SAFe Planning and Execution Series: Mastering PI Planning
SAFe Planning and Execution Series Overview In the final post of our SAFe Planning and Execution Series, we will focus on PI Planning - a cornerstone of SAFe Planning and Execution. We will cover the purpose, benefits, preparation, and key elements of PI Planning events. This post builds upon the foundation laid in our previous posts, which discuss the Introduction to SAFe Planning and Execution SAFe Planning and Execution on the Portfolio Level SAFe Planning and Execution on the Program……
SAFe Planning and Execution Series: Mastering Program Management
SAFe Planning and Execution Series Overview Welcome to the third post in our SAFe Planning and Execution Series. In this post, we will delve into Program Management, exploring the Agile Release Train (ART), product management, program flow, and more. This post builds on the knowledge shared in the Introduction to SAFe Planning and Execution SAFe Planning and Execution on the Portfolio Level and is followed by our final post on PI Planning. Introduction to SAFe Program Management In this…
SAFe Planning and Execution Series: Mastering Portfolio Management
SAFe Planning and Execution Series Overview In the second post of our SAFe Planning and Execution Series, we will focus on Portfolio Management, a critical aspect of the SAFe framework. We'll discuss its key inputs and outputs, governance, and events. Be sure to check the other posts in this series, which cover an SAFe Planning and Execution Series: An Introduction SAFe Planning and Execution Series: Mastering Program Management SAFe Planning and Execution Series: Mastering PI Planning…
SAFe Planning and Execution Series: An Introduction
SAFe Planning and Execution Series Overview In this first post of our SAFe Planning and Execution Series, we will introduce the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and its key principles, components, and levels. We'll also discuss the prerequisites for adopting SAFe. In the following posts, we will dive deeper into SAFe Planning and Execution on the Portfolio Level SAFe Planning and Execution on the Program Level and PI Planning to provide a comprehensive understanding of SAFe Planning and…
The SAFe v6 Requirements Model – Portfolio Level
Introduction We have now arrived at the final installment of our series on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Requirements Model, where we will examine the Portfolio Level. In this concluding post, we will discuss the strategic aspects of SAFe, including investment themes, portfolio management, and the interplay between epics, features, and stories. We'll also explore the architectural runway and architectural epics, which play a crucial role in enabling the continuous delivery of value at an…
The SAFe v6 Requirements Model – Program Level
Introduction As we continue our exploration of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Requirements Model, we now turn our focus to the Program Level. In this third post of the series, we will discuss how SAFe organizes Agile teams at scale, taking a closer look at the roles and processes that enable effective coordination across multiple teams. We will cover topics such as feature and component teams, product management, the Agile Release Train, and release planning. By understanding the Program…
The SAFe v6 Requirements Model – Team Level
Introduction Welcome back to our series on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Requirements Model! In this second post, we will dive deeper into the Team Level, an essential component of SAFe that enables organizations to build cross-functional, self-organizing teams. We'll discuss the importance of eliminating functional silos, explore the roles and responsibilities of Agile team members, and delve into user stories and the team backlog. By understanding the intricacies of the Team Level, you'll…
The Power of Play in Design Thinking: Embracing Creativity and Collaboration
Introduction In design thinking, the exploration process often demands a spirit of play. By embracing this mindset, designers can open themselves to new ideas, foster creativity, and enhance team collaboration. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of play in design thinking, exploring its role in promoting diverse perspectives, effective communication, and engaging storytelling. So, let’s embark on this journey together as we uncover the power of play in design thinking and…
Iterative and Incremental Development: Driving Agile and Lean Success Through Continuous Improvement
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Mastering Iterative and Incremental Development As part of our ongoing series on the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles, we examine the third pillar: iterative and incremental development. Building on the insights provided in our comprehensive guide, this blog post delves into the core concepts and practices that drive successful Agile and Lean development processes. Introduction Iterative and Incremental Development is a cornerstone of Agile and Lean…
Efficiency and Elimination of Waste: Achieving Greater Value in Agile and Lean Environments
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Streamlining Efficiency and Elimination of Waste Our series on the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles delves into the seventh pillar: efficiency and waste elimination. Drawing from the insights provided in our comprehensive guide, we discuss how streamlining processes and reducing waste can lead to greater success in Agile and Lean environments. Introduction Efficiency and eliminating waste are at the core of Agile and Lean methodologies, driving organizations…
Transparency and Visibility: The Pillars of Trust and Collaboration in Agile and Lean Environments
