Agile
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Agile is an iterative product development approach that uses rapid modeling and prototyping to enable many design-build-test cycles. Features are prioritized (high, medium, low), and each cycle learns and modifies priorities for the next. When time or budget runs out, high and medium priority features are incorporated. This approach requires agile supply chains that are responsive and flexible to customer needs.
Agile is like cooking in small bites and tasting as you go:
Instead of cooking the WHOLE meal and THEN tasting (too late to fix!), you:
- Make a little bit
- Taste it
- Add more salt if needed
- Make a little more
- Taste again
- Keep fixing until it’s yummy!
Sprints = Cooking in small batches (like 2 weeks each)
Daily Standup = A quick 15-minute huddle: “What did you cook yesterday? What today? Any problems?”
Good for: When you’re not sure what the customer will like
Not good for: When the recipe is perfect and never changes
Core Concept
Section titled “Core Concept”Agile product development is built on the concept of Quick-Build Products, where rapid modeling and prototyping enables many design-build-test cycles. This is fundamentally different from the sequential Waterfall approach.
The process is iterative: detail design and testing are repeated several times. Each cycle produces a working prototype that is tested, and learnings from that test inform the next cycle.
Features are prioritized into three categories: high, medium, and low priority. After each cycle, the team learns from testing and modifies priorities for the next cycle. This means that if time or budget runs out, the high and medium priority features have already been incorporated into the product.
This approach requires agile supply chains that are responsive and flexible to customer needs. The supply chain must be able to adapt quickly to changes in the product design based on what is learned from each cycle.
Components / Framework
Section titled “Components / Framework”| Component | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-Build Products | Rapid modeling/prototyping enables many design-build-test cycles | MGH_book.pdf |
| Iterative Process | Detail design and testing repeated several times | MGH_book.pdf |
| Feature Prioritization | Features prioritized: high, medium, low | MGH_book.pdf |
| Learning Cycles | Each cycle learns and modifies priorities for next cycle | MGH_book.pdf |
| Priority Incorporation | When time/budget runs out, high/medium priorities incorporated | MGH_book.pdf |
| Agile Supply Chains | Responsive + flexible to customer needs | MGH_book.pdf |
Example
Section titled “Example”From Slides:
- Quick-build products: “Rapid modeling and prototyping enables many design-build-test cycles”
- Iterative approach: “Detail design and testing repeated several times”
- Features prioritized: high, medium, low
- Each cycle learns and modifies priorities for next cycle
- When time/budget runs out, high/medium priorities incorporated
Real-World Example - Software Startup: A startup building a new app works in 2-week cycles:
- Cycle 1: Build basic login and profile features (high priority)
- Cycle 2: Add core functionality, test with users
- Cycle 3: Users want feature X more than expected → move to high priority
- Cycle 4-6: Incorporate high and medium priorities
- Launch with all high/medium features complete
Real-World Example - Hardware Development: A consumer electronics company uses rapid prototyping:
- Build prototype → test with customers → learn what they value
- Adjust design based on feedback
- Repeat 5-6 times before final production
- High priority features (battery life, ease of use) are locked in first
- Medium priority (color options, accessories) added if time permits
Implications
Section titled “Implications”- Enables learning and adaptation throughout development
- Ensures most important features are delivered even if time/budget runs short
- Requires flexible, responsive supply chains
- Works well for products with uncertain requirements
- Customer feedback is incorporated throughout development
- Reduces risk of building the wrong product
Related Concepts
Section titled “Related Concepts”- Waterfall: Sequential alternative that Agile replaces for uncertain requirements
- Concurrent Engineering: Shares the collaborative, iterative spirit
- QFD: Can be used within Agile to capture and prioritize customer requirements
- Lean Manufacturing: Shares the focus on eliminating waste and rapid iteration
Quick Summary
Section titled “Quick Summary”- Quick-Build Products: rapid modeling/prototyping enables many design-build-test cycles
- Iterative: detail design and testing repeated several times
- Features prioritized: high, medium, low
- Each cycle learns and modifies priorities for next cycle
- When time/budget runs out, high/medium priorities incorporated
- Agile supply chains: responsive + flexible to customer needs
Exam Tips:
- Agile = ITERATIVE (cycles repeat, not sequential)
- High/medium priority features are incorporated FIRST
- If a scenario describes building, testing, then adjusting based on feedback → that’s Agile
- Requires flexible supply chains to adapt to design changes
Sources
Section titled “Sources”- Chapter3.pptx [Slide 17]
- MGH_book.pdf