Introduction
Agile methods help development teams make fast and informed decisions based on customer feedback during the development life cycle. Agile teams plan and execute work in time-boxes, or iterations, sometimes called sprints.
Agile assists companies to design and develop the products quickly. By continuously improving products throughout development, agile allows organizations both large and small remain competitive in the modern economy.
To learn about agile methods, it is recommended to take agile training, either as an individual or as a team.
Agile origins
In 2001, a small group of people, frustrated with the state of software development projects at the time, created the Agile Manifesto with the goal of improving software development processes.
The Agile Manifesto details 4 important values:
- A focus on people and interactions instead of processes and tools.
- A preference for working software over comprehensive paperwork.
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
- An emphasis on adaptation over following plans.
In addition, there are 12 agile principles to guide the application of agile product development:
- Serve the consumer by providing valuable products at every stage of development.
- Accept changing requirements no matter how early or late in development.
- Deliver working software in less time.
- Both developers and business specialists need to work together throughout the project.
- Information is best conveyed through face-to-face discussions.
- Motivate developers by creating an environment of trust and empowerment.
- Working products are a key measure of progress.
- Agile must promote sustainable development.
- Attention to detail and quality improves the agile method.
- Simplicity is an important part of effective agile management.
- Self-organized teams produce the best products.
- Teams must regularly reflect on progress and help improve the development process.
The benefits of being agile
Agile has been adapted to suit almost every industry. The specific strategies used in each may vary depending on the unique challenges faced in their respective industry, but all share some common benefits.
Stakeholder engagement and satisfaction
The agile process gives numerous opportunities throughout the development cycle for engagement between developers and stakeholders.
Because the customer is actively involved in the development process, there is a continuous level of collaboration between all parties. This allows developers to better understand the clients’ desired goals and helps create products that achieve these goals.
By delivering working software in frequent intervals, the agile development process promotes engagement between the stakeholder and development teams.
Early and predictable delivery
Sprints are held on a fixed schedule of 1 to 4 weeks. By using this time-boxed approach, new features can be delivered to stakeholders quickly and regularly. It also allows developers to test products before the final release or release the software application early if it achieves desired goals.
Predictable costs and schedules
Because sprints are held on a regular fixed schedule, project managers can draw up a timeline and budget based on the quantity of work to be done. By updating approximated expenses prior to each sprint, the customer can better understand the development timeline and cost of implementing new features.
This allows for better decision-making when prioritizing features or changing the project scope.
Flexible prioritization
Agile development teams have more control over how they handle each unit of work within the sprint. Should project scope or product features be changed, this allows for a quick ROI as new tasks can be quickly prioritized, and value delivered to consumers.
Agile processes also give the opportunity to continually reprioritize and revise the task backlog. These changes can be quickly implemented in the next iteration so new modifications can be demonstrated to customers within a few weeks.
Focuses on business value
Agile focuses on understanding what is essential for consumers and can provide features that offer the most value and best returns on investment.
Concentrate on users
User stories are typically used to define product features as they relate to business goals. User stories allow each function to deliver value and ensures they are not simply an IT element. Acquiring user feedback is essential to allow important changes to be made as needed.
Enhances quality
Agile projects are broken down into manageable time-boxes (iterations), making it easier for teams concentrate on quality and collaboration within each iteration. By testing and adapting throughout the iteration, defects and inequalities can be found early, improving overall quality.
The agile mindset
Ultimately, Agile is a mindset informed by the values and principles of the Agile Manifesto. They provide guidance on how to respond the change, navigate uncertainty and how to manage risk.
Agile isn’t just about delivering high-quality products, it is also about creating positive work environments, and fostering good relationships with employees and customers.
If you’d like to train your staff in the latest agile project management methodologies, make sure to see our agile training course page.
