Differences Between Agile and Waterfall Methodologies

Waterfall Methodology

• Definition: Traditional project management approach.
• Structure: Linear, sequential phases.
  • Each phase must be completed before the next begins.
• Project Constraints: Fixed budget, scope, time, and quality.
  • Often leads to customer dissatisfaction despite meeting these constraints.

Issues with Waterfall

• Lack of Customer Involvement: Minimal interaction with the customer until project completion.
  • Leads to the final product often not meeting customer needs.
• Rigidity: Difficult to incorporate new ideas or changes once the project is underway.
  • Impacts final product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Example: Building a car
  • Process: Define ideal car → build components (wheels, engine, frame) → assemble → deliver.
  • Outcome: Long waiting time for the customer; expensive to change if the customer is dissatisfied.

Agile Methodology

• Definition: Modern approach to project management focused on flexibility and continuous improvement.
• Values and Principles: Guided by 4 values and 12 principles.
• Structure: Incremental and iterative development.
  • Work is delivered in small, consumable increments.
  • Rapid feedback cycles involving customer and stakeholders.

Benefits of Agile

• Customer Involvement: Ongoing engagement with the customer for regular feedback.
  • Ensures the product meets current customer needs and expectations.
• Flexibility: Welcomes changes even in later stages of development.
  • Adaptable to new ideas and customer feedback with lower costs.
• Example: Building a car
  • Process: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) → gather feedback → iterate and improve.
  • Outcome: Continuous delivery of functioning product iterations; potential early project completion if customer is satisfied.

Key Differences

• Flexibility and Evolution:
  • Agile: Flexible, evolving process.
  • Waterfall: Rigid, defined process.

Summary

• Agile allows for iterative development with constant stakeholder feedback, making it adaptive and customer-focused.
• Waterfall follows a strict sequence, making it less adaptable and often resulting in delayed customer satisfaction.

Thank you!