What is Acceptance Criteria?

Acceptance Criteria are the specific conditions or requirements that a software product must meet to be accepted by a user, customer, or other stakeholders. These criteria define the functional and non-functional aspects of a product and serve as a clear guideline for what needs to be achieved for the product to be considered complete and satisfactory. They are crucial in ensuring that all stakeholders have a common understanding of what the end product should look like and how it should perform.

Acceptance Criteria are typically detailed and precise, covering various scenarios and edge cases to ensure comprehensive validation of the product. They are used during the testing phase to verify that the product meets the predefined standards and fulfills its intended purpose. By providing a concrete basis for acceptance, these criteria help in minimizing misunderstandings, reducing rework, and ensuring that the final product aligns with the users' needs and expectations. Ultimately, well-defined Acceptance Criteria contribute to the delivery of high-quality software that meets or exceeds stakeholder expectations.