Not sure if a waterfall or an agile project model is a better fit for your project. Read on, as we tell you about the perks and the pitfalls of both models.
Waterfall project model
A waterfall project model was a norm back in the day, and is a traditional approach that is adapted in many projects even today. A waterfall project model progresses from conception to initiation, analysis, design, development, testing and deployment phases. The project goals have to be clearly defined at the start of the project as the other phases depend on it.
Of course, this means that the client should have a crisp vision on the end result that is required for the project to take off. A waterfall project model can predict project timelines and budgets better, due to clarity in the whole process.
The good thing about a waterfall project model is that it requires relatively lesser interaction and collaboration between the client and the team during the course of the project. However, it also means that the client will not be able to see the end result until the latter part of the project. In the event that the client is not happy with the results, it could mean starting things from scratch.
A waterfall project model is not disturbed by team member exits during the course of the project. Since each phase is documented thoroughly, it becomes easy for a new project member to come in and take on the role.
Agile project model
An agile project model is where you have many small modules of the project working simultaneously. Unlike a waterfall project model where the project moves from design to construction to testing one after the other, you have all the teams working on set deliverables in each sprint.
Clients and team members closely collaborate during the execution of every step in this model. This works in a scenario where the client is unable to visualize project goals at the beginning, and only know the functional components that they need. The project members collaborate to integrate the different functional components of the project during each step.
The client reviews it and decides if they need any changes, or the project can move to the next sprint. An agile project model requires project members to work in a cohesive environment, and the client to free up time to collaborate with the project members It can be a good solution when the client wants a basic version of a software released early, and to then build additional features on it.
