What is Agile Software Development?

The modern business landscape is constantly changing, demanding that enterprises remain dynamic and adaptable to maintain a competitive edge. Technology now saturates the market across nearly every industry, making outdated manual processes a thing of the past. Businesses that are slow to accommodate the new wave of digital solutions are often stunted or left behind entirely.

With innovation at the forefront, digital transformation boasts endless potential for business growth. Yet, all too often, companies get overwhelmed by the daunting process of building and integrating new software. Between development delays, miscommunications, and lack of transparency – the very solutions businesses seek from technology become their downfall.

The Agile Advantage

At Vyana, we knew there had to be a better way to approach digital transformation. That’s why we work under the Agile framework – an umbrella term for a set of principles and practices for developing and delivering software as efficiently, effectively, and client-focused as possible. Vyana operates under the Scrum methodology, a subsect of the Agile framework, which leverages the latest and greatest innovations in technology, design, and User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) to deliver quality digital solutions that radically transform enterprises.

Let’s take a deeper look at Agile software development and its overall benefit to both clients and software companies.

What is Agile Software Development?

The Agile framework is a philosophy informed by several values and principles designed to help teams pivot quickly and proactively within the ever-changing software development environment. At its heart, Agile software development is about people – emphasizing teamwork and collaboration while recognizing individual talent and prioritizing self-direction.

There are many different approaches within the Agile umbrella, but most of these frameworks incorporate several overarching themes. Agile principles prioritize client needs and the timely delivery of successful digital products, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Iterative Development: Agile workplaces take an incremental approach to efficiently deliver software in continuous stages to make room for necessary updates and improvements based on client needs.
• Collaboration: The Agile mindset suggests that face-to-face teamwork is the best way to maintain clear communication and minimize blockers to foster a healthier, more productive work environment.
• Planning: Agile development depends on breaking down large goals into smaller, measurable tasks through extensive planning and estimations to allocate time and resources accordingly.
• Self-Direction: Companies who implement Agile work environments believe that successful software comes from a collaboration between motivated, self-directed individuals.
• Adaptability: The Agile framework’s entire premise is that software development must be open and responsive to changing requirements.
• Reflection: Agile philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-retrospection and team reflection as a means of celebrating what works, identifying what doesn’t, and continuously improving processes and results.

What Are the Benefits of an Agile Framework?

Agile software development isn’t an entirely new construct; it’s been around since the early 2000s and has changed the face of software development many times over since then. For software development firms, and the clients they build software for, the Agile framework helps:

• Enhance client relations and satisfaction.
• Streamline software development processes and delivery.
• Improve internal communication.
• Boost team morale and employee satisfaction.
• Increase transparency for more efficient oversight.
• Minimize delays, roadblocks, and bugs.
• Maximize productivity and innovation.

Having operated within the Agile framework for over a decade, the Vyana team has flourished under the proven benefits of the Agile approach to software design. During that time, we have implemented, adapted, and made the Agile mindset our own, which allows us to navigate the changing digital business landscape with measurable success. By leveraging every team member’s time and talent, the Agile framework facilitates collaborative ease and excellence to build software solutions that make both clients and companies proud.

Want to learn more about Vyana’s unique philosophy and the portfolio we’ve built within the Agile framework? Visit our website for a peek into our world and discover how we can help digitally transform your business.