Is agile incremental or iterative?

Summary

In this video, David explains the differences between incremental and iterative development, emphasizing the importance of using both approaches. Through a comparison with the creation of the Mona Lisa, he illustrates how incremental development focuses on delivering features with detailed planning from the start, while iterative development allows for changes and refinements as the project progresses. He introduces the concept of fidelity, explaining how different features can be developed with varying levels of detail and refinement. The video also highlights how combining both approaches can create a more effective product development strategy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Incremental development involves building a product step by step, with each part being planned in detail before it's added.
• 😀 Iterative development starts with a rough version and refines the product over time, allowing for easy adjustments and improvements.
• 😀 The Scrum Guide uses the terms 'incremental' and 'iterative,' but it's important to understand the subtle differences between them.
• 😀 In incremental development, a lot of details of the final product need to be known upfront, as each step builds on the next.
• 😀 Iterative development is more flexible, allowing you to adjust details during the process as changes are cheaper and easier to implement.
• 😀 Both approaches are valuable and can be combined effectively to build products in agile development environments.
• 😀 A key point is knowing when to use incremental and when to use iterative methods in different parts of a project.
• 😀 The concept of 'fidelity' helps in deciding the level of refinement needed for different features within a product.
• 😀 Low-fidelity solutions (like a rough sketch) are built first, followed by gradual improvements toward high-fidelity solutions (like a polished, fully-featured app).
• 😀 A 'fidelity profile' can be used to define different levels of refinement for various features and guide product development strategies.
• 😀 Combining incremental and iterative approaches allows for both steady progress and flexibility in product development.

Q & A

What is the main difference between incremental and iterative development?

Incremental development focuses on delivering product pieces in increments, where each step builds on the previous one with details of the final product known upfront. Iterative development, on the other hand, involves refining the product progressively over time, where changes can be made easily as the project evolves.

How does the example of the Mona Lisa help illustrate the difference between incremental and iterative development?

The Mona Lisa example shows that in incremental development, the artist would need to know many details about the final product before starting, while in iterative development, the artist can start with rough sketches and make changes as they go along, allowing more flexibility and refinement.

What role does fidelity play in the development process?

Fidelity refers to the level of detail and refinement in the solution being developed. Low fidelity could be a rough, basic version, while high fidelity is a polished, fully developed product. The concept of fidelity helps decide how detailed or refined a feature should be at different stages of development.

What does the term 'fidelity profile' mean in product development?

A fidelity profile is a strategy used to define the level of refinement (fidelity) each feature of a product should have at different stages. Some features may require high fidelity, while others can remain at a lower fidelity until later stages of development.

What is the role of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in the incremental and iterative approach?

The MVP is often a low-fidelity version of the product that includes only the most essential features. It allows teams to start building the product incrementally, with the initial version being rough and basic, and later versions refining the product iteratively.

Why do some teams avoid iterative development altogether?

Many teams avoid iterative development because they focus primarily on building features incrementally without revisiting or refining earlier work. This can lead to a lack of adaptability, as there isn't enough room for changes or rethinking features based on evolving needs.

What is a common misconception about iterative and incremental development?

A common misconception is that the terms 'iterative' and 'incremental' are interchangeable or mean the same thing, but they represent different approaches. Incremental focuses on breaking down the product into parts, while iterative focuses on refining the product over time.

How can a product owner benefit from understanding both iterative and incremental approaches?

A product owner can develop a strategy to manage the development process more effectively by knowing when to apply incremental or iterative methods. This understanding allows for better planning, resource allocation, and communication with stakeholders regarding the product's progression.

What are the challenges of adopting an entirely iterative or incremental approach?

An entirely iterative approach may lead to lack of direction or scope creep, while an entirely incremental approach could miss opportunities for refinement and flexibility. Both methods have their merits, but they need to be balanced to ensure optimal development.

What does it mean for a project to 'live' in the agile space?

For a project to 'live' in the agile space means to incorporate both incremental and iterative development. This allows for the flexibility of iterative cycles with the structure of incremental progress, enabling teams to build products that evolve over time while steadily delivering value.