What Are the Different Agile Methodologies?

Agile has changed the way teams build software, making it more flexible, collaborative, and focused on customer needs. But Agile isn’t just one way of working, it’s a set of principles that can be used in different ways to fit different teams and projects. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular Agile methodologies, how they work, and when to use them. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which one might be right for your team.

What is Agile software development?

In software development, Agile is a set of principles that prioritise functionality, customer focus, flexibility, and responsiveness to change. Its origins can be traced back to 2001 when a group of software developers formed a more flexible approach to software development that could facilitate evolving requirements. 

They drafted the Agile Manifesto, a document that outlines four key values and twelve principles that form the foundation of the Agile development life cycle. By utilising iterative and incremental development techniques, the Agile SDLC was designed to produce high-quality software quickly and efficiently by manifesting agile values and principles. 

The four key Agile values

These values emphasise a people-centric approach to software development, where delivering business value is the primary objective: 

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation.
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
4. Responding to change over following a plan.

12 Agile principles

Here are 12 essential principles that shape agile practices:

For more information on Agile SDLC, check out our blog: What is Agile Software Development Life Cycle and how does it work?

Why are there different Agile methodologies?

Agile is a framework, not a single, rigid methodology. It provides a set of principles, like prioritising collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability that teams can apply in various ways.

Different projects, teams, and industries have unique needs, so Agile methodologies were created to address this diversity. 

For example, Scrum is great for teams needing structured sprints, while Kanban focuses on continuous workflow management. By offering different approaches, Agile allows organisations to stay flexible and tailor their processes to fit specific goals, team sizes, and project complexities.

These variations ensure that Agile principles can work for anything from software development to marketing campaigns, making it a versatile and dynamic framework.

Types of Agile methodologies

In this section, we will discuss the different types of Agile methodologies, how they work, and when to use them. 

Scrum

Scrum is one of the most popular Agile methodologies, and for good reason. It helps teams break work into small, manageable chunks, adapt to changes quickly, and deliver value at a steady pace. 

Instead of trying to plan everything upfront, Scrum teams work in short, focused cycles called sprints, usually lasting two weeks. In a sprint, work moves forward through five key events:

• Sprint planning.
• Daily scrum.
• Implementation.
• Sprint review.
• Sprint retrospective.

When it comes to the team structure, a Scrum team is small but highly collaborative – usually no more than 10 people. Everyone has a clear role:

• Product owner – defines what needs to be built, prioritises tasks, and keeps the product vision on track.
• Scrum master – coaches the team, removes roadblocks, and ensures Scrum practices are followed.
• Development team – the people doing the actual work, designers, developers, and testers, who plan and deliver each sprint’s goals.

In short, Scrum keeps teams focused without locking them into rigid plans. It is structured but flexible, allowing for constant learning and adjustment. 

Kanban

Kanban methodology is all about flow – keeping work moving smoothly without overwhelming the team. Instead of rigid sprints, like in Scrum, Kanban lets teams work continuously, focusing on what’s in progress and what’s blocking progress.

At the heart of Kanban is its visual approach. A Kanban board, either a physical whiteboard or a digital tool like Trello or Jira, maps out your work. Tasks are represented as cards and move through different stages often labelled as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” 

This setup makes it easy to see what’s happening at a glance and spot bottlenecks before they slow things down.

Kanban operates on the following six key practices:

1. Make work visible – if you can see it, you can manage it. A clear workflow means fewer surprises and less chaos.
2. Limit work in progress (WIP) – too many tasks at once slow down the progress. Setting limits (e.g., only three tasks in “In Progress”) keeps the team focused and prevents overload.
3. Keep things moving – if tasks get stuck, identify why and fix the flow. Efficiency matters more than just being busy.
4. Be clear about how work gets done – define and communicate expectations so everyone understands the process.
5. Use feedback loops – regular check-ins, like quick stand-ups or retrospectives, help teams adapt and improve.
6. Evolve through small, steady improvements – change doesn’t have to be drastic. Tweak, test, and refine over time.

One of the biggest advantages of Kanban is flexibility. Since work is pulled in as capacity allows, rather than assigned in fixed batches, teams can adjust priorities on the fly. It’s a great fit for teams handling unpredictable workloads or continuous delivery.