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Enhancing Transparency and Visibility As part of our in-depth look at the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles, we discuss the sixth pillar: transparency and visibility. Building on the foundation laid in our original comprehensive guide, this blog post explores how fostering transparency and visibility can improve trust and collaboration within Agile and Lean teams. Introduction Transparency and Visibility are essential aspects of Agile and Lean methodologies…
Empowerment and Autonomy: Unleashing the Potential of Agile and Lean Teams
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Unlocking Empowerment and Autonomy In our series on the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles, we now turn to the fifth pillar: empowerment and autonomy. Expanding on the concepts introduced in our comprehensive guide, this blog post examines how fostering a culture of empowerment and autonomy can unleash the full potential of Agile and Lean teams. Introduction Empowerment and Autonomy are fundamental aspects of Agile and Lean methodologies that enable teams to…
Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: The Agile and Lean Path to Sustained Success
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Embracing Adaptability and Continuous Improvement Continuing our exploration of the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles, this blog post focuses on the fourth pillar: adaptability and continuous improvement. Drawing from our original comprehensive guide, we discuss the importance of these principles in achieving excellence in Agile and Lean environments. Introduction Adaptability and Continuous Improvement are essential elements of Agile and Lean methodologies,…
Collaboration and Communication: The Foundation of Agile and Lean Success
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Unraveling Collaboration and Communication Following our in-depth exploration of the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles, we focus on the second pillar: collaboration and communication. In this blog post, we discuss these aspects' vital role in Agile and Lean teams, building on the foundation laid in our original comprehensive guide. Introduction Collaboration and communication are fundamental to Agile and Lean methodologies, fostering strong relationships,…
Focus on Value and Customer Needs: The Cornerstone of Agile and Lean Success
Deep Dive into the 8 Pillars: Exploring "Focus on Value and Customer Needs" Our comprehensive guide on the 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles identified the essential elements that drive success in Agile and Lean methodologies. In this blog post, we dive deeper into the first pillar: focusing on value and customer needs, exploring its significance and practical application in today's fast-paced business environment. Introduction Focusing on value and customer needs is at the heart of Agile…
The 8 Pillars of Agile and Lean Principles: A Comprehensive Guide Based on 29 Authoritative Sources
Introduction: Embracing Agile and Lean Principles for Success In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, organizations continuously seek ways to improve their processes and deliver value to customers. The Agile and Lean methodologies have emerged as popular approaches for managing projects and optimizing workflows. These methodologies share guiding principles of value delivery, collaboration, adaptability, and efficiency. Based on an extensive list of 29 authoritative sources, this…
Mastering the Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) Planning Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction Introduction to Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is a scaling framework that enables organizations to efficiently apply Scrum principles and practices in larger, multi-team settings. Developed by Craig Larman and Bas Vodde, LeSS builds upon the core concepts of Scrum and extends them to accommodate the complexities of coordinating multiple teams working towards a shared goal. By emphasizing simplicity, flexibility, and adaptability, LeSS provides a practical and…
The Top 10 Benefits of Implementing Agile
Introduction Companies constantly search for ways to improve their processes and stay competitive in today's fast-paced business world. One methodology that has gained popularity in recent years is agile. This article will explore the top 10 benefits of implementing agile in your organization. From improved flexibility to enhanced collaboration and communication, we'll provide examples and insights on how Agile can help your team work more effectively and deliver better outcomes. Whether you're…
The SAFe v6 Requirements Model – Big Picture
The SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) Big Picture Explained Introduction Welcome to the first post in our series on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Requirements Model, where we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how SAFe helps organizations scale Agile principles across different levels. In this "big picture" post, we will present an overview of the SAFe requirements model, briefly introducing the three levels - Team, Program, and Portfolio - that comprise the framework. In…
The LeSS (Large Scale Scrum) Requirements Model
LeSS Requirements Model LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) is a framework for scaling agile development to large, complex projects involving multiple teams. LeSS provides a set of principles, rules, and practices for scaling agile development beyond the limits of a single team. LeSS requirements model overview In LeSS, requirements are managed through the "Requirement Area" model. The LeSS Requirement Area model is based on the following principles: One Product Backlog: A single, prioritized Product…
Managing User Requirements and Dependencies in Multi-Team Agile Environments
