Launched in 2001, the agile software development methodologies were centred on the most revered agile manifesto which laid down the core practices and principles. Agile is a set of techniques followed by a group to administer a plan or project by sectioning it into several stages with continuous collaboration with customers.
Each behaviour or framework that adapts these principles is called agile. With that said, there are a range of agile methodologies that teams can implement into their way of working. Below are some of the most popular agile frameworks that businesses use which can elevate operations and keep everything running seamlessly.
Scrum
Scrum is regarded by many as the most popular agile framework. This framework concentrates on breaking down a singular project into several parts. These are known as sprints where only one will be managed at planned at a time. Scrum also features unique project roles including scrum master, product owner, and developers. You can check out 1ovmany where you can learn more about these roles and see how the framework is used from the perspective of a scrum master. There are also scrum master OKRs that can be used to demonstrate the impact of work and highlight what features or activities will yield the most impact toward the end result.
Each day begins with a small meeting known as the daily scrum. This takes the role of synchronising activities and looking at the best ways to map out the working day. Scrum works well in businesses with continuous cross-team collaboration. It can fit small teams and is a good option for those who work in short development cycles.
Kanban
Kanban is a type of agile framework that originates from the Japanese language. In fact, the word ‘Kanban’ means a visual board or signboard. The Kanban idea is linked to the Just In Time methodology. In the past, Kanban was primarily brought in as a lean manufacturing system, before slowly being introduced into agile software development methods.
Projects created with this framework are overseen by the Kanban board. This is divided into numerous columns to properly represent the process flow for the development of software. This process helps in boosting the visibility amongst team members as it allows each member of the team to see what is going on and what isn’t so they can be best prepared for upcoming tasks.
Scrumban
The clue is in the name with this one – Scrumban is a Scrum Kanban hybrid that takes some of Scrum’s and Kanban’s principles. Scrumban teams work on a time-based schedule. Rather than 2-week sprints, teams have the option to work with 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year buckets. Unlike with many agile frameworks, agile events aren’t a must in Scrumban. The team has the ability to skip particular events. Although, ad-hoc planning and retro sessions are certainly advised.
Scrumban is an excellent option for either small or big teams who have bouts of experience or just getting into agile. It’s a perfect fit for teams who find Scrum too rigid or believe Scrum rules are dampening the group’s productivity levels. This agile framework works brilliantly with teams who are developing several products in fast-paced environments.
Extreme Programming
Extreme Programming (XP) concentrates on creating higher quality software, taking care of the software teams’ wellbeing, and sharing knowledge. Teams who use Extreme Programming value the simplicity, collaboration, and quick feedback the framework features. Extreme Programming is ideal for mixed-skill level teams, particularly ones where senior and junior programmers collaborate together. XP may also be beneficial for teams who have tight deadlines and tighter budgets to manage.
XP eradicates unproductive activities which lowers the costs and stress levels of everyone involved. It also enables developers to concentrate on coding. However, one of the downsides of Extreme Programming is the constant involvement of the customer. In some cases, customers may not be available.
Lean
Lean product development aims to produce only what the product actually requires. It optimises resources and time and lowers unnecessary activities. Many people mistake Lean for Agile (and vice versa). However, it should also be noted that Lean is one of the many types of Agile frameworks. While both are very similar in regard to features, they aren’t the same thing.
Thanks to Lean, companies are encouraged to remove any procedures which hinder organisation progress and only boost the strategies that tend to work ideally for any given plan. Lean also reiterates the importance of employees and how they should function together collectively. In a nutshell, Lean boosts productivity levels by improving quality, minimising waste, and reducing costs. Discover valuable information on Lean Agile leadership and gain insights into how it complements various Agile frameworks commonly used in businesses.
When it comes to developing complex software products, businesses across all sectors rely on agile methodologies to guide them on how to work together efficiently. The end goal is to boost customer satisfaction with each software release.
