Agile
In 2001 a group of smart guys decided to “uncover better ways of developing software by doing it and helping and others do it.” They called this new methodology Agile. How it works is smaller, manageable chunks in timely iterations, using test-driven development to deliver working software more frequently.
Our team at ChromeMedia uses a highly customized, ever-evolving Lean Agile methodology for our workflow.
Lean is a management philosophy with roots in the Toyota production system. The philosophy is centered around the main principles of minimizing waste (where waste is an activity or inactivity where no value is produced), and employing just-in-time production (creating only what you need based on the information you know at the time – aka Iterations). Combining Lean philosophy with the flexible framework of Agile puts you in a much better position to recalibrate and reprioritize when conditions change, without compromising on quality or time.
Here is a diagram of the ChromeMedia Lean Agile Feature Cycle:
The key for an effective workflow methodology on any team is the ability to continually reflect, learn, and adapt to what is and isn’t working. Don’t be afraid to change things up – but remember to get everyone on your team on board. Without complete team cohesion and cooperation with these methodologies, the process will fall apart. Let’s take a closer look at what Agile means.
Next: Anatomy of Agile