Definition of Ready

In Scrum, inadequate preparation of backlog items can lead to situations where items are not finishable within a Sprint, slowing down the learning and feedback cycles that are critical to agile development. To mitigate this, some teams utilize the Definition of Ready (DoR) as a practical working agreement to enhance their preparation processes. The DoR represents a mutual understanding among Scrum Team members about the necessary maturity level of requirements before they are considered for implementation in the next Sprint Planning.

While the DoR can be an effective tool to ensure that critical preparations are not overlooked, it must be approached with caution to avoid it becoming a barrier to collaboration. Rather than acting as a prerequisite that stakeholders must meet before the Developers begin their work, it should foster teamwork and prompt involvement from all team members. Scrum emphasizes the collaborative effort of the entire Scrum Team, which includes the Developers, the Product Owner, and the Scrum Master.

Utilizing criteria such as INVEST—Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimated, Sized Appropriately, and Testable—can be helpful in shaping a Definition of Ready that ensures requirements are well-prepared without hindering the collaborative dynamics crucial for effective Scrum.

The primary concern with the DoR is that it should not separate or isolate team members but instead encourage ongoing dialogue and cooperation. It is vital to monitor how the DoR is applied to ensure it supports the Scrum values of Openness, Respect, and Courage, and fosters an environment where collaborative solutions thrive.

In conclusion, while the Definition of Ready can help prevent oversights in project preparation, its use should always promote, not obstruct, the seamless teamwork that is at the heart of agile product development.