Definition of done
Can the definition of "done" be changed prior to each Sprint?
Peter,
The Definition of Done may be changed at any time to reflect what a team can complete within each sprint.
However, changing the DoD should be an infrequent occurrence, and never something done prior to each sprint.
These types of questions are more suited to the other forum.
Some doubts about the opportunity of the update of DoD, may exist, because the Scrum Guide says that “During each Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team plans ways to increase product quality by adapting the definition of Done as appropriate”, but after it says that “Although improvements may be implemented at any time, the Sprint Retrospective provides a formal opportunity to focus on inspection and adaptation”.
Then, the sprint retrospective is a formal opportunity for inspection and adaptation of the DoD, but this must be done when this is necessary.
Paul: Correct, as Aykut alluded to, " the sprint retrospective is a formal opportunity for inspection and adaptation of the DoD, but this must be done when this is necessary." -- thus the DoD could hypothetically be changed at any point as necessary.
As other already said, team can adapt DoD in Any point in time, but Retro is a formal opportunity to do that. Although this is not the full answer. What you also should remember is one of Sprint constraint:
During the Sprint:
> No changes are made that would endanger the Sprint Goal;
> Quality goals do not decrease; and,
> Scope may be clarified and re-negotiated between the Product Owner and Development Team as more is learned.
As DoD is linked to quality, therefore its modification during the Sprint is limited, at least in my opinion.
