What Are The Different Types Of Agile Methodology & Which One Is Right For Your Project?

Corporations often use agile approaches to increase the productivity of development teams. Agile approaches assist teams in increasing their performance across the entire development process. Different agile techniques help teams at every stage of the process, from improving essential planning to ensuring timely or early delivery of the final product.In this article, we will define agile approaches, discuss the numerous benefits they may give, and highlight the most essential and widely utilized project management software methodologies.

In this article, we will define agile approaches, discuss the numerous benefits of agile they may give, and highlight the most essential and widely utilized methodologies. 

The Agile methodology is an adaptable project management approach emphasizing collaboration and iterative value delivery. It empowers teams to navigate modern project environments and significantly shifts from traditional, linear approaches, including waterfall agile hybrid methodologies.

Is Agile testing even a methodology? Let's focus on its very beginnings. The advent of Agile came in 2001 when the Agile Manifesto was released. It established four essential truths and 12 principles that revolutionized the software development.

Some might argue that Agile is a set of beliefs and principles rather than a methodology. We believe it to be a software development philosophy or even a religion. How you practice that religion with different Agile events, 'Traditions', and methods is a methodology.

Different agile scrum methodology provides guidance on aligning with Agile processes, values, and principles. Team collaboration is the key factor of Agile. When complex software products are in development, work efficiency is enhanced through Agile methods. The core objective is to facilitate and enhance customer satisfaction with each software release. 

When it comes to a traditional framework, project plans feel flexible and need to be revised. agile methodology example provides us with an alternate take, a toolkit consisting of various techniques to systematically attain project delivery excellence. Let's explore multiple methodologies, each bringing its core competencies, ultimately helping you pick the most logical method for your next big project. The following are the Agile framework types:

• Scrum: Imagine managing your work in frequent cycles – short working intervals (weeks rather than months) in which a multidisciplinary team addresses a list of prioritized activities. Scrum thus focuses on the definition of roles (Product Owner, Development Team, Scrum Master), agile meetings, and inspection and adaptation
• Crystal: This is only an applicable solution in some circumstances. No, it is a set of Agile frameworks flexible enough about size, product complexity, and project importance. For instance, individuals can use Crystal Agile methodology when tackling a project involving a small group of stakeholders within the same organization, but it is less appropriate when dealing with large and complex tasks.
• Lean: Think about a project management approach aiming to deliver the utmost value and avoid waste. Lean is discussed with principles such as continuous improvement, providing those features that the customer needs the most, and utilization of resources
• Kanban: Think of a colorful wall chart showing various activities. Kanban can be implemented with sticky notes or cards where tasks are represented, along with sticky notes or cards to describe task status: ‘To Do’, ‘In Progress’, ‘Done’. This method focuses on the infinity of flow to prevent bottlenecks with perfect delivery
• Extreme Programming (XP): This methodology focuses on integrated action and immediate feedback. Such processes like pair programming, where two developers take a single problem and solve it together to produce quality software
• Feature-driven Development (FDD): It focuses on predictably building features. It follows a five-step process to deliver working software frequently. Each feature is meticulously planned, designed, built, inspected, and adapted before proceeding to the next
• Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): This methodology emphasizes timely delivery of the product, users’ participation, and iteration at regular intervals. It incorporates the use of powerful methods such as the use of rapid prototyping in the development process to get early feedback and the use of timeboxing to ensure that projects are well-directed
• Adaptive Software Development (ASD): It welcomes change and volatility. It employs speculation, collaboration, and learning cycles to address project uncertainty. The use of a Rework control chart is effective in situations where the project scope is constantly changing

Now, let’s look at each methodology in detail: 

Scrum

Some of the practices that Scrum applies to enhance a project’s success include roles, events, and artifacts. The scrum master works on improving communication and eliminating any hindrances. The second key role of the product owner is prioritizing features and also acting as the voice of the customer. A development team is a self-organizing team responsible for delivering working software at the end of each sprint.

Sprint Planning events define the work for the next sprint, and the daily Scrum meetings bring everyone back on track. The main difference is that a Sprint review is an artifact that demonstrates all finished work and gathers feedback at the end of each sprint, while a Sprint retrospective is focused on reflection and adaptation.

Real-World Example

The marketing department of a company has decided to apply Scrum for the project to launch a new website. In general, each sprint may contain the development of any specific part of the website, for example, the page with the product description or the feedback form. This is usually done at the end of the agile sprint when the team provides a ‘working’ version of that portion to gain feedback and improve before going on to the next part. 

