“Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.”
Those are the first words you will read in the Agile manifesto.
True to these words, Agile is an iterative and responsive approach to creating software. It provides developers a larger scope to experiment and allows them to work in sprints when building the components of the software (all of which is done in 1–2 weeks).
Another benefit of this approach is that designers and developers can work on testing the software while receiving feedback from customers alongside. Adopting Agile is quite easy and straightforward, but it does come with a few challenges. The biggest challenge is perhaps making the shift!
According to Gartner and Forrester Research, the low-code development platform market is growing exponentially, at about 40 percent. This helps organizations accomplish their main goal, which is to reduce the time spent in software development and testing, and have it ready for use in the shortest time.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE SUCCESS WITH AGILE ADOPTION:
Use physical task boards: Sometimes it helps to go back to traditional methods of working. For instance, we have seen that using physical task boards work effectively when it comes to drawing plans and putting up storyboards. Yes, there’s technology, but when things are in front of your eyes, it’s easier to track and monitor the same, increasing the success rate of Agile in the process. Visualization works best when the information is available for the entire team to see and follow.
One size need not fit all: Like most platforms, while there are different methods and techniques to Agile. It is not a one-size-fits-all methodology. Yes, it is flexible and the business needs to follow the procedures, but for it to work well the systems in place need to be adjusted to suit the business requirements. Similarly, what works for one project or software might not work on another, so keep experimenting and see what suits your needs best.
Involve the client in the process: Introducing a new system is always challenging, considering there may be quite a few clients and customers who resist change and are unwilling to adapt. Therefore, it is good to build trust from day one and take them along when switching to Agile. Even if they don’t understand the methodology right away, you can continue working on it internally and show them the results. This will surely convince them over time.
Hire an Agile coach: Sometimes it pays to have an expert in the house. It does not mean you’re incompetent; you’re simply getting additional support. So consider bringing an Agile consultant or coach on board. While you could gain the necessary knowledge from the internet or books, having an expert by your side makes things easier. You can learn by observing them, and clarify any queries or issues that arise right then and there. This saves time and speeds up the process.
Further, you will gain a better understanding of the policies and procedures under Agile. The RAD platform adopted is explained with examples, which makes it easier in the long run. With a larger team, having more than one consultant on board — especially for the long term — will translate to greater success with Agile.
Being Agile literally means to move quickly and easily. There are a number of advantages to working this way, but it can be a big undertaking and a significant shift in the way teams think and work together. When adopting Agile, the more you prepare and the more you experiment with different techniques and ideas, the better off you will be. But don’t force it — find what works for you, your team, and your customers, and you’ll be on your way to a fast, flexible way of working!