The Project Vs the Product
Don't confuse the project (management) with the result (product). Don't choose your management type based on the product type.
Agile management is not reserved for software (see our references). And software doesn't necessarily need Agile.
Mixed Project Management
Mixed management means using Agility THEN Traditional management for the same product. The need for Agility depends on project parameters (often the early phases), not the nature of the product.
The Misconception About Agile Management
When presenting Agile management to industrials, some respond that it doesn't suit their domain. Yet 90% of their projects are late: traditional management is clearly not working.
They know a small part of Agility, and that small part sends them the wrong information. That small part is Iterative Incremental.
The Misconception About Iterative Incremental
Iterative incremental develops by steps. For a plane, you'd think each step means "half a plane". A plane is "all or nothing": it flies or it doesn't. But separating what needs to be done for the project from what needs to be done for the product itself can seem like doing useless things.
"All or Nothing" Project in Iterative Incremental
Take the example of a camera. In traditional management: analysis, studies, specifications, unit tests... IF it works AND matches your Gantt, don't change anything.
For those whose planning doesn't reflect reality: iterative incremental is WHAT YOU DO naturally.
A Camera in Iterative Incremental
- Existing components forming camera parts, reaching 40% of Specs
- Series of prototypes demonstrating Specs at 60%
- Near-manufacturable camera prototype at 80%
- Operational and manufacturable model at 100%
Specs can be optics, electronics, size, price... at each step you can challenge Specs and make qualitative decisions.
Don't criticize this meta-planning too fast ;) it's a REAL planning that worked and I just simplified it.
Learning to Ride a Bike
Learning to ride a bike: traditional approach (read everything, physics, mathematical model...) or iterative incremental:
- Child demonstrates enough balance to stand/sit
- Child can sit on a stationary balance bike
- Child can move on a balance bike with minimal help
- Child can lift both legs on a moving balance bike without help
- Child can use pedals to propel a bicycle
Agility for Your Projects?
Think about what you do in development: the progression, the steps. You may find that it resembles iterative incremental (not your Gantt). That means your project would benefit from Agile management, whatever your domain.
Discover the Agile Methods for Physical R&D training and visit agilitehardware.fr to go further.