Crystal 

In contrast to a one-size-fits-all strategy, Crystal offers a family of Agile terms techniques that are tailored to the specifics of your project. It considers factors like team size, complexity, and criticality to recommend the most suitable ‘Colour’ of Crystal.

• Crystal Clear: Consider a small, co-located team with strong collaboration and a clear vision. Crystal Clear is a lightweight framework designed specifically for such teams, stressing frequent communication, cooperation, and iterative delivery
• Crystal Yellow: As the size of the project increases (think up to 10 people), a dedicated project manager is summoned to support the team. The emphasis is still on collaboration and frequent iterations, but with a bit more structure for larger teams
• Crystal Orange: Visualize a project with more complexity and potentially distributed team members. Crystal Orange adds a steering committee for guidance and prioritization while maintaining the core scaled Agile values
• Crystal Red: It provides a more robust structure for big, internationally distributed teams working on vital projects. It uses a structured approach, including responsibilities such as project management and quality assurance, while stressing adaptability and continual development
• Crystal colors are essential when it comes to selection; you guarantee that your Agile methodology steps is correctly aligned with the unique requirements of your project and team. 

Lean

A project management philosophy that delivers maximum value to the customer. Lean is all about continuous improvement, waste elimination, and resource optimization.

Here's what that translates to in practice:

• Identifying and Eliminating Waste: Lean agile methodology is about identifying and eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the final product, such as rework, delays, or unnecessary features
• Building What Matters Most: Focus on creating the features that matter most to the customer so resources are spent on what matters
• Continuous Improvement: Lean is a journey, not a destination. Teams will always look to improve their processes and find ways to deliver value faster 

By going Lean, you will simplify your project, remove bottlenecks, and deliver to your customer as quickly as possible. 

Kanban

Consider a project management system as clear as a clean whiteboard. Kanban is excellent for visualizing workflow and the continual flow of work. This is how it works:

• Visual Workflow Board: Kanban is based on a visual board with columns for work phases (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done). Sticky notes or cards indicate tasks which travel across the board when they are completed
• Limiting Work in Progress (WIP): Kanban focuses on a limited number of activities at a time to prevent bottlenecks and ensure seamless delivery
• Continuous Delivery: The purpose is to provide value to customers by completing jobs rapidly and moving them through the process

Kanban's simplicity and visual nature make it appropriate for projects of any size.

Extreme Programming (XP) 

Just think about a development environment where people collaborate intensively and receive immediate feedback. That is Extreme Programming or XP in its simplest form. Here are some essential practices that define XP:

• Pair Programming: Concrete pairing means that two developers are assigned to work on a single task; thus, knowledge is shared, real-time code review occurs, and code quality improves
• Test-Driven Development (TDD): These are written before any code is implemented, and their purpose is to define how the application is meant to function. This helps achieve the goal of the software code running as it is designed to improve the quality of software the organization produces
• Continuous Integration: Code changes are merged back into a code repository, which diminishes integration problems and speeds up feedback

XP emphasizes that each phase should quickly provide the team with frequent and valuable feedback to guarantee that the customers get good value from the developed features. Prototyping is beneficial for programs with a lot of risk and/or where the functional specifications are shifting frequently. 

Feature-Driven Development (FDD)

Imagine that you are constructing a project, have a well-defined features list, and are adding them one by one. Feature-driven Development (FDD) follows a 5-step process. Here's how it works:

• Develop a Feature List: Each feature has clear plans depicting the tasks involved, their relations, and their periods 
• Plan by Feature: Each feature has clear plans depicting the tasks involved, their relations, and their time spans 
• Design by Feature: This is because design documents are created in elaborate detail to avoid confusion about their features and to avoid repeating a step 
• Build by Feature: The development team creates one feature at a time, which creates a feeling of singularity and a faster pace of work 
• Inspect and Adapt: These inspections also help in maintaining the quality of work being done and mention out those areas that need to be changed or modified by the team 

This method is effective in environments that require strong and precise features and in projects that are easy to plan and control. It provides a working software solution within a specific time frame or schedule. 

