Final answer:
Lack of a consistent definition of done can lead to poor design choices, difficulty in managing priorities, and inefficiencies that risk project deadlines and overall success.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a Development Team does not maintain a consistent definition of done from Sprint to Sprint, several negative consequences can arise. Without this consistency, clear timelines and objectives for the project can become blurred, leading to poor design decisions and inefficient use of resources. Moreover, team members may struggle with managing competing priorities, especially when they are involved in multiple projects with different tasks and teams.
This lack of a steady benchmark can result in products that fail to meet customer requirements or do not pass necessary testing and evaluation phases, necessitating a return to concept generation or redesign. In some instances, failure to meet deadlines due to these inefficiencies can lead to a loss of significant revenue, missed market opportunities, or even cancellation of projects.