Definition Of Ready
The Definition of Ready (DoR) serves as a checklist of criteria that must be met before a user story or any work item is considered well-understood and ready for implementation. Unlike the Definition of Done, which confirms the completion of an item, the Definition of Ready ensures that a work item is adequately defined and prepared for the work to commence. Here are some essential aspects to understand:
Components of Definition of Ready
Well-Defined Acceptance Criteria: The user story must have clear and precise acceptance criteria, outlining the conditions that the solution must satisfy.
Dependencies Identified: Any dependencies, whether internal or external, should be recognized and planned for.
Estimation Completed: Effort estimates should be provided to ensure that the team understands the magnitude of the work involved.
Resource Availability: All necessary resources, both human and material, should be available or planned for.
When to Use Definition of Ready
Before Iteration: DoR ensures that as a user story is introduced into an iteration, there's a clear understanding of what needs to be done, thereby reducing ambiguity during the development phase.
Prior to Design and Construction: Before any design or construction activities are undertaken, the Definition of Ready ensures that the scope and requirements are well-understood.
Relationship to Other Concepts
- Complements Definition of Done: While the Definition of Ready assures that a user story is sufficiently elaborated to begin work, the Definition of Done confirms that all criteria are met for the work to be considered complete.
Implications for Business Analysis
Enhanced Clarity: DoR helps in clearly defining the 'what' and the 'how' before diving into the actual work, thereby minimizing misunderstandings and rework.
Risk Mitigation: By ensuring that all conditions are met before work begins, DoR serves as a risk mitigation tool, potentially avoiding bottlenecks and project delays.
Stakeholder Alignment: It helps in ensuring that everyone, from developers to business stakeholders, is on the same page regarding what is to be delivered.
Adhering to a well-structured Definition of Ready ensures that a project team has a robust framework for initiating work items, reducing the scope for ambiguities, inefficiencies, and risks. It forms an essential part of agile methodologies but can also be applied in various other project management paradigms.