Answering: “User documentation is part of your Definition of Done. However, there are not enough technical writers for all teams. Your Scrum Team does not have a Technical Writer. What should the Scrum Team do?” (PSPO I)

Handling User Documentation in Scrum

Ensuring user documentation is part of your Definition of Done can be challenging, especially when technical writers are scarce. This article addresses the best approach for Scrum Teams to handle user documentation when they lack a dedicated technical writer.

Exam Question

User documentation is part of your Definition of Done. However, there are not enough technical writers for all teams. Your Scrum Team does not have a Technical Writer. What should the Scrum Team do?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Developers on the Scrum Team should write the user documentation.
B. Let the user documentation remain undone and accumulate until after the last development Sprint. It will be then done by any available technical writers.
C. Wait until you have a technical writer on your Scrum Team to take care of this.
D. Form a separate team of technical writers that will work on an on-demand basis for the various Product Owners. Work order will be first in, first out.

Correct Answer

A. The Developers on the Scrum Team should write the user documentation.

Explanation

Correct Answer

A. The Developers on the Scrum Team should write the user documentation:
In Scrum, the entire Scrum Team is responsible for meeting the Definition of Done, which includes creating user documentation. If there are no technical writers available, the Developers should take on this task to ensure that all aspects of the Definition of Done are completed within the Sprint. This approach maintains the integrity of the Increment and ensures that all deliverables are met.

Incorrect Answers

B. Let the user documentation remain undone and accumulate until after the last development Sprint: This approach would violate the Definition of Done and compromise the quality and completeness of the Increment. It also introduces technical debt, which can create additional work and complications in the future.

C. Wait until you have a technical writer on your Scrum Team to take care of this: Waiting for a technical writer would delay the completion of the Increment and hinder the team’s progress. Scrum emphasizes adaptability and self-management, and the team should find a way to meet the Definition of Done with the resources available.

D. Form a separate team of technical writers that will work on an on-demand basis for the various Product Owners. Work order will be first in, first out: While forming a separate team of technical writers might seem like a solution, it contradicts the principle of cross-functional teams in Scrum. Each Scrum Team should be able to complete all work required for the Increment without relying on external resources.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: The Product Owner ensures that user documentation is considered part of the Product Backlog and prioritized accordingly. They also ensure that all work necessary for a valuable Increment is included in the Definition of Done.
• Scrum Master: The Scrum Master supports the team in understanding the importance of the Definition of Done and facilitates solutions to meet all criteria, including user documentation. They help remove impediments and ensure the team remains focused on delivering a complete Increment.
• Developers: The Developers are responsible for all tasks required to meet the Definition of Done, including writing user documentation. They work collaboratively to ensure that the Increment is complete and meets all necessary standards.

Relevance to the PSPO I Exam

Understanding the importance of the Definition of Done and the responsibilities of the Scrum Team in meeting it is crucial for the PSPO I exam. This knowledge ensures that candidates appreciate the need for cross-functional teams and the role of each team member in delivering a complete Increment.

Key Takeaways

• The entire Scrum Team is responsible for meeting the Definition of Done.
• Developers should take on user documentation tasks if no technical writers are available.
• The Definition of Done must be met within each Sprint to ensure a complete and valuable Increment.
• Cross-functional teams are essential in Scrum to avoid reliance on external resources.

Conclusion

Ensuring that user documentation is part of the Definition of Done, even when technical writers are unavailable, highlights the importance of cross-functional teams in Scrum. By understanding this principle, you can appreciate the collaborative nature of Scrum and its focus on delivering complete and valuable Increments.