What is meant by the term 'Definition of Done' in business analysis?

The term 'Definition of Done' in business analysis primarily refers to a shared understanding of what it means for requirements or user stories to be considered complete. This concept is crucial in agile methodologies where frequent iterations and incremental delivery occur. The Definition of Done assists teams in ensuring that all criteria for quality and completion are met before a feature or requirement is deemed finished.

Having this shared understanding fosters clarity and alignment among team members, stakeholders, and clients, minimizing discrepancies regarding expectations. It can encompass various aspects such as coding standards, testing requirements, documentation, and acceptance criteria, reinforcing the importance of consistency in delivering functional, usable products.

While a checklist for testing the final product is related to the verification phase, it does not encapsulate the broader concept that the Definition of Done represents. Similarly, a document detailing project phases or a standard for managing project timelines focuses on different elements of project management and execution rather than the completeness of work related to requirements and user stories.