Learning Loop Playbooks Learning Loop

Engineering, Leadership, Product management

Agile Manifesto

A set of principles for software development that emphasize collaboration, customer feedback, and iterative development.

Also called: Agile Principles, Agile Values, Agile Methodology, Agile Software Development, Agile Project Management, Agile Process, Agile Framework, Agile Principles and Practices, Agile Software Development Methodology, Agile Software Development Process, Agile Software Development Practices, and Agile Software Development Framework

See also: Agile Definition of Done, Agile Framework, Agile Principles, Agile Product Development, Agile Product Owner, Agile Program Management Office, Agile Release Train, Agile Roadmap, Product Delivery, Product Manager

Relevant metrics: Customer Satisfaction, Time to Market, Quality of Deliverables, Cost Savings, and Team Morale

In this article

What is the Agile Manifesto?

The Agile Manifesto is a set of four core values and twelve principles that guide the development of software using agile methods. The four core values are:

  1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
  2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
  3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
  4. Responding to change over following a plan

The twelve principles are:

  1. Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
  2. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
  3. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
  4. Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
  5. Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
  6. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
  7. Working software is the primary measure of progress.
  8. Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
  9. Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
  10. Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of work not done–is essential.
  11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
  12. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.

Where did Agile Manifesto come from?

The Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 by a group of software developers who were looking for a better way to develop software. The group, which included Dave Thomas, Ken Schwaber, and Mike Beedle, met in Snowbird, Utah to discuss the current state of software development and to come up with a better way to do it. The result of their meeting was the Agile Manifesto, which outlines the core values and principles of agile software development. The Agile Manifesto is now widely used by software developers around the world and is considered to be the foundation of modern software development.

Why embrace the Agile Manifesto?

The Agile Manifesto is an important tool for software development teams that need to be able to quickly and efficiently respond to customer feedback and changing market conditions. By following the principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto, teams can ensure that their software is developed in a way that is flexible and responsive to customer needs. The Agile Manifesto is a guide to adaptive software development that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and flexibility.

Applying the Agile Manifesto

The Agile Manifesto is applied by teams to ensure that they are able to quickly and effectively respond to customer needs and changing requirements. This is done by focusing on individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. Teams should strive to create an environment where individuals are able to work together to create the best possible product. This includes having frequent conversations with customers to ensure that their needs are being met. Additionally, teams should be able to quickly adapt to changing requirements and customer needs.

The Agile Manifesto embraced by teams to ensure that they are able to create the best possible product rather than a poor product that is documented well. This follows the principle of working software over comprehensive documentation. Teams should strive to create working software that meets customer needs as quickly as possible. This means that teams should focus on creating working software rather than spending time on creating comprehensive documentation. Additionally, teams should focus on customer collaboration over contract negotiation. This means that teams should strive to have frequent conversations with customers to ensure that their needs are being met.

Another key goal of agile software teams is to quickly and effectively respond to changing requirements and customer needs. This is why the manifests favors responding to change over following a plan. Teams should strive to create an environment where they are able to quickly and effectively respond to changing requirements and customer needs. This means that teams should be able to quickly adapt to changing requirements and customer needs.

Advantages of Implementing the Agile Manifesto

  • Increased Flexibility. Agile Manifesto encourages teams to be flexible and adaptive to changing customer needs and requirements. This allows teams to quickly respond to changes and deliver the best possible product.
  • Improved Collaboration. Agile Manifesto encourages teams to collaborate and work together to achieve the best results. This helps teams to stay focused on the goal and work together to achieve it.
  • Increased Productivity. Agile Manifesto encourages teams to focus on delivering the highest quality product in the shortest amount of time. This helps teams to be more productive and efficient.
  • Improved Quality. Agile Manifesto encourages teams to focus on delivering the highest quality product. This helps teams to ensure that the product meets customer expectations and is of the highest quality.

