How should non-functional requirements be applied to the Product?

Non-functional requirements are critical attributes of a product that define how the product will behave under certain conditions. These include considerations such as performance, security, usability, reliability, and maintainability. To effectively integrate non-functional requirements into the development process, they should be included in the Definition of Done.

Incorporating non-functional requirements into the Definition of Done ensures that all team members recognize these requirements as essential criteria for the completion of user stories or product increments. This way, the team commits to meeting these quality standards throughout the entire development cycle rather than treating them as an afterthought. This is crucial because non-functional requirements significantly influence user satisfaction and overall product success.

Including them in the Definition of Done reinforces accountability and ensures that no aspect of quality is overlooked while developing the product. By addressing these requirements early and consistently, the team can produce a more robust and trustworthy product that aligns with users' expectations and needs.