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Anthony Day

Definition of Done

Write this before the build starts. Check it before anyone says done.

The buildOne line describing the work.
What it unblocksThe decision or outcome waiting on this work. If nothing is waiting, question the build.
The ownerThe named person who receives the result. Work with no receiver is not ready to start.
Done meansTwo to five checks someone outside the team could verify without asking the builder. “Works” does not qualify.
Not done ifThe failure mode worth naming up front.
End dateThe date this is delivered, archived, or escalated. Work without an end date does not end.

Banned phrases: basically done, mostly done, should work, done except. Either the criteria are met with evidence, or the work is not done.

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