Challenges of Implementing the Agile Manifesto

  • Finding the Right Balance. Agile Manifesto is based on the idea of balancing customer satisfaction, technical excellence, and team collaboration. Finding the right balance between these three elements can be a challenge for teams.
  • Adapting to Change. Agile Manifesto emphasizes the need for teams to be able to quickly adapt to changing requirements and customer needs. This can be difficult for teams that are used to working in a more traditional, structured environment.
  • Overcoming Resistance. Agile Manifesto requires teams to be open to change and experimentation. This can be difficult for teams that are used to working in a more traditional, structured environment and may be resistant to change.
  • Managing Expectations. Agile Manifesto requires teams to be able to manage customer expectations and deliver results quickly. This can be difficult for teams that are used to working in a more traditional, structured environment and may not be used to working in an agile environment.

Are the values of the Agile manifesto lost in its implementation in frameworks such as Scrum and SAFe?

Popular frameworks such as Scrum and SAFe have been developed to implement these principles in a more structured and prescriptive manner.

While these frameworks have been widely adopted, some argue that the values of the Agile manifesto can be lost in their implementation. For instance, some practitioners have reported that the focus on strict adherence to framework rules and processes can result in neglecting the “people and interactions” aspect of Agile. Additionally, the emphasis on delivering a specific set of features within a fixed time period can lead to a narrow view of the product being developed, reducing the ability to adapt to changing customer needs.

It’s worth noting that the implementation of any methodology, including Agile, can lead to deviations from its original principles. The key is to understand the underlying values and principles, and to maintain a focus on delivering value to customers. Frameworks such as Scrum and SAFe can be powerful tools for organizations looking to adopt Agile, but it’s important to remain vigilant and ensure that these tools are serving the needs of the team and the business.

It is also important to recognize that the Agile Manifesto is not a prescriptive methodology but rather a set of guiding principles. This means that each organization must interpret and apply the principles in a way that works best for them. In this context, frameworks like Scrum and SAFe can be useful in providing guidance and structure, but they should not be viewed as the only way to implement Agile.

Ultimately, the success of Agile depends on the effective implementation of its values and principles. By maintaining a focus on delivering value to customers and embracing change, organizations can ensure that the spirit of the Agile manifesto is not lost in its implementation.

The Agile Manifesto and the Spotify Squads

At Spotify, the Agile methodology is implemented through a unique framework called Spotify Squads, which is designed to maximize the benefits of Agile while minimizing the drawbacks of traditional methodologies. This framework places a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, autonomous decision-making, and rapid iteration, which are all key values of the Agile Manifesto.

One of the key ways that Spotify Squads aligns with the Agile Manifesto is through its focus on delivering value to customers. This is achieved by empowering teams to make decisions about what features to build and how to build them, and by requiring that each team regularly assess its progress and adjust its approach as needed. This focus on delivering value to customers is a core value of the Agile Manifesto, and it is reflected in the approach taken by Spotify Squads.

Another way that Spotify Squads aligns with the Agile Manifesto is through its focus on fostering collaboration and communication. Teams are encouraged to work closely together, share knowledge and expertise, and make decisions together. This collaboration and communication is key to delivering high-quality products, and it is also a core value of the Agile Manifesto.

Despite these alignments, some argue that the Agile values may still be lost in the implementation of Spotify Squads. For example, some argue that the focus on delivering value to customers and the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration may lead to a lack of focus on technical excellence and quality. Additionally, the rapid pace of development in Spotify Squads may lead to a lack of attention to detail and a reduction in the overall quality of the products being delivered.

While the Agile methodology at Spotify aligns with the values and principles of the Agile Manifesto in many ways, it is not without its challenges. Nevertheless, the unique approach taken by Spotify Squads has proven to be effective in delivering high-quality products in a flexible and adaptive manner, and it continues to be a model for organizations looking to implement Agile methodologies.

The Agile Manifesto and eXtreme Programming (XP)

eXtreme Programming (XP) is an Agile software development methodology that aims to improve software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. It was developed in the late 1990s and has since become one of the most popular and well-known Agile methodologies, although overtaken by Scrum, SAFe, and Spotify Squads.

The Agile Manifesto values individual interactions, customer collaboration, working software, and responding to change, while XP places strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and customer involvement. This aligns well with the Agile manifesto, as it emphasizes the importance of working with customers and delivering value early and often.

