Agile vs Kanban, Scrum vs Waterfall
With so much jargon it can feel overwhelming to determine which methodologies will make your product a future success. In this article, we will take a deeper dive into each of these product management methodologies.
What is Product Management Methodology
Product management methodologies are defined as a “framework used to structure, plan, and control the process of developing an information system”, according to The Project Management Institute (PMI).
Product Management Methodologies: Breakdown
Agile
The concept was originally designed with software development in mind, which has now become one of the most popular methodologies. This methodology is best utilized where products have iterative requirements with rapidly evolving solutions. As part of a collaborative, self-organizing, and cross-functional approach to product planning and implementation. This methodology is designed to be open to regular feedback from end-users.
Scrum
Scrum can be viewed as a subset of the Agile methodology. Despite still being an iterative process, it supports fixed-length iterations called sprints. A sprint can last for up to two weeks. A minimum viable product or MVP can be developed with enough features to satisfy early customers. Whilst providing valuable feedback for future iterations.
Kanban
Kanban, in Japanese, means “visual sign” or “card” which visualizes a product team’s workflow. The Kanban board segregates work into three categories — to do, in progress, and completed. Tasks are captured are moved from one category to another as they progress through the development process. The main aim of the Kanban methodology is to continually improve the product development process.
Waterfall
This linear, approach to product management is one of the more traditional methodologies employed by organizations. Product development in this case, including planning, execution, and delivery, follows a sequential approach. Originally developed during the industrial revolution, this methodology typically requires one development stage to be completed before the next one begins. In the ongoing debate of Agile vs Waterfall, Waterfall ensures better planning, but less flexibility.
Conclusion
The best product management methodologies will help your team consistently deliver high-quality products that users love. A ‘pick-and-mix approach’ when adapting a methodology can prove efficient in many cases but not all. As a product manager ensuring a user-centric product development approach is always key.
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