What is Agile?

Agile is a project management methodology. It is most commonly deployed as a software development method.

While there is no single creator of Agile methodologies, it was first outlined in 2001 by 17 software developers in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. This is more commonly referred to as The Agile Manifesto.

How Does the Agile Methodology Work?

An Agile project team starts with a very simple, functional project design. They then add further functionalities in later versions called ‘iterations’. At the end of each iteration, they have an updated, tested, and shippable or usable software version. Developers or project managers (PMs) then collect feedback from customers and users to identify potential improvements.

Agile incorporates feedback from users and the customer at an early stage. This ensures the end product is in line with customer expectations and relevant to market needs.

Project stakeholders decide what the next iteration will target. They will incorporate user feedback, team feedback, and any relevant outside trends. This offers increased flexibility and easier collaboration while focusing on delivering a usable product with continuous improvements.

You may be familiar with the Waterfall method, which is more rigid and doesn’t prioritize frequent, fast changes. In contrast, the Agile methodology allows for changes at any stage while ensuring each product iteration is functional. The changes will depend on your product or industry but may include useability, security, performance, integration, etc.

Agile methodologies differ by:

  • The length of their iterations (1 to 4 weeks)
  • The activities performed
  • The resulting deliverables

Can Agile Be Applied to All Projects? And When Does Agile Not Work?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing any product or undertaking any project. Agile methodologies mainly suit complex projects, such as software development. But you can apply its principles to any project that requires flexibility and collaboration. So, when does Agile not work? Here are some things to consider before applying Agile methodologies to your project.

  1. Does the project have a clear deadline and an established set of requirements? If so, it may be too rigid to realize the benefits of Agile methodologies. Instead, a more standardized approach may be better suited.
  2. Agile methodologies are most effective when an entire organization adopts them. If senior leadership is not ready for an organizational shift to Agile, or the project’s risk tolerance is too low, it may not be the right time. Ask yourself: are stakeholders interested in adopting an Agile approach? Could my project benefit from it? If so, now might be the time to build a business case for it and try it.
  3. Agile produces better project outcomes because customer and stakeholder feedback informs each iteration. Gathering feedback can be challenging for industries that deal with highly regulated products or sensitive data, such as the pharmaceutical industry. In this instance, other methodologies may be more suitable.
  4. The larger the team, the more challenging the coordination. Agile may be better suited to small groups that span multiple teams, but this requires seamless collaboration.

What are the Benefits of Being Agile?

There are several benefits of adopting an Agile approach. It enables your team to develop and roll out a usable product quickly. Then, the focus is on scalability, improvements, and developments. Benefits to your team, organization, and end-user include:

  1. Agility empowers teams to collaborate on common, strategic goals. The idea is to work without rigid structures and confinements. Teams communicate regularly and respond quickly to market and consumer changes. This ensures continuous improvement with every iteration of the product or project.
  2. Organizations can enjoy a faster time to market by prioritizing a viable product over a perfect or comprehensive one. This reduces initial costs, helps prioritize resources, and enables early intervention to mitigate risks.
  3. Agile methodologies rely on customer feedback and input, enabling you to design a product tailored to your audience’s needs.

What are the 4 Values of Agile?

The Agile Manifesto outlines four values of Agile. These form the foundation of Agile and should inform project decisions.

  1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

Agile prioritizes people over processes to eliminate rigid structures, timelines, and bottlenecks. This enables greater flexibility and a focus on communication and collaboration.

  1. Working products over comprehensive documentation

Agile prioritizes the delivery of working, usable software. This ensures the creation of a tangible product alongside the opportunity to grow and develop it.

  1. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

Including customers in product development is at the core of Agile. The process should be people-centric rather than product-centric. This means that a product evolves based on user feedback rather than adhering to a detailed contractual outline.

  1. Responding to change over following a project plan

The Agile methodology turns the product plan into an evolving document. The roadmap at the start of the project may look very different six months in. And this is a good thing, especially in the current volatile climate. Project teams can pivot in response to uncertain economic circumstances, resourcing issues, or increased competition.