What does a strong definition of "Done" contribute to a Scrum Team?

A strong definition of "Done" is crucial for a Scrum Team because it establishes a clear and shared understanding of what it means for a product increment to be complete. This consensus on completeness contributes significantly to quality assurance, ensuring that all deliverables meet a specific standard before they are considered finished.

By defining clear criteria, the team can align their efforts, reducing ambiguity about what needs to be achieved for a task to be complete. This alignment not only helps maintain high-quality outputs but also fosters accountability within the team, as everyone understands and agrees upon the expectations. Additionally, it can enhance transparency with stakeholders since they can be assured that the finished increments adhere to the agreed quality standards.

This framework provides a foundation for how the team continuously checks their work against the definition, leading to incrementally better outcomes and fostering a culture of quality within the team.