Intro

The time span between two earth-shaking news with global implications has been constantly reducing. Humanity is facing the biggest historical challenges which will ultimately determine the sorts of our species. Black swans are the new normal.

On a micro level, the structures and processes established to reduce uncertainty and support calculated bets are becoming obsolete with the new conditions of extreme uncertainty. New management models that can cope with these new conditions are becoming crucial factors in determining companies’ survival⁶.

Surely, what both micro and macro levels have in common, is the need for quick actions and creative ideas. The following questions arise:

Main Question

1

How can a combination of Human-Centered Design and Agile practices foster speed and innovation in contexts of high uncertainty?

2

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Dual Track Agile framework?

This article aims to provide ideas for project managers or anyone facing a complex challenge on how to deal with high uncertainties. The main target area towards which most considerations are drawn is software and web development and therefore some reflections might not apply to different sectors. Information about what might be important to consider before embracing agile and/or design thinking practices will be included. The described Dual Track Agile model will serve as a tangible example of a solution to deliver user-centered products with speed.

Theoretical Concept

High Uncertaintyis Hard to Manage

It is asserted that one-third of all software development projects fail due to bad management and organization⁵. Different studies confirm an average of an uncertainty factor of 4 in time estimation for software projects¹. That means that the actual time needed for a project might be four times longer or only a fourth of what was predicted.
Another more recent study based on a total of 50’000 projects over five years showed that approximately 52% of all projects were challenged, while 19% of them completely failed¹³.
A higher rate of failure is noticed with bigger and more complex projects. In the same study previously mentioned, only 6% of “grand” projects were completed with satisfactory results, on time, and on budget¹³. In fact, bigger projects might spell longer timelines and therefore higher uncertainty. Some studies demonstrated that the accuracy of forecasting over one year span declines rapidly until culminating in the realm of randomness⁷.

29%

of all projects were successful (on time, on budget, with a satisfactory result)

39%

of all size projects using agile methodology were successful. Waterfall projects had a success rate of 11%.

Hybrid process models

Human-centered design (HCD) and agile approaches are both focused on the real needs of users and strive for continuous improvement of products/services through iterations. Problems arise when the two approaches need to be integrated. For example, a popular dispute revolves around the collaboration between UX designers and agile teams. Indeed, the detail level used by UX designers to describe user cases does not perfectly align with the format of the agile user stories¹³.
Moreover, the common iteration cycles of agile sprints are too short for a design team to properly conduct the required research to solve problems. Among the possible solutions to these problems, the Dual Track Agile framework (design thinking with agile) has been selected for further analysis to answer the main question being a perfect example of a human-centered design and agile mix.

Graph of the hybrid process model including Design Thinking, Lean UX, and Agile
Figure 1: Design Thinking + Lean UX + Agile, by Dave Landis

Discussion

Strengths and Weaknessesof the Dual Track Agile Framework

The Dual Track Agile model is a very good example of human-centered design and agile hacks combined. It includes two tracks of activities running in parallel: A discovery track in which concepts are developed and validated, and a delivery track whereby the solutions are implemented (see figure 2). The advanced agile sprint cadence followed by the delivery track does not impact the designers who can therefore take the required time to identify users’ needs¹³. The framework seems to allow scalability² and reduce the risk of additional costs⁸. Nevertheless, the model does not fit for smaller projects, and it requires close communication between designers and developers.

Graph with the discovery/designers track and the delivery/developers track. The graph shows a flexible and iterative process
Figure 2: Dual Track Scrum adapted from Jeff Patton⁹

Complex projects require modularity

In a study conducted by Flyvbjerg B.⁷, a comparison between different approaches to managing complex “megaprojects” has been drawn. The example of Tesla’s Gigafactory, compared to other less successful cases, has been used to lay out the different approaches. The 5 billion high-tech lithium-ion-battery factory has been designed in a modular manner. The construction project started in the late 2014 and by January 2017 the minimum viable production facility (“block”) was already able to produce battery cells. The other blocks were built with increased efficiency due to the decisive learning gathered before. Moreover, through the modular approach, the company reduced the risk of cost overruns which are usually expected with projects of this size due to shifted schedules.
When dealing with big projects, instead of going full scale immediately, it is better to deliver small modules in an iterative fashion. This way, feedback loops from each experience improve the following deliveries⁷. A virtuous cycle contemplated by the agile manifesto.
To better understand how human centered and agile approaches could work together, let’s have a look at one of the most popular HCD framework.

