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Regular feedback is a key element of agile development.  Rapid feedback improves our software.  I suggest it also improves us, the people who write the software.

I’ve just read a fascinating article on where talent comes from, over on Freakonomics.com.  It outlines research into the key factors … Read more

Principled Negotiation also applies to defining your software development process.  You can’t choose Agile just because you like it.  You have to understand what your customers’ interests are, and you have to seek a process which meets their interests and yours.

For instance: if the customer says they want … Read more

Crystal Clear is a methodology that summarises 10 years of research into successful software teams.  Which things really matter?  Which things most influence the project outcome?… Read more

David Anderson presents three facets of agility:

1. The “toolbox” of iterative development techniques
2. The belief that people are more significant than process
3. Trust

David points out that trust underlies the greater efficiency of agile approaches. Lean Software Development also emphasises trust.

It is easy to fall into the trap … Read more

Alistair Cockburn points out that traditional processes are based on an assumption that people will successfully accomplish things that they normally struggle with. 

In particular, it is assumed that people will change their habits to follow detailed new instructions.  Unfortunately, humans aren’t very good at that!  Old habits die hard … Read more