Introduction Effective requirements management is critical for identifying and managing dependencies in multi-team agile environments. Breaking down large-scale initiatives into manageable work units, aligning them with business needs, and prioritizing and managing dependencies between teams achieve this. This section will explore how effective requirements management can help teams identify and address work dependencies. We will also discuss how requirements splitting patterns and Kanban…
Scaling Agile for Large Organizations – Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction Agile methodologies have revolutionized managing software development projects, providing a framework that values flexibility, collaboration, and rapid iterations. However, Agile principles can be challenging to implement in larger organizations with more complex structures and processes. That's where Agile scaling comes in. In this FAQ, we'll explore what Agile scaling is, why it's essential for large organizations and the best practices for successfully implementing it. From…
Scaling Agile for Large Organizations: A Comprehensive Guide
Agile methodologies have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more large organizations adopting and scaling Agile to enhance their business processes. In this article, we will explore the concept of scaling agile for large organizations and provide you with a comprehensive guide to implementing it successfully. Introduction Scaling agile for large organizations is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Scaling agile involves adapting agile…
Mastering Product Development: Combining Usability Testing and Discovery for Success”
Introduction Usability testing is an essential part of product development that focuses on evaluating a product or design by testing it with real users. This process aims to ensure that users can effectively and efficiently interact with a product, ultimately leading to better user experiences and higher customer satisfaction. This blog post will discuss the importance of usability and discovery in product development and how combining these approaches can lead to more successful outcomes.…
Design Thinking – Empathy: The Key to Compassionate Design
Introduction Design thinking is an innovative, human-centered approach to problem-solving that has transformed how we create solutions for various challenges. At the heart of this approach lies empathy, a powerful tool that allows designers to connect with users on a deeper emotional level. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of empathy and compassion in design thinking, revealing how these elements can elevate our work and make it more impactful. By diving into empathy and…
Mastering the User Study Interview: The Conversation Arc
The Conversation Arc The Conversation Arc is a way to structure the user study sessions. As you're planning your interview guide, you are thinking through the whole conversation. You want to think about collecting all the data we’ve identified previously, but also how do you do this in a smooth, natural way. You want to think about setting it up, how to transition from one part to the next - how do you organise things so that it flows in a logical way and you can bring the interviewee along in…
Embodying Creativity: How Our Physical Engagement with the World Influences Design Thinking
Introduction In the world of product design, good designers bring a real sense of embodiment to their work. While technology design is often considered intellectual work, being present in your body is integral to the creative process. An entire scientific field is dedicated to this - “embodied cognition” - which studies how our physical engagement with the world influences our thinking and creativity. As you think through problems, get up from your desk, move around, physically manipulate…
Embracing Discomfort: Challenging Assumptions and Growing as a Designer
Introduction In the dynamic world of design, embracing discomfort and challenging assumptions are crucial for personal and professional growth. This blog post will discuss the importance of developing a willingness to question, cultivating a capacity for discomfort, and learning to tolerate failure. Incorporating these principles into your design practice can unlock new possibilities and foster innovation. Willingness to Question Being flexible in changing conditions is great, but it’s hard to…
Cultivating a Designer’s Humanity: Pursuing Passions Beyond the Design World
Introduction In the competitive and ever-evolving field of design, professionals need to continuously develop their skills and abilities. However, becoming a truly great designer often goes beyond refining technical expertise. This blog post explores how cultivating personal interests and nurturing a designer's humanity can lead to a more human-centered approach to design work. The Importance of Personal Growth for Designers The best designers are people who cultivate themselves. In most cases,…
Navigating the Exploration Phase in Product Design: The Power of Curiosity and Empathy
Introduction: Diving into the Exploration Phase Picture this: You're embarking on a thrilling journey to create a product that will change the world or improve a few lives. There's a sense of excitement in the air as you gather your team and begin to brainstorm. But hold on a second. Before we jump headfirst into designing the next big thing, there's a crucial step we can't skip - the exploration phase. Think of the exploration phase as the prologue of our product design story. It's the part…
Embracing Diversity in Design: Going Broad, Deep, and Beyond
Introduction Successful designers must develop a versatile approach to tackle various challenges and explore diverse perspectives in the ever-evolving design world. This blog post delves into the importance of going broad and deep in our design thinking, thinking holistically, broadening perspectives, and maintaining an open mind. Go Broad and Deep Going broad means being curious about lots of different kinds of things. It means taking on many problems and working across various product…
What does it mean to be “Human Centered”?
