As per the latest study of Forbes, 72% of software teams waste time building features that users don’t even use.
This is exactly why lean software development is getting so much attention. Instead of overplanning & overbuilding, Lean focuses on cutting waste, delivering value faster, and improving with every step.
But the real question is: Does lean work better than Agile? Or is it just a buzzword in the market?
Let’s break down the principles, process, and key differences in simple words.
What is Lean software development?
Lean software development is a way of building software that focuses on speed, simplicity, and value. The main goal is to give customers what they need without wasting time or effort.
Instead of adding extra features or following heavy processes, Lean keeps things simple and efficient.
It’s all about:
- Cutting out waste (work that adds no value).
- Delivering software quickly in small pieces.
- Listening to customer feedback and improving quickly.
- Respecting the team and making collaboration smooth.
7 Principles of Lean Software Development
Lean software development is built on seven main ideas introduced by Mary and Tom Poppendieck in their book. Sometimes these principles are described with different words in today’s software world.
1. Cut Waste:
Waste, by the name, defines something invaluable in the product. In lean software development, eliminating waste means removing tasks and parts that don’t add value.
Waste can be:
- Repeated data
- Extra features that nobody uses
- Unfinished work
- Unnecessary steps
- Poor communication
- Low-quality code
To remove waste, teams track important measures like how fast software is delivered or how long it takes to fix problems.
2. Improve Quality:
Quality means making sure everything works well and adds value. In lean software development, code needs to be effectively verified and tested to improve the quality of the final product.
You can use certain methodologies to implement it, such as pair programming and test-driven development.
3. Amplify Learning:
A fundamental principle is to amplify learning. Over here, learning means constantly gaining and sharing new knowledge as you build software. By doing this, mistakes are not repeated, and the team stays updated with new technology.
Have regular team meetings. Encourage everyone to share ideas openly. Review each other’s work and allow suggestions for improvements.
4. Delay commitment:
This principle means gathering all the information you can before making a big decision. This matters because the market is changing fast.
By collecting the latest information before making a big decision, teams can keep up with new trends. Not just this, it also helps teams to build products that really fit what customers want, and spot mistakes early.
5. Deliver fast:
This principle is about getting products finished and into customers’ hands quickly. By releasing new features and updates often, teams can hear from users sooner and make improvements faster.
Release small updates often, ask for customer feedback, and use that feedback to keep improving.
6. Respect people:
In lean software development, respect means listening to everyone. It involves trusting and supporting your team. This helps create a better product.
To succeed, focus on communication, feedback, and respect for team members.
7. Optimize the whole:
This principle says you must look at the whole process, not just a part of the software. By streamlining the entire workflow, lean works so that the team can improve its overall performance.
You can get better by tracking work from start to finish. Measure your progress and look for ways to remove bottlenecks in the process.
Lean Software Development Process
Step 1: Identify value
The first step involves identifying value. Value over here is associated with customers.
This means figuring out what customers really care about.
For example, Airbnb’s value to hosts is reaching many international guests. Knowing this helps you spot any wasteful work.
Step 2: Map the value stream
Next, look closely at each feature and step in your process. Ask yourself if it adds value or just adds unnecessary bulk.
For instance, unnecessary features like ordering pizza from a banking app are a waste.
Step 3: Create flow
Make sure your development process moves smoothly without delays or bottlenecks.
For example, developers shouldn’t be waiting on designers, and releases shouldn’t stall because of missing testers. Use tools like Kanban boards to spot and fix blockages.
Step 4: Establish Pull
The fourth step is establishing pull. This involves letting the team pick the tasks by themselves instead of pushing work onto them.
Step 5: Seek perfection
The final step is about seeking perfection. It states that the process will never be perfect, but you should always try to make it better.
As the goal is to spend less time, cut waste, and keep improving the quality little by little.
Lean Software Development Vs. Agile
| Aspect | Lean | Agile |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Starts in manufacturing, later used in software | Starts in software development |
| Core Focus | Cut down waste and make processes efficient | Focus on teamwork and adapting to change |
| Key Principles | 7 principles | 12 Principles |
| Workflow | Smooth and stable flow | Short iteration and quick delivery |
| Goal | Make product creation efficient and cost-effective | Create working software that meets user needs |
| Adaptability | Change is managed by optimizing the whole process | Change is welcomed and embraced throughout development |
| Cost Control | Used to help eliminate costs by reducing waste | Not focused on cost-cutting, more on flexibility |
| Team Setup | Teams are often led by managers with clear roles | Self-organizing teams collaborating closely with customers |
A combination of Lean and Agile has led to the success of many teams. Lean lays more stress on efficiency, whereas Agile is more adaptable. They do not consider them as competitors but cooperate to achieve more.
Therefore, it is not just a buzzword but rather a selection or combination of the appropriate approaches to your project requirements.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, Lean software development is about simplifying the process of making software. Whether you use Lean or Agile, the goal is the same: make software that actually helps your customers today.
So what should you do? First, look at the way you’re building software today. Notice where time or effort is being wasted. Find the parts that slow you down. Then, fix them step by step.
Remember, small changes go a long way. Improve just a little, and you could see a huge difference in speed, quality, and customer satisfaction.
