User-Centred Design in the Agile Environment
Having worked on various agile projects for clients in different industries from healthcare industries, public services (follow GDS process), to Fintech and retailing industries. I’m writing this article to share what I learned from these agile projects as a UX designer.
What is Agile?
When people talk about agile, they all have their own opinions about it. However, not everyone knows the original principles of being agile and the stories behind it.
Traditionally companies were using waterfall development methods for software development which is highly structured process originated in the manufacturing and construction industries and extremely expensive to make design changes at the later stage of the development process.
In order to find better software development methods, seventeen software developers met and discussed the lightweight software development methods in 2001. They came up with the Manifesto for Agile Software Development. Here is the original value:
There are in total 12 principles behind the Agile Manifesto.
“Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through the early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.
The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
Working software is the primary measure of progress.
Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
Simplicity — the art of maximizing the amount of work not done — is essential.
The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.”
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