Acceptance criteria are the requirements that the product developers and product teams agree on for a specific part of their work. These requirements can be easy to understand.
Acceptance criteria are the things that a team agrees need to happen in order for work on a product to be complete.
When you make a list of the things that you want the product developers to build, be clear and concise. Write in plain language. Make it easy for them to understand what you want to be done by saying it in a way that makes sense. Talk with the developers before making this list so they know what you need from them when they do their work.
Acceptance criteria for each story or task should be verified before a product developer completes their work. The list of acceptance criteria is what you and the product team will use to tell if the work done on a product meets your requirements. If it does, then you can release it to customers.
Innovolo uses a technique called functional specification to write acceptance criteria.
Not every requirement is an acceptance criterion, so be careful not to overuse them. Acceptance criteria should only be used for what you will verify before moving on with your work. It can be easy to include too many of them and catch yourself up making sure everything is done perfectly, but then you give away all your time and energy achieving nothing.
Acceptance criteria should be prioritised as well. Only include those criteria that are the most important to the success of your product.
FAQs about Acceptance Criteria
What are product acceptance criteria?
Product acceptance criteria are the standards that a product must meet in order to be accepted by the customer or client. These criteria can include factors such as performance, quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Who defines the product acceptance criteria?
The product acceptance criteria are typically defined by the customer or client. However, in some cases, they may also be defined by the company or organization that is manufacturing the product.
Why are product acceptance criteria important?
Product acceptance criteria are important because they ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the customer or client. Additionally, they can help to ensure that the product is fit for its intended purpose and will function as expected.
What happens if a product does not meet the acceptance criteria?
If a product does not meet the acceptance criteria, it may be rejected by the customer or client. Additionally, the company or organization that manufactured the product may be liable for any damages or losses incurred by the customer or client as a result of the defective product.
Are there different types of acceptance criteria?
There are several different types of acceptance criteria, including functional, non-functional, technical, and business-related criteria. Functional criteria relate to how well the product functions, while non-functional criteria relate to factors such as usability, reliability, and safety. Technical criteria relate to the technical aspects of the product, such as its design and construction. Business-related criteria relate to factors such as cost, schedule, and marketability.