Agile principles and manifesto
The Agile Manifesto, created in 2001 by a group of software developers in Snowbird, Utah, outlines core values and principles for building software in a flexible, collaborative way. It emphasizes individuals and interactions over processes, working software over documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a fixed plan. These guiding ideas form the foundation for Agile methodologies used in modern product development.[1]
Agile methodology breaks product development into short iterations called sprints, typically 1-4 weeks, where teams deliver working features users can actually use. Unlike traditional approaches that spend months planning before building, Agile teams start delivering value within weeks. Each iteration includes planning, development, testing, review, and release in a complete cycle.
Cross-functional teams work together throughout each iteration, eliminating handoffs between departments. Developers, designers, and product managers collaborate daily instead of working in isolation. This approach catches misunderstandings early and ensures everyone shares the same vision for what they're building.
Continuous feedback drives Agile development through regular demos, user testing, and metrics analysis. Teams show working software to stakeholders every iteration, gathering input to shape future work. This rapid feedback loop helps products evolve based on real user needs rather than assumptions made months earlier.[2]
