What are acceptance criteria and why are they important?

What are acceptance criteria and why are they important?

Acceptance criteria are conditions that a product must satisfy to be accepted by a user or stakeholder. They are crucial because they help ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected, reducing ambiguity and improving project outcomes.

Can you give me an example of acceptance criteria?

Sure! For a login feature, acceptance criteria might include: 1) Users must be able to log in with a valid email and password. 2) An error message should appear for invalid credentials. 3) Users should be redirected to the homepage upon successful login.

How do acceptance criteria help in agile development?

In agile development, acceptance criteria help teams define the scope of work for user stories, ensuring that all team members understand what 'done' means. This leads to better planning, testing, and ultimately, a product that meets user needs.

What happens if acceptance criteria are not met?

If acceptance criteria are not met, the product may not be accepted by stakeholders, leading to rework, delays, and potential dissatisfaction. It’s essential to address any unmet criteria before final delivery.