In terms of the principles of the Agile manifesto, XP follows many of them, including:

  • Working software over comprehensive documentation: XP prioritizes working software and focuses on delivering value to customers over documenting every aspect of the software.
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: XP involves the customer in the development process and encourages collaboration, which aligns with the principle of customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
  • Responding to change over following a plan: XP is highly adaptable and focuses on responding to change, which aligns with the Agile principle of responding to change over following a plan.

If we examine it very strictly, there are a few areas where the implementation of XP may deviate from the principles of the Agile manifesto. For example, XP places a strong emphasis on technical practices such as test-driven development and continuous integration. While not mentioned in the Agile Manifesto, the purpose of these practises are to enable refactoring and the ability to respone to changing requirements. Yet, some might argue that adding more process goes against the principle of individuals and interactions over processes and tools.

The Agile manifesto is a flexible guide that can be adapted to different methodologies, and the extent to which it is followed will depend on the specific implementation and context.

Agile is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that different methodologies may suit different projects, teams, and organizations. Ultimately, it’s up to each organization to determine which approach works best for them and to tailor their Agile implementation to meet their unique needs and goals.

The Agile Manifesto and Design Thinking

The Agile Manifesto and Design Thinking are both popular methods that are widely used in the fields of software development and product design. While both approaches have similar goals, such as improving the user experience, they have different origins and different approaches to achieving these goals.

The principles of the Agile Manifesto are focused on collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Design Thinking, on the other hand, is a design methodology that puts the user at the center of the product development process. Design Thinking involves empathizing with the user, defining the problem, ideating possible solutions, prototyping and testing.

While the Agile Manifesto and Design Thinking have different origins and approaches, they share many similarities. For example, both approaches emphasize the importance of collaboration and iteration. In the Agile Manifesto, this is reflected in the principle of “working software over comprehensive documentation.” In Design Thinking, this is reflected in the iterative approach to prototyping and testing. Both approaches also emphasize the importance of empathy, with the Agile Manifesto emphasizing the importance of “customer collaboration over contract negotiation,” and Design Thinking emphasizing the importance of empathy with the user.

Differences between Agile and Design Thinking

While the Agile Manifesto is focused primarily on software development, Design Thinking can be applied to a wide range of problems and industries. The values of the Agile Manifesto are focused on delivering working software as quickly as possible, while Design Thinking is focused on developing the best possible solution for the user. This difference in focus can sometimes result in trade-offs between speed and quality.

When it comes to the implementation of the values from the Agile Manifesto together with Design Thinking, it is possible for some of the values and principles to be lost. For example, in the Agile Manifesto, the emphasis on collaboration and flexibility can sometimes be lost in the pursuit of speed and efficiency. In Design Thinking, the emphasis on empathy and user-centered design can sometimes be lost in the pursuit of a specific solution.

The Agile Manifesto and Design Thinking align to a large extent, but there are also some differences between the two methods. When it comes to the implementation of these methods. By combining the strengths of the Agile Manifesto and Design Thinking, teams can develop high-quality products that are both fast and user-centered.

The Agile Manifesto and Lean UX

The Agile manifesto prioritizes collaboration, customer satisfaction, and adaptability over rigid processes and bureaucratic control. But as design has become an increasingly important part of the software development process, designers have sought new ways to incorporate Agile principles into their work. This is where Lean UX comes in.

Lean UX is a design methodology that emphasizes the need for rapid iteration and continuous feedback. Like Agile, it values collaboration, experimentation, and a focus on delivering value to the customer.

Lean UX shares many of the same values as Agile, and is specifically designed to help designers work within an Agile development process. Here are a few key ways in which Lean UX aligns with the Agile manifesto:

  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: Lean UX prioritizes collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders, rather than relying on documentation and processes.
  • Working software over comprehensive documentation: Lean UX encourages designers to create lightweight prototypes and mockups, rather than producing extensive documentation. This allows for rapid iteration and feedback.
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Lean UX places a strong emphasis on user research and testing, which helps to ensure that design decisions are based on a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences.
  • Responding to change over following a plan: Lean UX is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing designers to pivot quickly in response to changes in customer needs or technology.