"Why isn't technology working better for humans?" This is the question that is at the centre of product design. The various ways that people have responded to this question have shaped our approaches, habits and mindsets. Our preferences and our biases. All the ways that we answer this question add up to the collective wisdom about how product designers approach what they do. Imagine the Impossible Although provocative, the question isn’t just about fixing what is broken. It is also about…
How to do your own User Research
The ability to do User Research is a very important core discipline for all product teams to acquire. "User testing" or "usability testing" is a key human-centered design practice. It points to a better way to do the “learning” part of building a product. It helps with the course correction along the way. I will deal with basic usability testing, how to prepare and conduct user interviews, and how to do basic qualitative data gathering. The goal of User Research When you’re conducting a user…
The Power of User Research: Saving Time, Money, and Ensuring Success
Introduction Understanding your users in the fast-paced world of technology and product development is crucial for creating simple, useful, and intuitive products. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of conducting your own user research and how it can prevent common pitfalls in product development. The Importance of User Research User research helps us understand how people attempt to perform tasks and achieve goals that are important to them. It gives technology designers,…
The Human Touch in Product Design: Essential Qualities for Exceptional Designers
Introduction Product designers hold a unique and vital role in shaping users' experiences and interactions with the products they create. They are responsible for transforming innovative ideas into tangible solutions that not only meet the needs of users but also inspire and delight them. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential qualities and mindsets that set exceptional product designers apart, including their ability to embrace the spirit of play, collaborate effectively, tell…
Embracing Discomfort: The Traits of Exceptional Designers
Good designers are willing to question Flexibility in changing conditions is great, but it’s hard to get there if we can’t achieve that flexibility within ourselves. Designers need the willingness to ask questions and avoid resting on assumptions or past experiences in deciding what is true and correct in this case, at this moment. Being willing to question means being willing to challenge your ideas. It means admitting that your solution could be flawed. Moving past our ego’s attachment to our…
The Art of Design – The Design Thinking Mindset
Why isn’t technology working better for humans? This is the question that is at the center of technology design. People have responded to this question in various ways, shaping our approaches, habits, and mindsets. Our preferences and our biases. All the ways we answer this question add to the collective wisdom about how technology designers approach what they do. Although provocative, the question isn’t just about fixing what is broken. It is also about imagining the possible. But it’s about…
How to find a software developer
How do you find good software developers? How do you find a software developer? What kind of people do you need on your team? Where do you find them? And how do you engage and contract them? How do you approach your development project? In my experience, there are a couple of things, which are almost always true for any software project. A typical customer: Is usually in a hurry Don't know what they want, even if they think they do Will underestimate the personal investment required for a…
How Much Does it Cost to build an MVP?
In this post, I will cover a couple of practical tips on choosing the best approach for your software development project. It is essential to start your development project on a sound footing, as this will set the tone and impact you years into the future. This article continues a previous post - “How to reduce the cost of software development” - and I will continue with that theme. Be realistic with your timeframes. A developer will propose a development approach and outputs based on the (time…
How to reduce the cost of software development
This post explores several tactics you can use to reduce the cost of software development. So, let's cut to the chase. How do you do it? The short answer is: you need to play your part. It would help if you learned how the software development business works. How deeply you want to get involved is up to you, but you need to understand at least the basics - how things work, who is involved, what is required of you, what to ask for, and what you can expect. How do agencies estimate the cost of…