We are asked on a daily basis why we prefer to use the Hybrid project management process for our mobile app development.
Throughout our 21+ years of experience in mobile app development, we have worked with multiple management processes and have arrived at the conclusion that the Hyrbid methodology is the best one for our business.
To put this as simply as possible, the Hyrbid methodology combines the best parts of Waterfall and Agile to provide the best of both worlds.
If you want to know more in detail, sit back as we explain the intricacies of the process.
What Is The Waterfall Methodology?
When the water drops from the top of the cliff, it directly reaches the bottom without any interference. That is what the Waterfall approach is about. Doing the project in one go without any breaks or changes.
This means proper planning needs to be done before moving ahead with development. The saying “measure twice and cut once” is extremely relevant here.
Everything is fixed beforehand to ensure that everything is done in a chronological manner.
With this method, everyone is preassigned to their task, thus minimizing the need for regular communication. Everyone can work on their own.
There are 5 stages in the Waterfall methodology.
Requirements
As mentioned earlier, everything has to be known beforehand to ensure smooth sailing.
In the first stage, all information is extracted from the client, from requirements to objectives.
Design
Wireframes and Prototypes are created based on the requirements to showcase how the mobile app will look once developed.
Implementation
Coding for the final app starts based on the finalized prototype. Making changes here is difficult as it means returning back to the prototype and starting all over again. This is where the Waterfall approach can be a prick.
Testing
Once the app is developed, it is tested for bugs, vulnerabilities, and glitches to ensure that everything is fine.
Maintenance
After launching the app, it is updated with bug fixes, security patches, and additional features.
What Is The Agile Methodology
This method is the opposite of the Waterfall and does not believe in getting everything done in one go. Instead, it promotes breaking down the project into smaller milestones.
It involves constant communication between teammates to get things done.
The advantage of this methodology is that there are continuous improvements in the development process. It offers a lot more flexibility and opportunities for improvement.
Every worker is given their tasks daily instead of having predefined tasks. Constant monitoring is required.
Here are the 5 steps of the Agile methodology:
1: Project Planning
After a discussion with the client, the requirements and objectives of the client are understood to create a plan of action.
As this is the Agile methodology, the plan of action can be changed when required.
2: Roadmap Creation
Here, the wireframes are created by defining the features that will be integrated into the app.
A product backlog is created that lists all the features and deliverables.
3: Release Planning
Short development cycles, popularly known as sprints, are planned along with their release dates.
4: Sprint Planning
Here the sprints are defined in detail with planning on what features are going to be delivered in each sprint.
5: Task Assigning
Every team member is given tasks daily with short 15-minute meetings, which are known as daily stand-up meetings.
This is what the Waterfall and Agile processes are at their simplest. To get a better understanding of the differences between both of them, here is a detailed comparison:
Waterfall V/s Agile
With both of these methods, you are losing out on something. Wouldn’t it be great to get the best out of both of them while minimizing their drawbacks? That is what Hybrid project management is about.
At WDI, we combine the Waterfall and Agile processes in such a way that it generates the best outcome for mobile app development. It has helped to get our work streamlined while reducing process adjustments.
How We Use Hybrid Project Management
Mobile app development is quite a lengthy process, depending on the scope of the project. This is why we need a project management system that is efficient in organizing long-term workloads without requiring any severe changes but also provides flexibility at the same time.
We have created our own custom Hybrid project management system based on our requirements. Here is a simple representation of our work process.
1: Discovery
Our mobile app development process begins with a discussion with the client.
● We understand what the client wants to achieve with the app.
● What is the app concept or idea?
● What are the requirements and objectives?
● What is your target audience and your competition?
This helps to create a scope of work with defined objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
Then we create a product specifications document. This includes all of the features that will be implemented in the app along with the technology used.
After this is finalized, we start with the development process.
2: Planning
We create a project master plan with detailed and actionable goals, along with their timeframes.
We design the wireframes, detailing all of the features and functionalities, and showcase how the app will look after development to our client.
We make the necessary changes based on the client’s feedback and get started with the prototype design.
3: CX Design
We conduct in-depth research on the client’s business and your requirements which helps the UX designers to create the prototype.
A prototype is an advanced version of the wireframe. While wireframes are very basic and without much detail, a prototype is an exact replica of the app.
The prototype contains usable elements like buttons. These can be interacted with to get a feel of what the final app will be like.
4: MVP Delivery
A MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the most basic version of the app. It only contains those features that are on the priority list and are essential for the app to run. This is usually delivered within 12 weeks.
Based on the scope of work, our mobile app developers figure out the most essential features required for the app to function and for the client to generate business.
Creating the whole app requires a ton of time. This means the client has to wait for months or even years, depending on the requirements.
At WDI, we solve this by delivering the MVP as soon as possible. This means the client can start the business without having to wait for the app to develop.
5: Testing
Any product needs to be tested before launching. We have a dedicated testing team that checks the MVP from top to bottom, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.
If any issues are detected, they are resolved as soon as possible so that the MVP is next to perfect.
Once the testing is done, the MVP is launched on the Play Store and App Store.
6: Sprints
The entire app is not yet complete. Many features still need to be implemented.
We do that by delivering updates every two weeks. These are known as “development sprints.”
The users will get an update notification from the Play Store or the App Store and can install the update.
At this stage, the client can plan and measure progress. They have complete control over what features need to be updated and at what time.
So, this is how we do things at WDI, putting it as simply as possible.
From the plan of action to MVP development, we follow the Waterfall methodology. Here, there is no change in the plan and everything is done from start to finish in one go.
This allows us to deliver the MVP as soon as possible and also allows the client to get the business running.
Also, there is a minimal requirement for changes during the MVP development stage, so everything can be done chronologically.
After the MVP is launched, we follow the Agile methodology and deliver the rest of the features in two-week sprints.
Here we get more flexibility to make changes if necessary. The app is also updated, making the user feel assured that there are improvements coming and that the app is not left stranded by the developers.
With the Hybrid Project Management approach, we get the best of both the Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Not only can we deliver on the client’s requirements really fast, but we can also provide updates and develop the app further.
Advantages Of Hybrid Project Management System
Conclusion
Both Agile and Waterfall are great management systems and can be used effectively. But, they did suit our objectives.
This is why we use our custom version of the Hybrid Project Management System that is tailored perfectly to our requirements.
With over 21 years of experience in mobile app development, the Hyrbid system has been the best.
We are able to meet client expectations as fast as possible by using the Waterfall methodology in the MVP development phase. Then we get a lot of flexibility in the maintenance phase using the Agile Methodology, giving us opportunities for making changes in the app.
We hope this has cleared up all your doubts regarding the Hybrid Project Management System.
If you want to develop a mobile app for your startup, contact us and let us have a discussion over a cup of tea, or coffee, to create something your clients will love to use.