Types of Agile Frameworks

Agile frameworks have revolutionized the landscape of project management and software development, providing adaptable and collaborative methodologies to enhance efficiency and deliver value. As organizations increasingly embrace agility, understanding the various Agile frameworks becomes pivotal. In this exploration, we shall dwell on different Agile frameworks, each with unique principles, and a comparison of Agile Frameworks' specific practices, from Scrum frame to Kanban framework and beyond. Agile frameworks offer diverse approaches for flexibility, execution, transparency, and  customer-centric development.

Scrum Framework

Scrum is one of the most well-liked Agile approaches because it can unite teams with a laser-like focus and a practical, cooperative approach to task execution.

In many respects, it is comparable to Kanban. Like a Kanban board, Scrum usually uses a Scrum board where tasks are in columns according to their level of completion. Instead of Kanban, Scrum emphasizes segmenting a project into manageable chunks and solely organizing and overseeing one sprint at a time.

A product owner and Scrum leader would be assigned under this technique and would have direct control over the team. Through a series of sprints, this delegated leadership can assist couples in taking the lead on projects and completing them quickly.

Also,Check:Kanban Board vs Scrum Board

Projects are divided into iterations, or sprints, using the Scrum methodology. Each sprint might span one to four weeks. These sprints assist you in focusing a group's attention on your tasks by bringing team members from several departments together.

The Scrum framework's procedure is as follows:

• The Product Owner will draft a wish list that is estimated and will be called the Product Backlog.
• The Scrum team chose the topic of a few things from the list and will then plan how to turn them into product increments and label them as part of the Sprint Backlog. After that, the group's task will be to finish the current Sprint Backlog.
• A Daily Scrum meeting will coordinate the work's daily progress.
• The Scrum Master will be in charge of keeping the team's focus.
• Before starting the following Sprint, the Increment from Sprint evaluation and feedback.

Learn more about:Scrum Framework Overview

Kanban Framework

The phrase "Kanban," which refers to a particular kind of Agile framework, is derived from the Japanese and signifies a signboard or visual board. The Just In Time approach and the Kanban idea are related. Kanban was known as a lean manufacturing system before being gradually included in agile software development processes. The Kanban framework uses visual elements to manage and develop projects.

The Kanban Board is in charge of managing projects that use Kanban. The Kanban Board is available in several columns to represent the software development process flow accurately. 

When all team members know what is and isn't happening, they can better plan for the next task and ensure the product is on time. This approach helps to increase visibility among the team members. This approach will necessitate complete transparency and team involvement to develop the development adequately.

The framework concepts of Kanban are as follows:

• It pictures the task done at every given moment.
• Setting limits on the quantity of work that has to be done or finished will help the team avoid taking on too much more work than necessary.
• It streamlines the process so that, as soon as a particular task is ready for completion, it is in the queue.

Learn more about:What is Kanban Board, And How To Use It?

Lean Framework

Note that Lean is just one of the numerous varieties of Agile frameworks. Most people tend to confuse Lean with Agile and vice versa. Both are different despite having somewhat comparable features. Lean is short for Lean Manufacturing, which comprises a particular set of management concepts that the Japanese established in the 20th century to guarantee value & efficiency in production.

These are the central tenets of lean manufacturing:

• Mapping of value streams.
• Deciding what is valuable.
• Implementing a draw system.
• Putting in place an ongoing workflow.
• Ongoing development.

Businesses are urged by Lean to do away with any process that impedes organizational growth and to focus exclusively on the most likely effective tactics for a particular plan. For example, to "eliminate waste," a business will reduce the time spent on pointless documents, time-consuming meetings, and jobs that don't add to productivity. Moreover, Lean also emphasizes how important people are and how well they should work as a team. Because each member of a group of employees should be aware of their specific job, respect for the employees or workers should be paramount. Each employee may trust the other as a result.

Explore: What is the Lean Process?

Extreme Programming (XP)

Extreme Programming is Among the best Agile frameworks available. This process should demonstrate high participation from both the clients and the developers. Buyers are responsible and accountable for spurring further product development by highlighting the most beneficial characteristics through numerous testimonials. However, every software update on client feedback from the developers will also test new and creative features every few weeks.

Understand the fact that XP has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, XP will always require far less paperwork and a higher degree of teamwork. In addition, this delivery approach is efficient and persistent.

On the other hand, for XP to be successful, everyone involved must have appropriate self-control and participation. Furthermore, smaller teams with highly competent and experienced developers with a track record of effective management and communication are the ideal candidates for XP.

The XP methodology adheres to the following principles:

• Simplicity
• Uniformity.
• Endurance.
• Communication.
• Feedback.

Crystal

Crystal is not a single methodology but a family of customized, context-specific, colour-coded methods. Because Crystal is affected by criticality and team size, it can manage many projects, from a small team producing a low-criticality system (Crystal Clear) to a large team developing a high-criticality system (Crystal Magenta). 

The Crystal framework emphasizes talent, community, people, skills, communication, and interactions to provide the best software development process possible. Therefore, transmission and ongoing reflection are essential to achieve the optimal level of process efficiency. Thus, this paradigm will only succeed if a team spreads over different places and continuous contact and reflection are feasible.

The Crystal framework is an excellent example of how agile methodologies meet the specific needs of a project. The illustration below, for example, shows the "colours" (methods) of the crystal. 

• Crystal Yellow (group of 10–20 people) 
• Crystal Clear (for groups of up to 8)  
• Crystal Red (team of 20–50 members) 
• Crystal Orange (team of 50–1000 members)

Comparison of Agile Frameworks

Also, check:What is Sprint Planning?

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Conclusion

The first step is to find the real problem and use one or more frameworks to inspire tackling it. A framework is typically too large to be applied directly to an organisation. The first thing to do is always to start with the advice given there and then gradually modify some portions of it based on the situation. 

Traditional project management techniques have always been linear, which makes them predictable & slow, in contrast to the various Agile frameworks outlined above. Their delayed reaction to changes in the market is one of their shortcomings as a result. The solution for that was the advent of Agile frameworks.

Agile methods remain highly flexible and responsive to changes in the market. Agile development methods have enabled teams to produce exceptional products by cutting down on development timeframes and increasing output.

FAQs

1. Why is the framework used to describe agile?

Agile is a broad software development philosophy emphasising the need to iterate frequently and swiftly to satisfy consumers. As a result, an agile framework is a software development methodology founded on the agile mindset, as stated in the Agile Manifesto.

2. What is the framework's primary objective?

A framework's job is to help with development by offering low-level, standard functionality so that developers may concentrate their attention on the aspects of the project that set it apart. Programming time is shortened, testing is more accessible, and software reliability is increased with high-quality, pre-tested functionality.

3. How do DevOps and Agile compare? 

Facilitating communication between software developers and IT staff is a top priority for both DevOps and Agile. However, DevOps is more of a working culture, and Agile refers to a software development approach. Agile development frequently incorporates DevOps principles, and low-code development platforms have tools to facilitate both.

4. How does design thinking connect to agile? 

Agile focuses on the software development process, whereas design thinking ensures that the final product meets the client's expectations. Starting with the customer and working your way down to the requirements is the fundamental idea behind design thinking.