Scrumban

Sometimes, one Agile approach alone isn’t enough. Maybe you like Scrum’s clear structure but find sprints too rigid. Or perhaps Kanban’s flexibility appeals to you, but you still want some of Scrum’s planning discipline. 

Scrumban bridges that gap, blending Scrum’s structure and Kanban’s flexibility into one balanced method.

Rather than sticking to sprint cycles, teams using Scrumban pull tasks into their workflow as space becomes available, much like in Kanban. They still benefit from Scrum’s clear roles and daily check-ins, but planning and review meetings become less formal, fitting naturally in your workflow.

Scrumban keeps the familiar visual board from Kanban, columns like To Do, In Progress, and Done, so everyone can quickly see progress and spot where tasks stall. 

This hybrid approach works especially well if your team’s workload constantly shifts or if you’re transitioning from Scrum to a more fluid way of working. It gives you structure without rigidity to keep the team aligned without feeling constrained.

Extreme programming (XP)

Extreme programming, or XP, is all about writing high-quality software quickly while staying adaptable to change. 

It’s a developer-focused methodology that emphasises teamwork, continuous feedback, and delivering small, frequent updates. 

Instead of long, drawn-out development cycles, XP encourages rapid iterations, ensuring customer needs are met at every step.

XP operates on the following eight practices that guide its use:

1. Test-driven development (TDD): Developers write automated tests before writing the code itself. This ensures the code is functional and meets requirements from the start. 
2. Pair programming: Two developers work together on the same piece of code. One writes the code while the other reviews it in real-time. This practice improves code quality and reduces errors.
3. Continuous integration: Code changes are integrated frequently (often multiple times a day) into a shared repository. Automated tests are run after each integration to ensure new changes do not break existing functionality.
4. Small releases: XP emphasises releasing small, incremental updates to customers frequently. This approach ensures continuous delivery of value and allows for early feedback to guide development.
5. Simple design: XP encourages designing only what is necessary for the current iteration. This avoids over-engineering and ensures the system remains flexible to future changes.
6. Refactoring: Developers regularly revisit and improve existing code to enhance its structure, readability, and maintainability without altering its functionality.
7. Onsite customer: An actual customer or a representative is present with the team to provide immediate feedback and clarify requirements. 
8. 40-hour workweek: XP emphasises sustainable work practices, discouraging overtime to maintain team morale and productivity.

Lean software development

Lean software development is an Agile methodology inspired by Lean Manufacturing principles. It takes a no-nonsense approach to software development, focusing on what truly matters to customers and eliminating anything that doesn’t.

A key part of Lean is just-in-time development to keep things streamlined. Features are built only when they’re actually needed, not months in advance. This avoids overproduction, reduces waste, and ensures resources go where they matter most.

Lean embraces continuous delivery, breaking work into small, frequent updates so customers see improvements fast. Rather than piling on tasks and risking slowdowns, teams use a pull system, taking on new work only when they have the capacity to handle it. This keeps everything moving smoothly without overwhelming anyone.

Lean also thrives on empowered teams. Developers have the freedom to make decisions, solve problems, and improve processes on their own. This methodology works best for teams that need to move fast, stay flexible, and keep quality high. 

Lean startup

The lean startup methodology focuses on moving fast, testing ideas, and learning as you go. instead of spending months (or years) developing a product only to find out no one wants it, lean startup encourages teams to start small, get real feedback, and pivot or improve based on what actually works.

At the heart of lean startup is the build-measure-learn feedback loop. Everything starts with a problem or an opportunity. Rather than assuming what customers want, teams define their key assumptions and build a minimum viable product (MVP), a simple version of the product designed to test those assumptions as quickly as possible.

Once the MVP is released, real users provide feedback through surveys, analytics, and interactions. If the data shows the idea works, the team improves and scales it. If not, they pivot, adjusting their strategy until they land on something that sticks. This cycle repeats until they achieve product-market fit, that sweet spot where the product perfectly aligns with customer needs.

