Is the Definition of "Done" static throughout the entire project?

The Definition of "Done" is intended to be a living artifact that can evolve as the team matures, learns, and adapts to changes in their workflow, technology, or project requirements. This flexibility encourages continuous improvement and ensures that the quality criteria applied to completed work remain relevant throughout the project's lifecycle.

As the team gathers experience and feedback, they may identify new quality standards or practices that enhance their operational effectiveness. This could involve incorporating automated testing, revising documentation standards, or adopting new compliance requirements as the project progresses.

Recognizing that the Definition of "Done" is not fixed allows the team to respond to emerging challenges and optimize their process, ultimately leading to better software quality and team alignment with organizational goals. Teams should review and update their Definition of "Done" regularly, especially during retrospectives, to reflect these changes and maintain clarity about what it means to complete work successfully.