What is Agile?
Agile is an iterative approach to project management and development that prioritizes collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability for faster, value-driven delivery.
Agile is an iterative approach to project management and development that prioritizes collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability for faster, value-driven delivery.
The Origins of Agile
Agile traces its roots back to the early 2000s when 17 software developers came together to rethink how software projects were managed. Frustrated with the rigidity and inefficiency of traditional methods like Waterfall, they drafted the Agile Manifesto in 2001. This manifesto outlined four core values and twelve principles designed to emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and delivering customer value.
The Core Values of Agile
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: Agile values the people doing the work and their collaboration over strict adherence to processes or reliance on tools.
Working software over comprehensive documentation: The focus is on creating functional products rather than getting bogged down in excessive paperwork.
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Agile emphasizes working with customers throughout the development process to ensure their needs are met.
Responding to change over following a plan: Agile embraces change and adapts to it, rather than rigidly sticking to a predefined plan.
Why Agile Matters
Faster Time to Market: Agile’s iterative approach allows teams to deliver smaller, usable chunks of a product early and often, reducing the time it takes to deliver value to customers.
Flexibility and Adaptability: In a world where requirements can change overnight, Agile provides the flexibility to pivot and adapt without derailing an entire project.
Improved Collaboration: Agile fosters strong communication and collaboration within teams and with stakeholders, breaking down silos and ensuring everyone is aligned.
Focus on Customer Value: Agile keeps the customer at the centre of the process, ensuring that the final product meets their needs and expectations.
Better Risk Management: By delivering work in small increments and incorporating feedback regularly, Agile reduces the risk of investing in features or solutions that don’t add value.
How Agile Works
Agile is often implemented through frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, or Extreme Programming (XP). These frameworks provide structures for teams to organize their work, prioritize tasks, and continuously improve.
Agile has revolutionized how teams approach software development by putting people, collaboration, and customer value at the forefront. Whether you’re a developer, a product manager, or a stakeholder, understanding Agile can help you contribute to better projects and happier teams.