Agile Methodology
There are several Agile methodologies (or approaches), such as Kanban, XP, Crystal, and Scrumban. However, Scrum is the most popular Agile framework for product development worldwide. All of these methodologies enable faster product and service development, which is why they are gaining more and more adherents.
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In 2021, the 15th State of Agile Report was released. This report is a study based on interviews that gives a snapshot of Agile’s global presence. Below are some key findings from the report:
- 94% of respondents stated that they use Agile methodologies or frameworks within their organizations.
- 52% mentioned that all or many teams within their organizations adopt Agile approaches.
- 66% use Scrum, 9% use Scrumban, 6% use Scrum/XP Hybrid, and 6% use Kanban.
- 87% conduct daily standups, 83% hold retrospective meetings, and 83% conduct Sprint/Iteration planning sessions.
- 77% use Kanban boards, 67% use task boards, and 66% use spreadsheets.
- To scale Agile within their organizations, 37% rely on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®), while 9% use Scrum@Scale or Scrum of Scrums.
The data from this report shows that more and more organizations around the world are adopting Agile frameworks. It also highlights that many people that uses Agile artifacts, events, and practices. Even when it did not implemented the full Scrum framework. One of the main guides for this methodology is the Scrum Guide. Agile methodology develops products based on core values and principles, some of which include:
- Incremental and iterative development,
- Adaptive development instead of prescriptive,
- Timeboxing,
- Real-time face-to-face communication.
Let’s explore these principles in more detail below.
Agile Methodology Principles
The Agile Manifesto outlined the principles of Agile methodology. Let’s dive deeper into each of them:
Iterative vs. Incremental Development
A typical Agile methodology develops products iteratively and incrementally. “Iterative” means the team builds the product in repetitive cycles. On the other hand, “incremental” means the team develops the product in small parts at a time. This allows the team to learn from previous work and apply those insights to future phases.
First, the client and the team improve the product iteratively until it’s complete. During each iteration the team can make changes to components (iterative development) and add new features (incremental development).
Adaptive vs. Prescriptive Development
Traditional methods often assume that extensive upfront planning will prevent performance issues and poor decisions down the line. Similarly, detailed definitions of requirements, procedures, and designs aim to avoid inconsistencies and defects.
However, this assumption isn’t always realistic. The dynamic nature of projects often renders initial planning obsolete. Changes in requirements, solutions, technology, or priorities can not only demand new work but may also require redoing previous work.
Thus, adaptive methods were created. These methods minimize upfront planning and design, focusing instead on short-term predictions. Long-term planning is kept at a high level, with more detailed plans developed as the project progresses. Agile encourages change, allowing clients to evaluate and modify the product throughout the project, facilitating adaptation at every stage.
Timeboxing
Timeboxing is a planning technique in Agile projects. Most Agile methods break down development work into small increments, reducing the need for extensive upfront planning.
First, the team sets the duration of iterations, or timeboxes, which typically last between 1 to 8 weeks. The team and client select the requirements that can fit within that time, aiming to deliver a viable product as soon as possible. If an item from the backlog isn’t completed by the end of a sprint, it’s returned to the product backlog for future consideration.
Real-Time Face-to-Face Communication
Agile promotes real-time, face-to-face communication to maintain close collaboration between the team, client, and other stakeholders. Verbal communication in real-time allows faster and less constrained exchange of ideas, fostering good relationships and a shared sense of ownership over the project.
In Agile is encouraged that team members and clients should be physically co-located to facilitate communication, integration of work, and shared responsibility. When teams feel connected and understand the project’s importance, they tend to be more motivated and productive.
Benefits of Agile Methodology
Having explored the principles that distinguish Agile methodology from traditional approaches, let’s look at the tangible benefits of using an Agile framework:
More Involved and Satisfied Stakeholders
As mentioned, Agile’s emphasis on continuous, face-to-face communication allowing clients to evaluate the product frequently and make necessary adjustments, and ensuring it meets their needs. This fosters better client understanding and increases client confidence that the final product will meet expectations.
Transparency
The entire product development process is visible to the client, ensuring there are no hidden surprises. However, it’s essential for clients to understand that they are observing a work in progress and not the final product to avoid frustration.
Earlier and More Predictable Deliveries
Agile teams work in sprints, meaning clients know when each sprint ends and when they’ll be able to see a version of the product. Early-stage releases give final users access to the product as soon as it has commercial value, even if it’s not yet complete.
Flexibility in Deliveries
Agile teams have the flexibility to prioritize the most important requirements first so that the client can begin seeing results as soon as possible. This continuous delivery builds trust and confidence in the team’s progress.
Embracing Change
Agile focuses on delivering new items to the client in each sprint, but teams also incorporate changes identified in previous sprints to ensure the final product meets the client’s needs.
Team Awareness of Business Value
By working closely with the client, the team becomes more aware of what is most valuable for the client’s business, allowing them to focus on delivering that value as quickly as possible.
Focus on End Users
User stories are focused on end users’ needs, which often shape the product’s acceptance criteria. As a result, teams remain focused on delivering value to end users.
Higher Quality
Frequent evaluations, testing, and client feedback allow for more consistent and timely improvements, ultimately leading to higher quality and increased customer satisfaction.
Engaged and Purpose-Driven Teams
Agile approaches are designed to give teams a sense of purpose and involvement, leading to increased productivity and efficiency as they work with greater motivation.