Hello, fellow Agile enthusiasts! Today I want to share with you some of the emerging methodologies in Agile that are taking the software development world by storm. These are not your typical Scrum or Kanban practices, but rather innovative and unconventional approaches that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of agility. Let’s take a look at some of them, shall we?
- Extreme Programming (XP): This is a radical form of Agile that emphasizes frequent releases, continuous feedback, pair programming, test-driven development, and collective ownership of code. XP practitioners believe that software quality is best achieved by embracing change and adapting to customer needs, rather than following rigid plans and specifications. XP is not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare to experiment and learn from their mistakes. For example, XP teams often work in short iterations of one or two weeks, deliver working software to the customer at the end of each iteration, and refactor their code regularly to improve its design and readability.
- Lean Startup: This is a methodology that applies the principles of lean manufacturing to software development. Lean Startup advocates for building a minimum viable product (MVP) that can be tested with real customers as soon as possible, and then iterating based on the feedback and data collected. Lean Startup aims to eliminate waste and maximize value by validating assumptions and hypotheses, rather than relying on opinions and guesses. For example, Lean Startup teams often use tools like landing pages, surveys, interviews, or experiments to test their ideas and measure customer satisfaction, retention, or revenue.
- Mob Programming: This is a collaborative approach that involves the whole team working on the same task at the same time, using one computer and one screen. Mob Programming fosters collective intelligence, shared understanding, and rapid feedback. Mob Programming is based on the idea that “the best way to get something done is to do it together”. For example, Mob Programming teams often use techniques like driver-navigator, where one person types the code while the others guide them verbally, or switch roles frequently to keep everyone engaged and involved.
- No Estimates: This is a movement that questions the value and accuracy of estimating software projects. No Estimates proponents argue that estimates are often wrong, misleading, and harmful, and that they create unrealistic expectations and pressure. No Estimates suggests that instead of estimating, teams should focus on delivering value in small increments, measuring outcomes, and adjusting accordingly. For example, No Estimates teams often use metrics like cycle time, throughput, or lead time to track their progress and performance, rather than hours or points.
- Spotify Model: This is a way of organizing teams and projects that was popularized by the music streaming company Spotify. The Spotify Model consists of autonomous squads that work on specific features or products, tribes that group squads with similar missions or domains, chapters that group people with similar skills or roles, and guilds that group people with shared interests or challenges. The Spotify Model enables cross-functional collaboration, alignment, and innovation. For example, Spotify squads often have full ownership and autonomy over their products or features, from ideation to deployment to maintenance.
These are just some of the emerging methodologies in Agile that are worth exploring and experimenting with. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every project or organization, so you should always evaluate what works best for your context and goals. But if you are looking for some fresh ideas and inspiration to spice up your Agile journey, you might want to give these methodologies a try. Who knows, you might discover something amazing!