While Lean UX aligns well with the Agile manifesto, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But as long as designers remain focused on collaboration, customer satisfaction, and adaptability, the values of the Agile manifesto are likely to remain intact.

Lean UX and the Agile manifesto make for a great match in software development. By prioritizing collaboration, communication, and adaptability, Lean UX helps designers to work within an Agile development process and deliver value to customers.

Examples

Spotify

Spotify is a great example of a company that has embraced the Agile Manifesto. They have adopted an agile approach to software development and even came up with their own agile methodology, which has enabled them to quickly develop and deploy new features and products. They have also implemented a culture of continuous improvement, which has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition.

Relevant questions to ask
  • What is the purpose of the Agile Manifesto?
    Hint The purpose of the Agile Manifesto is to provide a set of values and principles to guide software development projects.
  • How will the Agile Manifesto help me achieve my goals?
    Hint The Agile Manifesto can help you achieve your goals by providing a framework for developing software in an iterative and incremental manner. This allows for faster delivery of working software, improved customer satisfaction, and better collaboration between teams.
  • What are the core values and principles of the Agile Manifesto?
    Hint The core values and principles of the Agile Manifesto are: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools; Working software over comprehensive documentation; Customer collaboration over contract negotiation; Responding to change over following a plan.
  • How will the Agile Manifesto help me to better manage my projects?
    Hint The Agile Manifesto can help you better manage your projects by providing a framework for developing software in an iterative and incremental manner. This allows for faster delivery of working software, improved customer satisfaction, and better collaboration between teams.
  • What are the potential risks and benefits of applying the Agile Manifesto?
    Hint The potential risks and benefits of applying the Agile Manifesto include increased customer satisfaction, improved collaboration between teams, and faster delivery of working software. However, there is also the potential for increased complexity and cost if the process is not managed properly.
  • How will the Agile Manifesto help me to better collaborate with my team?
    Hint The Agile Manifesto can help you to better collaborate with your team by providing a framework for developing software in an iterative and incremental manner. This allows for improved communication and collaboration between teams, as well as improved customer satisfaction.
  • What are the best practices for implementing the Agile Manifesto?
    Hint The best practices for implementing the Agile Manifesto include: establishing a clear vision and goals; creating an environment of trust and collaboration; breaking down tasks into small, manageable chunks; and regularly reviewing progress and making adjustments as needed.
  • How will the Agile Manifesto help me to better respond to changing customer needs?
    Hint The Agile Manifesto can help you to better respond to changing customer needs by providing a framework for developing software in an iterative and incremental manner. This allows for faster delivery of working software, improved customer satisfaction, and better collaboration between teams.
  • What are the key metrics for measuring the success of the Agile Manifesto?
    Hint The key metrics for measuring the success of the Agile Manifesto include customer satisfaction, delivery time, and cost.
  • How will the Agile Manifesto help me to better manage my resources?
    Hint The Agile Manifesto can help you to better manage your resources by providing a framework for developing software in an iterative and incremental manner. This allows for improved communication and collaboration between teams, as well as improved customer satisfaction.

You might also be interested in reading up on:

People who talk about the topic of Agile Manifesto on Twitter
Relevant books on the topic of Agile Manifesto
  • Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change by Kent Beck (1999)
  • Agile Software Development by Alistair Cockburn (2002)
  • Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum by Mike Cohn (2010)
  • Succeeding with Agile: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business by David J. Anderson (2010)
  • Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products by Jim Highsmith (2009)
Sources

Want to learn more?

Receive a hand picked list of the best reads on building products that matter every week. Curated by Anders Toxboe. Published every Tuesday.

No spam! Unsubscribe with a single click at any time.

Community events
Product Loop

Product Loop provides an opportunity for Product professionals and their peers to exchange ideas and experiences about Product Design, Development and Management, Business Modelling, Metrics, User Experience and all the other things that get us excited.

Join our community

Made with in Copenhagen, Denmark

Want to learn more about about good product development, then browse our product playbooks.