Nice presentation for those interested in software application development: Waterfall Bad, Washing Machine Good. I must admit I think this slide show would be much better with audio adding details… As it stands now it is a nice slide show (though maybe only if you already agree with the idea of agile development practices).
The basic idea: reduce the initial planning phase and increase the iterations (similar to turning the PDSA cycle quickly) and interaction with users. The application of agile methods does require some different thinking – less up front planning can seem odd strategy (when so often lack of planning is a problem). But within the context of software application development “planning” is largely about trying to document every single detail to eliminate the need to cooperate in the process of developing the application (keeping walls up between IT and the rest of the organization…).
“…less planning can seem odd strategy (when so often lack of planning is a problem)”
Actually, in Agile processes you plan considerable more than in traditional processes. The difference is that rather than having a large planning phase at the start of a project, you have a considerably smaller initial planning session followed by constant planning with each iteration. That means that after each 1-3 week increment of development, the team and stakeholders review the current plan and revise it based on what they have learned during the past iteration’s development.
In the end, you have planned much more than you would have than with a waterfall model. By doing continuous planning, you mitigate the risk that what was planned is no longer relevant in the business context, and you also accommodate the inherent vagueness in the initial requirements for a product by refining them over time.
Reducing the initial planning process should not be at the cost of mitigating the strategic intent. One still would need a ‘roadmap’ and a clear view of the end-state, while development of ‘modules’ and ’subsystems’ happen in an agile manner; right?
with the amazing power and relative ease of web based applications creating solutions that are specifically designed to the organization are often relatively easy…
I believe in the value of in-house IT resources to create IT solutions that support the organization (rather than buying off the shelf solutions that end up making the organization conform to the software)…
April 5th, 2007 at 5:05 am
“…less planning can seem odd strategy (when so often lack of planning is a problem)”
Actually, in Agile processes you plan considerable more than in traditional processes. The difference is that rather than having a large planning phase at the start of a project, you have a considerably smaller initial planning session followed by constant planning with each iteration. That means that after each 1-3 week increment of development, the team and stakeholders review the current plan and revise it based on what they have learned during the past iteration’s development.
In the end, you have planned much more than you would have than with a waterfall model. By doing continuous planning, you mitigate the risk that what was planned is no longer relevant in the business context, and you also accommodate the inherent vagueness in the initial requirements for a product by refining them over time.
Dave Rooney
Mayford Technologies
http://www.mayford.ca
April 5th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Good point, I edited the post to make it more obvious it is the initial planning phase that is reduced.
April 10th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Reducing the initial planning process should not be at the cost of mitigating the strategic intent. One still would need a ‘roadmap’ and a clear view of the end-state, while development of ‘modules’ and ’subsystems’ happen in an agile manner; right?
February 24th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
with the amazing power and relative ease of web based applications creating solutions that are specifically designed to the organization are often relatively easy…
March 13th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Nice and understandable presentation what may be useful not only for those interested in software development, but another profession, like marketing
May 9th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Very good presentation. It will help building new web based application faster
June 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
sorry, but is it just me or should ‘Waterfall Bad, Washing Machine Good’ win project presentation title of the year?!
November 20th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I believe in the value of in-house IT resources to create IT solutions that support the organization (rather than buying off the shelf solutions that end up making the organization conform to the software)…