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) 

Think about a methodology that is established based on parameters such as time, users, and iterations. The following are the priorities of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) in handling these projects. Here are some critical aspects of DSDM

• Rapid Prototyping: DSDM focuses on making an early prototype to collect user feedback and realize the final system 
• Frequent User Involvement: Users are engaged at each stage of the process, contributing to the feedback and development of the project 
• Timeboxing: DSDM incorporates timeboxed iterations, thus providing guaranteed and timely delivery and bringing projects to order 
• Iterative and Incremental Development: This is a process of software development in which a project is divided into smaller units that successively deliver a usable version of the final product 

Since DSDM entails heavy user participation, its precise timing suits projects requiring a short development time. It can be fluid because it can loop when new information is acquired. 

Adaptive Software Development (ASD) 

It is worthwhile to picture a management approach for a project that performs best when things are unpredictable and constantly in a state of flux. ASD acknowledges this and offers a framework for systematically dealing with project uncertainty. Here's how it works:

• Speculation: ASD recognizes that projects will always have an element of risk, and cloud computing is no exception. Yet, it encourages the participants to venture some guesses about how the result might look 
• Collaboration: Honest and accurate communication enables the formulation of good strategies for dealing with change 
• Learning Cycles: It is described as a process of learning cycles and stages. Every try is informative and produces a chance to adjust the plan and method employed when undertaking successive attempts at problem-solving 

ASD is most effective for projects characterized by uncertainty or in a distinct phase of change. Due to its modularity, self-organized teams can readily and rapidly produce and deliver value in uncertain conditions.

You have now seen a wide range of Agile tools development methodologies, which should give you an overview of the many tools available in the Agile toolbox. 

This begs the question: how does one decide on the most appropriate one from the List of agile methodologies? Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice: 

1. Team Size and Composition: Simple frameworks like Crystal Clear will be suitable for smaller co-located teams, while complex structures like Scrum or Crystal Yellow will be suitable for large teams.
2. Project Complexity: Another aspect that may not fit well is when the work equation involves highly complex projects with constantly changing requirements, in which case XP’s fast feedback or ASD’s learning cycles could be more appropriate. While Kanban can be used to create a highly visual representation of a project’s workflow, a more straightforward project might enhance the usage of this approach.
3. Industry Standards: It is good to note that some industries have adopted Agile practices. Since research industries have different preferences in research methods, it is crucial to check if the industry you are in favors one method to avoid compatibility issues. 
4. Organizational Culture: Is your organization silo-based, or does it encourage free and open communication within its departments? Then, using Scrum or XP as methodologies may be helpful. If a more ordered approach is desired, FDD or DSDM should be used. 

Factor	Scrum	Kanban	Crystal	Lean	XP	FDD	DSDM	ASD
Team Size	Small to Large	Any	Small to Medium	Any	Small	Any	Small to Large	Any
Project Complexity	Medium to High	Low to Medium	Low to High	Low to High	High	Medium	Medium to High	High
Industry Standards	Common	Common	Less Common	Common	Less Common	Less Common	Common	Less Common
Organizational Culture	Collaborative	Flexible	Collaborative (varies)	Continuous Improvement	Highly Collaborative	Structured	User-focused, Iterative	Adaptable

This table is designed to be a starting point for different Agile frameworks. Therefore, it is plausible to consume the best methodology from several frameworks as much as your unique situation's circumstances call for it. There is nothing as important as stepping out and trying new things! Regarding Risk management, first, begin with a fundamental plan, collect feedback from your team, and proceed accordingly. 

Here are some practical tips; 

• It is unwise to introduce a new methodology into an organization and apply it to a big project at first
• Take your team into consideration when making decisions
• Training and information gathering concerning further knowledge about Agile will help you improve yourself
• Refresh the strategy regularly and modify the process as you progress in its implementation

Hence, with the help of the lessons and tips outlined above, carefully considering your project’s characteristics, you can quickly choose the most suitable Agile approach for your next project! 

While Agile originated from software development, it can be used for diverse projects involving changing needs and focusing on the customer. It adjusts itself to change. However, some limitations exist: highly regulated environments or fixed-scope projects require a different approach.

Agile variations and approaches are good where an operation is flexible. Depending on the organization, it might be possible to mix them with other approaches to enhance a perfect fit. The selection of Agile, hybrid, or traditional methods depends on the criteria and comparison of the project’s complexity and scope flexibility, as well as the presence and strictness of regulations.

Knowing when Agile methods thrive prepares you because you can now separate fact from fiction. Due to its strong focus on flexibility and value delivery at the beginning of the project, Agile helps teams overcome the challenges of project management in a constantly changing environment.