DSDM principles: A visual guide
Key takeaways
DSDM is an agile framework that blends iterative delivery with built-in project management discipline.
- Keep decisions anchored to the business case by prioritising with MoSCoW and delivering within fixed timeboxes.
- Build one collaborative team by involving business, technical staff and stakeholders throughout via workshops and empowered roles.
- Fix quality expectations early and protect them with continuous testing and frequent reviews.
- Agree firm foundations upfront, then deliver increments that are regularly revalidated against viability and feedback.
- Maintain control through clear communication, visible plans and progress measured by outcomes delivered, not activity.
Introduction
Learn the 8 DSDM principles and ensure they stick in your mind with this handy graphic and article. Ideal if you are working on DSDM projects at the moment or taking an AgilePM course
That’s because the Agile PM certification scheme is based upon the DSDM framework. So, by attending an Agile Project Management course (Agile PM course) you will essentially be learning about DSDM.
DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) – an agile method
DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) is an iterative agile framework which was originally developed to deliver software projects iteratively, and in a more efficient way. DSDM is sometimes referred to as DSDM Atern.
DSDM became the first agile framework to incorporate agile project management aspects. Compared with Scrum which focuses solely on product delivery during an iteration, DSDM also has built-in project management capabililties. DSDM therefore is quite different from other agile frameworks.
DSDM is not only useful on software projects
DSDM can be applied to projects other than software projects. It can also be applied on any product development projects. By delivering a workable product incrementally at the end of each timebox, DSDM can deliver business value early in the product development lifecycle.
DSDM provides agile project management
In the UK, the Agile Business Consortium worked in partnership with APMG International to create Agile Project Management (AgilePM), an agile project management certification scheme with exams. agileKRC offers both classroom training in AgilePM, as well as e-learning solutions. Both training options include the AgilePM exam .
DSDM principles – the building blocks
DSDM based upon principles
Based upon 8 principles and an underlying agile philosophy, DSDM became a popular agile approach amongst software developers seeking an alternative to rapid application development (RAD) approaches in the years after 2000. RAD approaches did not scale well for people collaborating on a team however. DSDM thus became one of the first agile approaches to be used within the software development community.
The 8 DSDM principles underpin the whole framework. Each principle must be adhered to by the project team, as ignoring any of the principles can increase the chance of project failure.
The graphic below was created to help you learn about DSDM. If you like it, please show your appreciation by linking back to this page.
Now, let’s find out more about the DSDM principles and how teams can ensure they stick to them.
The 8 DSDM principles
1. Focus on the business need
DSDM has a strong business-driven approach. A business case must be established for the project and the team must understand project priorities. Every decision the team make during the project should help achieve the project goal and the team must ensure the project is delivered on time.
MoSCoW prioritisation
To adhere to this principle, DSDM teams have several tools at their disposal. For example, the MoSCoW technique helps the team prioritise which of the business requirements M
ims to improve communication by using frequent face-to-face meetings, visual communication (modelling), advance releases of prototypes and workshop sessions.
Daily stand-ups
DSDM teams can fulfil this principle with several methods. One way is to encourage team interaction through daily stand-up meetings. These informal meetings allow the team to meet and discuss issues or ideas together. Facilitated workshops are also an effective way for stakeholders to improve their understanding and discuss requirements.
DSDM teams commonly use modelling and prototyping to further improve communication. These practical methods help replace the need for heavy, useless documentation.
Modelling
Modelling is a visual form of communication utilizing diagrams. This allows for complex systems, designs and products to be better understood.
DSDM makes use of prototyping by creating prototypes of the product early in development, to allow stakeholders to ‘test-drive’ early versions of the solution. The idea is to build something fast, get feedback quickly, and to break it sooner, rather than later. The underlying DSDM philosophy is that if something isn’t going to work, it is better to find that out as soon as possible, and change course sooner, rather than later.
Prototyping
Prototyping means creating prototypes of the product early in development, to allow stakeholders to ‘test-drive’ early versions of the solution.