Defining 'Ready' and 'Done': Ensuring Reliability and Accessibility in Software Delivery
Establishing a clear definition of 'ready' and 'done' can mitigate risks and improve delivery outcomes in your engineering processes.
Clear definitions of 'ready' and 'done' are essential for reliable software delivery.Back to all posts
Your AI model just hallucinated in production, costing $50K in customer refunds. You thought you were ready for launch, but the definition of 'done' was vague, leading to catastrophic results. This scenario isn't just a nightmare; it's a reality for many engineering teams. Without clear definitions and processes in the
The stakes couldn't be higher. Engineering leaders must recognize that ambiguous criteria can lead to substantial financial losses, damaged reputations, and compliance risks. The cost of a single line of legacy code causing a system outage during peak traffic can be astronomical. Establishing a robust definition of 're
For engineering leaders, having a solid definition of 'ready' and 'done' is not just a best practice; it's a necessity. These definitions serve as the bedrock for reliable software delivery, ensuring that all team members are aligned and that quality standards are met. When everyone understands what 'done' truly means,
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When implementing a definition of 'ready' and 'done', start by assembling a cross-functional team that includes developers, QA, product managers, and accessibility experts. This diverse group will ensure that all perspectives are considered. Together, establish clear criteria for what constitutes 'ready' for a feature,
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Incorporate measurable outcomes into your definitions. Use metrics such as lead time, change failure rate, and customer satisfaction scores to assess whether the definitions are effective. Regularly review these metrics and adjust your definitions as necessary. This iterative approach will help your team continuously
Key takeaways
- Clear definitions of 'ready' and 'done' enhance reliability and accessibility.
- Implement communication rituals to ensure alignment.
- Regularly measure outcomes to adjust processes.
Implementation checklist
- Establish a cross-functional team to define 'ready' and 'done' criteria.
- Integrate accessibility checks into your definition of 'done'.
- Use metrics like lead time and change failure rate to assess effectiveness.
Questions we hear from teams
- What is the definition of 'ready'?
- 'Ready' refers to the criteria that must be met before a feature is taken into development. This includes requirements like design approval, accessibility checks, and technical feasibility.
- Why are definitions of 'done' important?
- 'Done' ensures that all quality criteria are met before a feature is released, including testing, documentation, and compliance checks.
- How often should we review our definitions of 'ready' and 'done'?
- Regular reviews, ideally at the end of each sprint or project, help ensure that your definitions remain relevant and effective.
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