Agile methodologies
Discover a definitive list of Agile methodologies to broaden your understanding of the diversity of Agile.
What are Agile methodologies?
In the realm of project management and software development, a methodology serves as the structured approach guiding teams through the process of managing a project or developing a product. Agile methodologies, specifically, encompass a group of practices based on the values and principles expressed in the Agile Manifesto. They advocate adaptive planning, early delivery, continuous improvement, and encourage flexible responses to change, with a focus on collaboration, customer feedback, and small, rapid iterations.
Types of Agile methodologies
Agile methodologies encompass a wide array of frameworks and practices that adhere to the Agile philosophy. Broadly, they can be categorised into Agile development methodologies and Agile project management methodologies, which often intersect in practical application.
Agile development methodologies, such as Scrum, prioritise iterative progress, continuous feedback, and high adaptability to change in software development processes.
Agile project management methodologies, like AgilePM, translate these principles into managing projects in other fields, emphasising incremental delivery and stakeholder collaboration.
Furthermore, scaled Agile methodologies provide a blueprint for applying Agile practices at enterprise scale, addressing the complexities and coordination required when multiple teams are involved.
List of Agile methodologies
Scrum
Scrum is a prevalent Agile development framework that divides projects into time-boxed iterations called Sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. Each Sprint begins with a Sprint Planning meeting and ends with a Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective. A Scrum Team consists of a Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers, working in concert to build a potentially shippable Product Increment with each iteration.
Kanban
Originating from manufacturing and popularised by Toyota, Kanban has been adapted for knowledge work as a method to manage and improve workflow. It utilises visual Kanban boards to display work items in various stages of a process, allowing teams to optimise the flow of tasks and limit work in progress. Kanban requires continuous monitoring and adjusting of the workflow, with a focus on delivering value quickly and efficiently.
XP (Extreme Programming)
XP is a software development methodology designed to improve software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. It promotes frequent releases in short development cycles, which improves productivity and introduces checkpoints where new customer requirements can be adopted. Key elements include pair programming, test-driven development, and a set of engineering best practices.
AgilePM
Agile Project Management (AgilePM) is a project management approach that incorporates Agile’s flexibility and simplicity. AgilePM helps practitioners to manage projects in an Agile way, delivering products step-by-step with clearly defined roles and a focus on project governance, underpinned by the DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) Agile project framework.
PRINCE2 Agile
PRINCE2 Agile combines the governance and structure of PRINCE2 – a widely recognised project management method – with the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile. It is designed for those who are already familiar with PRINCE2, extending its reach with Agile concepts, techniques and frameworks like Scrum and Kanban to allow for more adaptive planning and control.
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is an established framework for implementing Agile practices at an enterprise scale. It provides a comprehensive approach to aligning Agile development with business goals, fostering collaboration across large teams, and promoting a Lean-Agile mindset across an entire organisation.
Crystal Methods
Crystal Methods encompasses a family of Agile methodologies, such as Crystal Clear and Crystal Yellow, which focus on individuals and their interactions rather than processes and tools. Crystal Methods acknowledge the uniqueness of each project and suggest tailoring the methodologies based on team size, system criticality, and project priorities.
Feature-Driven Development (FDD)
FDD mixes industry-recognised best practices into a cohesive whole. This model-driven, short-iteration process is designed to deliver tangible, working software repeatedly in a timely manner in accordance with the principles of Agile development.
Lean Software Development
Inspired by Lean manufacturing principles and practices, Lean Software Development focuses on creating value for the end customer while minimising waste. It emphasises optimising process efficiency, eliminating anything that does not add value to the product, and delivering quickly.
Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
DSDM is one of the original Agile methods that provide a comprehensive Agile project management framework. Its focus is on delivering business solutions quickly and effectively, and it is particularly strong on governance and stakeholder engagement.
Disciplined Agile (DA)
Disciplined Agile is a process decision toolkit that provides light-weight guidance to help organisations streamline their processes in a context-sensitive manner. It suggests a vast array of Agile strategies to guide organisations so they can find the approach that fits their unique circumstances.
Summary
Each Agile methodology offers a different emphasis on various aspects of the Agile principles. Organisations and teams select methods that best align with their project requirements, team size, and business goals, tailoring them as needed to create an efficient and effective process that harnesses the power of Agile thinking.
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