Search Results for: dance in the rain

User Stories Vs Specifications: Finding The Right Level Of Abstraction

Defining the Problem: Finding the Optimal Level of Abstraction Software requirements exist on a spectrum from high-level user needs to detailed technical specifications. On one end, user stories capture requested functionality in an agile, user-centric way. On the other, technical specs thoroughly define system behavior for implementation. Where along this spectrum of abstraction should requirements…

Writing Effective User Stories Without End Users

The Core Problem of Missing Stakeholder Perspectives Developing software without direct input from end users leads to products that fail to address user needs. Lacking perspectives from target demographics creates gaps in understanding that manifest in frustrating user experiences. Surfacing pain points requires engagement with stakeholders. When end user access is constrained, developers miss qualitative…

Differentiating Between New And Existing Bugs: Best Practices For Agile Teams

Identifying Bug Origins When a new bug is reported, the first step is to identify its origin. This involves reviewing recent code changes, checking if the issue replicates in previous versions, and understanding the difference between the intended and actual behavior of the affected feature. Reviewing Commit History for Recent Changes Using version control system…

Defining Processes Before Selecting Tools: A Critical Step In Project Management

Defining Key Processes Before Tool Selection Clearly outlining key business processes is an essential first step before selecting any tools to support those processes. Taking the time to map processes, analyze requirements, and document needs helps prevent organizations from purchasing tools misaligned with workflows and objectives. Documenting processes involves understanding key inputs, outputs, activities, roles,…

Impediments And Your Agile Team’S Progress: Where To Draw The Line

Defining Impediments An impediment is any obstacle that prevents an agile team from making progress on their sprint goals and delivering working software. Impediments can take many forms including: Missing or inadequate resources (e.g. people, infrastructure, information) Organizational constraints such as policies or processes External dependencies from other teams or vendors Technical challenges and bugs…

Refining Software Requirements To Improve Estimate Accuracy

Defining the Problem Space The definition of clear and accurate software requirements is a pivotal first step in improving estimate accuracy for software development projects. However, requirements often change during development due to the natural volatility inherent in complex software projects. Understanding the sources of changing requirements and their potential impacts is key to defining…

Why Gantt Charts Don’T Work For Detailed Agile Planning

The Fluid Nature of Agile Development A key tenet of agile software development is embracing change during the development process. Agile methodologies value responding to changing requirements and priorities over strictly adhering to pre-defined plans and schedules. This fluidity and flexibility runs counter to the rigid sequential nature of Gantt charts, which assumes tasks and…

Adapting Process Requirements To Agile: Focusing On Principles Over Practices

Aligning Process Values with Agile Values The core values and principles of Agile software development differ markedly from traditional plan-driven approaches. Where traditional processes focus on comprehensive upfront planning, extensive documentation, and strict adherence to initial requirements, Agile emphasizes responding to change, frequent inspection and adaptation, and face-to-face communication amongst team members. These divergent philosophies…

Implementing Effective Risk Management To Minimize Project Failures

Identifying Key Project Risks The first critical step in managing project risks is to systematically identify potential threats that may negatively impact key objectives such as schedule, budget, scope, and quality. Technical complexity, resource constraints, fluctuating requirements, and dependencies on external factors commonly give rise to risks in both IT and non-IT projects. Cross-functional collaboration…

Aligning Cowboy Coders With Team Goals

Bridging the Gap Between Lone Rangers and Collaborative Teams Understanding the priorities and motivations of cowboy coders is key to integrating them into collaborative teams. By communicating project scope, establishing coding best practices, promoting knowledge sharing, and cultivating a team culture rooted in empathy and understanding, leaders can align autonomous developers with broader goals. Cowboy…