Iterative development

Projects are divided into short work cycles called sprints, usually lasting one to four weeks. At the end of each sprint, there's a functional product increment with new features, ready for use.

Customer centricity

Regular meetings with customers allow for feedback and adjustments, ensuring the end product meets customer needs.

Teamarbeit

Close collaboration and frequent meetings (such as daily stand-ups) foster communication and problem-solving. Mobile pinboards & whiteboards are the ideal tools for rough sketches and tracking to-dos.

Flexibility

Changes and new requirements can be integrated into the process at any time without disrupting the overall project plan.

Continuous improvement

After each sprint, workflows are reviewed and optimized to enhance efficiency and quality.

Project management methods are designed to help teams successfully complete projects. These approaches are standardized, with clear phases and tasks. The goal of every PM method is to finish the project and meet customer requirements. There are three main project management approaches:

1. Classic project management

This method follows a linear and sequential process divided into fixed phases. Each phase must be completed before the next begins.

2. Agile project management

Agile methods are flexible and iterative, adapting to changing requirements. Projects are divided into cycles or sprints, and success depends on the exchange within the team and with the customer.

3. Hybrid project management

This combines classic and agile methods, offering structured planning and control along with flexibility and continuous improvement.

No project is the same, so it makes sense to have different agile methods available. Factors such as time, complexity, and objectives differ from project to project. Here are the four most important agile project management methods:

• Kanban method
• Scrum framework
• Design thinking
• Lean startup

The Kanban method explained

Alongside Scrum, Kanban is one of the most popular agile methodologies. The term Kanban comes from Japanese and means "card" or "board" - the central element is the Kanban board, which resembles a visual table.

Goal

To improve processes based on available resources within the project team.

Features

Kanban is easily customizable and quick to implement.

Who it's for

Suitable for small and large teams, and perfect for simple task management.

How it works

A Kanban board is created and divided into three columns: To Do, In Progress and Done. Tasks are defined and placed in the columns based on their status.

Working agile with Scrum

Scrum is the ideal agile framework for teams. This method is based on so-called sprints, which last between one and four weeks.

Goal

Achieve objectives through short iterations.

Features

Focus on intermediate results that guide the team toward the goal.

Who it's for

Agile teams and complex projects that are difficult to plan in advance.

How it works

Clear responsibilities are set by the Product Owner, an implementation team carries out the work, and the Scrum Master oversees sprints and removes obstacles. The workflow includes daily meetings at the start of the day to discuss tasks, issues, and progress.

Agile methods: Design thinking

Design thinking is an agile method focused on solving complex problems through creative, user-centric strategies. The process gives teams structure to develop innovative solutions.

Goal

Deeply understand problems and user needs to create innovative solutions.

Features

Iterative, user-focused and organized into six phases leading from problem definition to solution.

Who it's for

Best suited for interdisciplinary teams developing innovative products or services particularly where user perspective is central.

How it works

Six phases: understand, observe, define point of view, ideate, prototype and test. Each phase builds on the results of the previous stage to create a user-focused solution.

The Lean Startup method

Lean Startup is an agile methodology designed for optimizing resource usage to maximize customer value and process efficiency, aiming to minimize waste and drive continuous improvement.

Goal

Optimize resources and efficiency to maximize customer value and reduce unnecessary costs.

Features

Lean Startup identifies and eliminates different forms of waste, striving for lean, efficient processes.

Who it's for

More of a philosophy for organizations that seek a fundamental shift in values, focusing on long-term reduction of costs and resource usage.

How it works

Waste is divided into three categories:

• Muda: Processes that do not add value.
• Mura: Losses from poor coordination between process steps.
• Muri: Overburdening people and machines due to unbalanced processes.