What is AGILE?
Agility is considered the ultimate solution in the so-called VUCA world, where the development of new products is constantly subject to new and changing requirements. But what does “agile” mean? What methods and frameworks are available, and how can companies put them to use? After all, an agile approach is much more than mere process optimization. That is why any potential agile transformation always begins with the question:
Why Agile?
Agile development offers several clear advantages: Product development is more flexible because it takes place incrementally, iteratively, and in short cycles known as “sprints.” The agile approach also increases the likelihood that the customer will ultimately be satisfied with the product. While this does not result in faster development, the overall product is developed in an agile manner that is significantly more efficient and therefore more budget-friendly—precisely because the customer is certain to be satisfied in the end and will no longer request time- and budget-intensive changes.
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Traditional vs. Agile Project Management
When we compare agile development with the traditional waterfall model, we immediately notice some fundamental differences. Under the traditional approach, we work in sequential, linear phases. This means that as soon as one phase is completed, development moves on to the next phase. Completed phases are not considered further. On the one hand, this means that right from the start of the project, it is already clear what is to be developed, by when, and within what budget. This is intended to ensure planning certainty.
On the other hand, this also means that the traditional model doesn’t account for changing requirements at all: If decisions about exactly what the final product should look like are made as early as the first phase of development, there is no room for flexibility. Furthermore, the entire development process often takes so long that the customer’s needs have changed unnoticed in the meantime. So if the customer doesn’t see the finished product until the very end, they’re often dissatisfied with it—even though it may correspond exactly to what they originally commissioned. How can agile development overcome these problems?
4 Critical Mistakes When Choosing Agile Methods
What does agile work mean?
Agile development involves, among other things, constant customer contact, regular feedback, and incremental development. This means that instead of creating a single, massive product, the process begins with a small, functional subproduct that grows over time. In agile development, a process similar to the phases of the waterfall model is repeated in short, iterative cycles: from requirements gathering through design and planning to quality testing. And each time the agile process is completed, the customer gets to see the finished small product, can provide feedback, and express new requests.
It follows that, with the agile approach, the customer does not have to wait months after commissioning the product to receive something tangible. If development is heading in an undesirable direction, the customer can offer constructive feedback in a timely manner and specify their requirements. Another advantage is that at any given point in time X, a finished, functional subproduct already exists. If, for example, the customer puts development on hold, they have still received something for their money through the agile approach. If development follows the classic waterfall model, they might receive only Gantt charts and a rough design—or a product that isn’t functional. This, too, makes agile work methods increasingly attractive to companies.
5 Tips for Successful Agile Work in Your Company
So is agility the answer to all problems?
Agile work offers numerous advantages. However, the agile approach alone does not determine the success or failure of a project or product. Every company must honestly ask itself whether the agile approach is even suitable. After all, agile work means more than just more flexible, customer-focused processes. It is based on an entire mindset: the agile mindset. It is people-centered, tolerant of mistakes, and open to change. Respect and courage are just as essential to the agile approach as trust in oneself and in the abilities of others. This is another reason why an organization doesn’t become agile overnight. Furthermore, there are products that can be developed much more effectively using traditional methods: the foundation of a house, for example, can be developed with confidence using the traditional model. When it comes to interior design, on the other hand, agile methods can offer clear advantages.
Would you like to take advantage of these benefits? Then join one of our agile training courses—such as the one on Scrum. We look forward to seeing you!
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