Every software development project presents its own set of requirements and unique challenges. In order to set your team up for success, it is crucial that you choose the correct development methodology that will satisfy the needs of your client as well as your internal team of designers and developers.
A development methodology is the process by which your team will organize and implement tasks for the duration of a project.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the two main methodologies used by software development companies: Agile and Waterfall. Both methods can produce high quality results in an efficient way. Choosing which methodology would suit your team best is dependent on the specific project type and requirements.
The Agile method focuses on rapid development through an iterative approach, where work is typically completed in two week increments, called “sprints”. Each sprint has its own list of tasks and deliverables that is decided on and prioritized by the client. At the end of each sprint, the teams solicit client feedback in order to determine the tasks and priorities for the next sprint.
Waterfall methodology, sometimes also referred to as "Traditional", is a much more sequential approach, where the work is divided into phases with predetermined deliverables. Each phase is done only once, and must be successfully completed before the team can advance to the next phase. Waterfall methodology is based heavily in the planning stage, as any mid-project updates or changes would abruptly halt and disrupt the project. This could potentially cause long delays or, in some cases, a complete project restart.
Take into consideration your client’s needs and your team’s capabilities when choosing which methodology to use. Many development teams choose to use a hybrid model, by combining certain aspects of each methodology.
At the end of the day, client satisfaction and efficient production is the goal.
Here at Bean Machine, we work with you to provide a custom tailored project plan to produce high quality work at your desired pace and within your budget. Click here to bring your project to life!
