Understanding the Agile Method, Starting from its Principles, Goals and Advantages

In the world of technology and software development, agile methods have become a widely used approach.

However, what exactly is this method? Why are many software teams adopting it?

In this article, let's discuss the agile method, starting from the meaning, objectives, principles, and advantages.

Definition of Agile Methods

According to Asana, the agile method is a project management framework that divides projects into several dynamic phases known as sprints.

Each sprint usually has a fixed duration of 1-2 weeks, during which the team works to complete a predetermined number of tasks.

Then at each sprint, the team meets to evaluate progress, analyze what went well, and identify areas that need improvement.

Principles of Agile Methods

There are 12 principles that form the basis of the entire agile method framework.

These principles not only help teams stay focused on goals, but also encourage better collaboration and deliver high-quality results.

1. Delight customers with fast and sustainable results

The agile method aims to provide updates to customers regularly and quickly.

For example, in software development, you can release new features periodically or provide regular updates.

By continuously providing something useful to customers, customers tend to feel happy and satisfied. That way, customers will be loyal to your product or service.

2. Accept change even in the final stages of the project

The agile method also teaches you to be more flexible. This means you have to be ready to accept change, even if the project is nearly finished.

Why? Because sometimes changes are needed to make your product better or meet the latest requirements.

3. Provide value regularly

Agile principles don't teach you to wait until the project is finished to deliver something to the customer.

Instead, you provide value to customers on a regular basis. This is done to maintain customer interest and ensure your product remains relevant in the market.

4. Collaborate between teams

This principle teaches you that collaboration is key. Instead of working alone, you should collaborate with other teams.

That way, you can avoid miscommunication and ensure everyone has the same understanding of the project goals.

5. Build projects among motivated people

Agile methods work best when teams are filled with people who are motivated and committed to a common goal.

Passionate teams tend to produce better and more innovative work.

Therefore, it is important to create an environment where the team feels supported, appreciated and given the opportunity to grow.

6. The importance of face-to-face communication

This principle emphasizes the importance of face-to-face communication, whether in person or via video call.

Direct communication allows you to see facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice thereby avoiding misunderstandings.

If team members are spread out or working remotely, using technology like Zoom can be a way to maintain effective communication.

7. Ensure the software functions properly

In software projects, success is measured by how well the software functions.

This principle reminds us that the main focus must be on quality products that can be used by customers.

8. Maintain speed in work

Even though you want to work fast, you also need to ensure that your work speed can be maintained in the long term.

Additionally, moving projects too quickly can cause team fatigue, reducing productivity and work quality.

Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance between speed and team health.

9. Maintaining quality can make the project smoother

If the team produces good quality work consistently, this will make the project run smoother and faster in the future.

10. Simplicity is important

The agile method encourages you to look for the simplest solutions and not overcomplicate things.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. By looking for simple solutions, you can save time and energy.

11. Proactive teams are more effective

The agile method encourages teams to be able to organize themselves and take initiative. This kind of team tends to be more proactive and provides more value to the company.

They have the ability to make decisions and adjust how they work without needing constant supervision.

12. Evaluate and improve work methods

This last principle emphasizes the importance of regular evaluation and reflection.

In each sprint, the team holds a meeting to see what went well and what needs to be improved.

With this evaluation, teams can continue to adapt and improve their effectiveness over time.

Goals and Advantages of the Agile Method

The agile method is one of the most popular approaches in software and application development.

However, what actually makes this method widely used in teams? Let's look at some of the advantages of this method.

1. Flexible

One of the main reasons why agile methods are so popular is their flexibility.

In software development, changes can occur at any time. Whether due to feedback from customers, market changes, or new technical needs that arise.

In traditional methods like waterfall, changes like this can be very disruptive because each stage of the project is interdependent.

But with agile methods, teams can easily adjust their strategies without disrupting the entire project.

2. Encourage teamwork

Teamwork is an important part of the agile method. One of the agile principles states that the best communication is face-to-face.

Therefore, teams usually hold face-to-face meetings, either physically or via video call, to ensure clear and effective communication.

With this approach, team members tend to be more collaborative and more open to working together with other teams.

3. Focus on Customer Needs

In the agile method, the focus is the customer. Therefore, the advantage of this method is that it allows the team to get feedback from customers quickly and continuously.

By listening to customer needs, teams can adjust priorities and ensure that they create products that customers really want.

If customer needs change, the team can quickly adapt and change the direction of the project according to those needs.

Conclusion

The agile method is a way of working that breaks large projects into small parts called sprints.

Each sprint typically lasts 1-2 weeks, during which the team works to complete a number of tasks.

Then, at the end of the sprint, the team evaluates what worked and what needs to be improved.

One of the main advantages of agile methods is their flexibility. When there are changes or feedback from customers, the team can quickly adjust without disrupting the entire project.

Agile is also focused on customers, always trying to give them what they need and listening to their feedback.

Thus, the products or services produced tend to be more in line with customer desires.
Want to learn more about agile methods? Join the Agile with Scrum program now!