Definition of Done
Getting Started with the Definition of Done (DoD). Every team should define what is required, what criteria must be met, for a product increment to be …
An artifact is a defined, inspectable representation of work that supports transparency, empirical decision-making, and continuous improvement in agile systems.

An artifact is a formal, inspectable output that represents work and progress in a system of delivery. In Agile, Lean, and DevOps contexts, artifacts provide a shared understanding of what is being worked on, what is Done, and what remains. They are not tools or documents, but defined constructs that exist to support transparency, inspection, and adaptation.
In Scrum, there are three core artifacts: the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. Each artifact is designed to make key information visible and understandable. The Definition of Done further ensures that an Increment meets a standard of quality and completeness.
Artifacts serve as reference points for empirical decision-making. They enable teams and stakeholders to inspect the current state of the work, identify risks, and adapt their approach. In Kanban and DevOps, similar constructs exist, such as visual work boards, flow diagrams, and deployment pipelines, that function as artifacts by exposing delivery progress and system behaviour.
Artifacts are not passive records. They are active instruments of delivery governance. When used effectively, they enhance alignment, support evidence-based forecasting, and reinforce trust between stakeholders and teams by making progress and value delivery visible.
Getting Started with the Definition of Done (DoD). Every team should define what is required, what criteria must be met, for a product increment to be …
Defines the Definition of Done in Scrum as a clear, shared standard for quality, ensuring increments are releasable, transparent, and continuously …
Delivering working, valuable software at the end of each iteration, ensuring value is incrementally added to the product.
Strategies and techniques for effective backlog management and refinement.
Stop confusing acceptance criteria with definition of done, learn the crucial difference to boost quality, speed, and trust in your agile delivery.
A Definition of Workflow explains how work moves through each stage, using clear rules and limits to make progress visible and support team …
Stop paying the hidden costs of weak delivery. Discover how a strong, shared definition of done builds trust, quality, and real agility in your team.
Unlock your team's true potential, discover why a powerful definition of done drives real business impact, customer value, and lasting competitive …
Is your team’s “done” really done? Discover how a clear, objective definition of done boosts quality, agility, and trust in product delivery.
Explains how to create, apply, and improve a Definition of Done (DoD) in Scrum to ensure software quality, transparency, and consistent delivery of …
Explains the Nexus framework for scaling Scrum with multiple teams, detailing roles, events, and artefacts to coordinate product delivery and manage …
Scrum Teams uphold, not lower, quality by strictly following and evolving the Definition of Done, ensuring predictable releases and reducing technical …
Explores how to maintain a lean, transparent product backlog that balances current needs with future readiness, enabling teams to adapt and maximise …
Explains how a well-ordered, refined Product Backlog guides Agile teams, supports goal alignment, and ensures value-driven product development through …
Gain practical skills in managing Product Backlogs, engaging stakeholders, and using data to align backlog items with product vision in Scrum …
Learn how to recognise a poor product backlog in Agile and Scrum, including signs like lack of order, unclear priorities, and confusion among team …
Explains the difference between subjective goals and the objective Definition of Done in Scrum, highlighting how clear, measurable criteria ensure …
The Definition of Done can evolve to improve quality but should not be weakened or vary per backlog item. Consistency ensures transparency and …
Explains why a clear Definition of Done is vital in Agile and Scrum for quality delivery, transparency, and risk mitigation, with tips for team …
Explains how to maintain clear, measurable quality standards with the Definition of Done, while avoiding confusion with acceptance criteria and …
Explains why effective product backlog management is vital in Agile, highlights common pitfalls, and offers practical tips to improve team focus, …
Explains the Sprint Backlog as a transparent, flexible plan in Scrum, combining goals, tasks, and strategy to help teams stay focused, adaptable, and …
Explains how a clear Definition of Done in Scrum ensures consistent quality, team alignment, and customer satisfaction across all projects, regardless …
Scrum Teams must consistently meet a clear, non-negotiable Definition of Done to ensure quality, manage risk, and prevent technical debt in every …
Explores how rigid hierarchies in product backlogs can hinder agility, advocating for flatter, value-focused approaches to manage complexity in …
A product backlog is a prioritised list of features, tasks, or improvements that guides Agile teams in planning, collaboration, and delivering product …
Explains key Scrum concepts: distinguishing Definition of Done from acceptance criteria, using spikes vs. refinement, and strategies for managing ad …
Explores why replacing "User Stories" with "Product Backlog Items" improves clarity, flexibility, and transparency in product backlog management and …
Ensuring backlog items meet a clear, actionable standard before sprint planning.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Lockheed Martin

Genus Breeding Ltd

Emerson Process Management

Ericson

Alignment Healthcare

Akaditi

Workday

Sage

Higher Education Statistics Agency

Freadom

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Milliman

Boeing
CR2

Illumina

New Signature

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Washington Department of Transport

Ghana Police Service

Department of Work and Pensions (UK)

Royal Air Force

New Hampshire Supreme Court

Brandes Investment Partners L.P.

Boeing

Sage

Milliman

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)