What is Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD)?

Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) is a comprehensive framework that guides teams in delivering high-quality software solutions by integrating various agile and lean practices. Unlike traditional agile methods that focus primarily on development, DAD encompasses the entire delivery lifecycle—from project initiation to deployment—ensuring a holistic approach to solution delivery.

Key Features of Disciplined Agile Delivery

People-Centric Approach

DAD emphasizes the importance of individuals and their interactions, recognizing that the success of a project heavily relies on effective collaboration and continuous learning within the team.

Hybrid Framework

By combining strategies from various agile methodologies(often misconceived as a “methodology”, but truly intended as a way of working) such as Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), and Kanban, DAD offers a flexible toolkit that can be tailored to the specific needs of each project.

Full Delivery Lifecycle

DAD addresses all phases of delivery, including architecture, design, testing, and deployment, ensuring that teams consider every aspect necessary to deliver a consumable solution.

Multiple Life Cycles Support

Recognizing that one size does not fit all, DAD supports various life cycles—Agile, Lean, Continuous Delivery, Exploratory, and Program—allowing teams to choose the approach that best fits their context.

Goal-Driven Delivery

DAD encourages teams to focus on specific goals throughout the project, promoting a clear understanding of objectives and fostering a results-oriented mindset.

Conclusion

For agile and Scrum learners, understanding DAD provides valuable insights into scaling agile practices across an organization. It highlights the importance of flexibility and context-sensitive approaches, enabling teams to select and tailor their way of working to achieve true business agility.

Incorporating DAD into your agile toolkit can enhance your ability to deliver high-quality solutions efficiently, making it a vital concept for those aspiring to excel in agile and Scrum methodologies.