Very high bland skyscraper
Modularity in architecture (Photo by Sérgio Rola on Unsplash)
Two high and modular skyscraper
(Photo by Skull Kat on Unsplash)

Design thinking fosters innovation

Design thinking can boost innovation by unleashing “people’s full creative energies, win their commitment, and radically improve processes”¹⁵. Design thinking, a human-centered framework, supports the process of innovation with tools for discovering customers’ needs, generating ideas, and testing solutions. Furthermore, these tools encourage conversation among diverse voices, filter the “portfolio of options” with the best ideas, and enable the involvement of multiple employees (not only designers).

Organisational context

It has already been mentioned that different types of projects require different approaches. Also, the market where an organisation is operating can be stable and more suitable for traditional management styles. Conversely, the same traditional approaches would not sustain in unstable environments. What also plays an important role are the structure and the culture of a company. According to the classification of organizational models proposed by Laloux¹⁴, companies with command structures, pyramid hierarchies, with a long-term focus are not fitting the ideal conditions that fuel innovation.
When it comes to the agile approach, not every business area of a company needs to be nimble to quickly react to changing customer behaviours or develop new products in tight timeframes. Sometimes bureaucratic systems are more effective when consistency and efficiency are required. Moreover, a lot of companies with a traditional structure, are exploring ways to exploit “agility hacks” by creating temporary teams that can bypass bureaucracy in order to create novel innovation⁴.

Stacey landscape diagram as a yardstick

When selecting a process model, several aspects need to be examined before the actual project starts. The Stacey landscape is a model that makes this decision easier by evaluating the degree of uncertainty of technology, methods, approach, and requirements (see figure 3 below).

Graph divided in four quadrant where different methods are placed based on their level of uncertainty and unclearness
Figure 3: Stacey Matrix adapted from Komus & Schmidt¹¹

Conclusion

Wrapping up

When facing challenges in conditions of high uncertainty, HCD and agile methodologies are considered powerful tools. In unstable environments, it may be important to reduce complexity and try to make sense of the faced challenge. One way to reduce complexity is to break down the challenge into smaller modules and experiment solutions with speed. When the challenge calls for innovation, an efficient toolkit is provided by the design thinking process model. Nevertheless, there are situations where human-centered and agile methods are not considered very suitable, and the Stacey Matrix can be used as a compass to choose the best fitting process model depending on the degree of uncertainty.

References

  1. Barry, B. (1981). Software Engineering Economics. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
  2. Crnković, E., & Kvakić, I. (2020). Dual-Track Agile — the what, the why, the pros & the cons. Retrieved from https://www.bornfight.com/blog/dual-track-agile-the-what-the-why-the-pros-the-cons/
  3. Design Council. (n.d.). What is the framework for innovation? Design Council’s evolved Double Diamond. Retrieved from Design Council: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/what-framework-innovation-design-councils-evolved-double-diamond
  4. Edmondson, A., & Gulati, R. (2021). Agility Hacks. Harvard Business Review.
  5. Ewusi-Mensah, K. (2003). Software Development Failures. MIT Press. Retrieved from https://www.getabstract.com/en/summary/software-development-failures/2659
  6. Finn, P., Mysore, M., & Usher, O. (2020). When nothing is normal: Managing in extreme uncertainty. Retrieved from Mckinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/risk-and-resilience/our-insights/when-nothing-is-normal-managing-in-extreme-uncertainty
  7. Flyvbjerg, B. (2021, December). Make Megaprojects More Modular. Harvard Business Review.
  8. IBM. (2018). Agile, meet design thinking – Get better experiences to market faster.
  9. jeffpatton&associates. (2017). Dual Track Development is not Duel Track. Retrieved from jpattonassociates: https://www.jpattonassociates.com/dual-track-development/
  10. Jungbeck, A. (2018). How can Dual-Track agile contribute to a better design process and workflow in larger teams? Malmö: Malmo University.
  11. Komus, A., & Schmidt, S. (n.d.). Mit der Stacey-Matrix zur richtigen PM-Methode. Retrieved from projektmagazin: https://www.projektmagazin.de/artikel/mit-der-stacey-matrix-zur-richtigen-pm-methode_1128468
  12. Kummler, B. (2021). PM Playbook Process Models.
  13. Standishgroup. (2015). CHAOS REPORT. Retrieved from Standishgroup: https://www.standishgroup.com/sample_research_files/CHAOSReport2015-Final.pdf
  14. Laloux, F. (2015). Reinventing Organizations. Laoux Frederic.
  15. Liedtka, J. (2018). Why Design Thinking Works. Harvard Business Review.
  16. Norman, D. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books.