.

Dependencies Identified

Any external factors or prerequisites shall be considered for the task’s progress.

Size and Estimation

The work item should be appropriately sized to be completed within a sprint and assigned an estimated effort.

Testable

The item should have clear parameters allowing testing to confirm it meets the acceptance criteria.

These components align with the INVEST criteria—Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable—which serve as a guideline for preparing effective user stories.

Benefits of Implementing a Definition of Ready

Adopting a DoR offers several advantages:

Enhanced Communication

It fosters better communication within the team, ensuring everyone understands what constitutes a ready item.

Improved Efficiency

With well-prepared tasks, the team can execute work more efficiently, minimizing the need for mid-sprint clarifications.

Risk Mitigation

By identifying and addressing potential issues early, the team can reduce the likelihood of encountering obstacles during development.

Increased Predictability

A clear DoR helps in planning and forecasting, as the team has a better grasp of the work involved.

Creating and Maintaining the Definition of Ready

Developing an effective DoR involves collaboration among all team members, including product owners and stakeholders. It’s essential to tailor the DoR to the team’s specific context and revisit it regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This iterative approach allows the team to adapt to changes and continuously improve their processes.

Conclusion

In summary, the Definition of Ready is a complementary tool in Agile and Scrum practices that ensures work items are adequately prepared before development. By establishing clear criteria, it promotes efficiency, reduces risks, and enhances the overall quality of the deliverables.