Breaking down the definition of ready in scrum

The concept of the "definition of ready" (DoR) is a framework used in product development to determine whether a work item is prepared for the development team to begin work on it. It serves as a global standard for assessing readiness, distinct from specific ticket requirements, and is designed to ensure that only well-prepared tasks are considered during sprint planning. The DoR can vary in strictness, from a light version that includes basic checks to a more comprehensive version that requires detailed criteria to be met. While the DoR offers benefits such as reducing rework, speeding up cycle times, and improving estimate accuracy, it also poses potential drawbacks like creating a mini-waterfall process and reducing flexibility for rapid experimentation. Its suitability depends on the team's goals and context, with the article suggesting it may not be ideal for modern, agile product teams but could be beneficial in scenarios where tasks are outsourced or when operating as a feature factory.