In February 2001, a group of 17 software developers gathered in Snowbird, Utah, to discuss and formalize their shared ideas about software development. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional, heavyweight methodologies, they sought a more flexible, iterative approach. This meeting resulted in the Agile Manifesto and the 12 principles of Agile software development, which have since revolutionized how teams work, emphasizing flexibility and collaboration.
These 12 principles
- Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
- Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.
- Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
- Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
- Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
- The most efficient and effective method of transmitting information within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
- Working software is the primary measure of progress.
- Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
- Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
- Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done--is essential.
- The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
- At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.
The first principle is about more than just delivering software quickly. It's a mindset shift. It means:
- Customer Focus: Understanding your customer's needs is paramount. What problems are they trying to solve? What value are you providing them? This requires continuous communication and feedback.
- Early and Frequent Delivery: This concept represented a significant change in software development. In today's web and app ecosystem, we're no longer shipping CD-ROMs. Customers expect reliable software but are even more interested in feature velocity. Early and continuous delivery allows for frequent updates, incorporating feedback, and even subtly guiding users toward new features. It’s also a great way to have customers help shape your product roadmap. Don't wait until the entire project is "perfect" to show it to the customer. Deliver working increments frequently. This allows for early feedback and adjustments, ensuring you're on the right track.
- Valuable Software: The focus is on delivering value. And in many cases, that value is transactional – what generates revenue for the software? Every increment should provide something useful to the customer. This doesn't necessarily mean every feature at once, but it means prioritizing what matters most to the customer and the business.
This first principle sets the tone for the entire Agile framework. It's about putting the customer at the center of everything you do, delivering value early and often, and constantly adapting to their needs. By focusing on customer satisfaction, teams can create products that truly meet market demands and build stronger relationships with their users.
I loved this game as a kid. "Come get some!" 🤣
Principle 7 shifts the mindset of progress to what the customer actually experiences – working software. A good counter-example is the phenomenon that was Duke Nukem 3D. Its sequel, Duke Nukem Forever, carried the weight of immense expectation. However, its extended development became a cultural touchstone for a different reason. Years of work, multiple engine changes (rumour has it they swapped engines at least three times, perhaps more), and an abundance of promotional fanfare. Yet, for a significant period, the game itself, the functional software, remained elusive. This underscores a crucial point: ambitious plans and impressive tech demos are meaningless without tangible, playable results. Duke Nukem Forever serves as a potent reminder that 'working software' is the ultimate measure of progress. A game that exists solely in press releases is, ultimately, just vapourware.
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
Working software over comprehensive documentation.
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
Responding to change over following a plan.
I find that reflecting on these principles regularly is a powerful way to gauge not only progress but also areas where we might have slipped. It helps us to stay focused on what truly matters in software development. So, take a moment to consider these principles. How are they reflected in your team's work? Where can you improve? Embracing these principles is the key to unlocking the true potential of Agile.