AGILE development
Embrace change, enhance collaboration, and build better Cheat sheet
products, faster.
The Startup Chronicles
Startup series Matt Mahdieh
AGILE Development
Embrace change, enhance collaboration, and build better products,
faster.
What is it?
Agile Development is a methodology that emphasises flexibility, customer satisfaction, continuous
improvement, and high responsiveness to change in software development. It involves breaking
down the project into small, manageable units, enabling teams to focus on high-quality
development, testing, and collaboration.
The Agile process fosters a flexible, team-based approach, where each member works on small
modules, allowing for rapid adjustments based on stakeholder feedback.
Who should be involved?
Problem
Software development teams, project managers,
Traditional development models like Waterfall are often rigid, with each phase depending on the stakeholders, and customers.
completion of the previous one. Agile addresses the need for a more adaptive approach that can
respond quickly to changes and incorporate feedback at any stage of the development process. It requires active participation and collaboration from
all parties for successful implementation.
Moreover, traditional models generally place less emphasis on client involvement and feedback
during the development process. This lack of ongoing collaboration can lead to a final product that
doesn't fully meet the client's expectations or needs, as any feedback can only be implemented in
subsequent versions rather than the current cycle of development.
When should you use it?
Agile is ideal for projects where requirements are expected to change frequently or are not clearly
defined at the outset. It's beneficial for organizations looking to reduce development times,
improve product quality, and increase adaptability to changing customer needs.
Why Benefits Difficulty Teams involved
Higher Customer Improved Product Quality, Development, Product, Customer,
Satisfaction Increased Flexibility Moderate to High Project
My perspective How does it work?
● Flexibility vs. Chaos: Agile offers A. Sprints: Projects are divided into short cycles or sprints, typically lasting 2-4 weeks.
flexibility but can lead to chaos if not B. Daily Stand-ups:: Brief daily meetings to discuss progress and obstacles.
properly managed.
C. Backlogs: A prioritized list of tasks and requirements.
● Customer-Centric Approach:
D. Retrospectives: Regular meetings to reflect on the sprint and make improvements
Prioritises customer needs but may lead
to scope creep. for the next one.
● Team Dynamics: Empowers teams but E. Gather Feedback and Iterate: Collect and analyse user feedback, Make
requires strong self-management and improvements and iterate based on the feedback received.
communication skills.
Explore further Common Use Cases Dos
“Agile Software Development: Principles,
● Software Development: Ideal for projects ● Do maintain a prioritized backlog.
Patterns, and Practices”, by Robert C. Martin.
with evolving requirements
● Regularly review and adapt plans based
● Product Development: Useful in
“Succeeding with Agile.” by Mike Cohn. on feedback.
environments where rapid innovation is
● Foster a team environment that
required.
encourages open communication and
● Team Management: Effective for managing
teams with a focus on continuous
collaboration.
improvement and adaptability.
Misconception Don’ts
“Agile is all about speed”: Agile is not just ● Don't neglect team input and
about speed; it’s about flexibility and collaboration.
adapting to change while maintaining a ● Avoid rigidly sticking to plans when
focus on delivering quality products. change is necessary.
● Don't overlook the importance of
regular and clear communication.
Matt Mahdieh
Startup series https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmahdieh/
