Adapting Agile Development Methods for Web Design

The Agile development method is the height of modernism and is quickly changing the face of

software development. It’s a completely new way of looking at things and it’s become popular

due to its relevance in the current cash conscious society. Agile development methods can’t be

applied in a one-size-fits-all way to web design but there are elements which can be worked

into the website design process to make it more effective.

What is Agile?

Agile development is reactive rather than predictive and relies upon of four core principles:

Individuals and interactions above processes and tools

Processes, techniques and tools within the agile method are purely for creating further and

frequent interactions between the team and clients.

Get it done rather than Extensive Planning

Of course, there is a degree of planning in the agile method but the mentality is, get the work

done and deliver a minimum viable product (MVP). This mentality removes the need for

extensive documentation and hours spent planning.

Customer Collaboration is Central

Rather than poring of contracts and negotiating terms agile development centre’s on getting

things done quickly and therefore the customer needs to be constantly in contact with the team

and on board with discussions. Communication and collaboration is essential for ensuring the

team can work efficiently.

Reactive not Predictive

Agile development isn’t about following a straight road from plan to development to end

product. A series of iterations take place so that the team selected beta users and the client can

test elements of the MVP throughout the development process – allowing changes to be made

in a reactionary manner rather than all discovered at once at the end.

Applying Agile to Design

Agile Development Methods are a positive choice for designers, despite them seeming at odds

with what traditionally works. The agile method allows designers to receive continuous

feedback from the client and other team members and it provides a wider impression of how a

website design is being received by its audience. It may mean that a day’s work needs to be

revised on occasion but it skips the stage of finishing and finely tuning a whole project to be told

that multiple elements are simply wrong. Below is a closer look at three techniques borrowed

from agile development that web design agency professionals can work into their practices.

Frequent Iteration

In agile design the information collation, site mapping and wireframing phase of design is

significantly reduced. The design team needs to set goals from the offset with the aim of

producing an MVP. This MVP should be worked towards through a series of 1-2 week iterations.

Smaller deliverables will be necessary so design professionals will need to learn how to break

tasks down and categorise them accordingly. Certain stages you once considered essential such

as static Photoshop mock-ups will be replaced by sketches and easy-to-modify alternatives.

Constant Integration

The traditional waterfall method of web design is a main problem, which came in the faults

when found a whole development cycle was completed. It could be that many separate

elements of the design didn’t fit together and this can still occur with agile development but

with frequent iterations comes the need for continuous integration. In practice for developers

this involves integrating, running and testing all code daily to ensure all is aligned and it can be

embraced by designers who hope to gain a greater understanding of the project’s overall

direction.

Continuous Client Interaction

As mentioned one of the core principles of agile development and therefore agile design is client

interaction. With agile design you are showing your client continually where their project is

going and if they have any problems, they can highlight them before you produce the final

version. It allows you to understand your client’s needs more clearly and help create the final

product they actually want. It’s essential you maintain a degree of professional leadership or

your client could keep things coming back and forth for some time but imparting your expertise

should ensure the final product is accepted and appreciated.

The modern web design market is no longer responsive to the traditional waterfall method and

therefore all website design professionals need to think on their feet and adapt new methods

to ensure they remain attractive to potential clients.