March 20th, 2018 by Adam Sandman
In a recent survey, we were asked to give our thoughts and ideas as to what the world of Agile software development would look like in 5-years time (2023). In this blog we discuss some of the challenges and innovations, provide some predictions for the future, and explore three vignettes of that future world.
Background: The Agile Principles:
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Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
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Working software over comprehensive documentation
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Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
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Responding to change over following a plan
The future of Agile development and planning in 2023 will look very different than today:
- Computers will be writing more of the code
- Rules and regulations will demand documentation
- Outsourced, freelancer economies redefine “customer”
- Investments at the program level need plans
So how do you remain agile and support the enterprise?
What will the world look like in 2023?
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Developers will be using different tools and frameworks than they do today.
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Machine learning and AI will be part of many software projects.
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Requirements will describe models that get refined by feedback and coded by computers
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Users will be using different interfaces at work – watch, glass, touch, IOT, HUD, VR, etc
- Clouds and systems will be partitioned to address data privacy and regulatory constraints
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We will still have human testers, designers, engineers and managers
Based on these predictions, we created three sample vignettes to explore how agile software development, DevOps, and ALM will look:
Example 1: Self-Driving Vehicles
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Significant amount of safety & quality documentation (ISO 26262)
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Embraces agile methodologies with regulatory oversight
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Machine-learning algorithms, high-level user “requirements” tied to self-learning feedback loop
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Melding of hardware and software components, external interfaces
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Security built into lifecycle (SecOps)
Example 2: Healthcare IT Systems
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Data privacy and compliance rules at the project team level
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Need to federate data between project, program and enterprise
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Ability to isolate HIPAA, PHI data from management data
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Strong audit ability, electronic signatures and traceability
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Agile approach in between specific regulated phases
Example 3: The Virtual Company
- No physical office locations, all workers co-work or telework
- Collaboration tools integrated highly into work streams
- No salaried employees, 100% freelance, contract workers
- Strong requirements for time, utilization management
- Agile, goal driven freelance approach with rigorous metrics