How should a Development Team deal with non-functional requirements?

Non-functional requirements are critical for the overall quality and performance of a product. They encompass attributes such as scalability, security, performance, and usability, which significantly affect user satisfaction and the product's success. Ensuring that each Increment meets these requirements means that the Development Team integrates these attributes into their work continuously, rather than treating them as afterthoughts or delaying their implementation.

When non-functional requirements are addressed adequately within each Increment, it allows the team to build a product that not only functions but performs well and meets the expectations of stakeholders from the start. This approach fosters a culture of quality and ensures that issues related to non-functional aspects do not accumulate, which can complicate future work and lead to greater technical debt.

Moreover, incorporating these requirements into the Definition of Done encourages the team to consider them as an essential part of the product’s functionality rather than optional features. This holistic approach helps deliver a well-rounded product that aligns with the principles of Agile and Scrum, ultimately leading to higher stakeholder satisfaction.