Lean Startup thrives in uncertain environments, where traditional planning just doesn’t cut it. Startups use it to launch new products, but even established companies apply it when testing new ideas or entering unfamiliar markets. This methodology is all about learning fast and making smart moves before running out of time or money.

Feature-driven development (FDD)

Feature-driven development is exactly what it sounds like – building software by focusing on small, meaningful features that deliver real value. Instead of trying to tackle an entire system at once, teams break projects into bite-sized, client-focused features, making progress more measurable, predictable, and structured.

Feature-driven development follows a structured five-step process:

1. Develop an overall model

At the start of the project, the team collaborates to create a domain model, which provides a high-level view of the system. This model serves as the foundation for the project’s design and development.

2. Build a features list

The team identifies and organises all the features that need to be developed. Features are small, client-valued functions, typically written in a simple format like: “<action> the <result> <by/for/from> a <object>.”

3. Plan by feature

The team prioritises and schedules the features, organising them into a sequence of short development cycles.

4. Design by feature

For each feature, a detailed design is created. This step involves collaboration between developers, architects, and domain experts to ensure the design aligns with the overall model and business requirements.

5. Build by feature

Developers implement the feature based on the design, adhering to coding standards and best practices. The feature is tested and integrated into the system once complete.

FDD works best for large, complex projects where a strong framework is needed to keep everything on track. One of the biggest advantages? Clear visibility. Since work is tracked feature by feature, teams and stakeholders always know what’s done and what’s coming next. This makes FDD a great fit for teams that need structure without being too rigid, offering just the right balance of planning and flexibility.

Rapid application development (RAD)

If speed is the priority, rapid application development is the way to go. Instead of spending months planning every detail before writing a single line of code, RAD jumps straight into building prototypes. The goal? Create something tangible, gather feedback fast, and refine it until it’s right.

RAD thrives on prototyping – teams quickly build working models of the application to test ideas early. Users get hands-on experience with these prototypes, providing immediate feedback so developers can tweak and improve features before committing to a final version. This cycle of iterative development keeps things flexible, each version builds on the last, ensuring the product evolves in the right direction.

Unlike traditional methods, where user input often comes too late, RAD keeps end users involved from start to finish. Their feedback shapes the product in real-time, making sure it actually meets their needs rather than forcing changes after launch.

This approach works best for projects with tight deadlines, evolving requirements, or a strong need for user-driven development. It’s especially useful for web and mobile applications, where rapid testing and iteration lead to better user experiences.

Adaptive software development (ASD)

When requirements are constantly shifting, rigid planning just doesn’t work. Adaptive software development is built for uncertainty, focusing on flexibility, teamwork, and continuous learning instead of sticking to a fixed roadmap.

ASD is guided by three core principles:

• Speculate – instead of locking down a detailed plan upfront, teams make informed assumptions about the project’s direction. Development starts with the expectation that things will evolve, not stay the same.
• Collaborate – success depends on constant communication between developers, stakeholders, and customers. The more closely everyone works together, the faster issues are solved and ideas are refined.
• Learn – every iteration is an opportunity to improve. Teams gather feedback, adjust their approach, and fine-tune both the product and the process to better meet user needs.

At the heart of ASD is iterative development and continuous feedback. Instead of waiting until the end to deliver a finished product, teams release small, functional increments in short cycles. 

Feedback loops play a critical role, allowing developers to learn from stakeholders, users, and even the system itself. This constant flow of feedback helps teams refine their work, adjust priorities, and quickly respond to evolving requirements.

Agile modeling

Agile modeling is a flexible and lightweight approach to software development that focuses on creating models and documentation while keeping the process simple, fast, and collaborative. 

Unlike traditional, rigid modeling methods that demand heavy documentation before development begins, Agile modeling embraces change and adapts to evolving project needs.

It follows Agile principles, meaning teams prioritise working software over excessive paperwork, value collaboration over rigid processes, and respond to change quickly rather than sticking to a fixed plan. 

Agile modeling isn’t a standalone methodology but a set of best practices that support Agile development frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, or XP. It encourages just-in-time modeling, where teams create diagrams, sketches, and documentation only when needed, ensuring they remain relevant and useful.

Some common types of models used in agile modeling include:

• User stories – simple, written descriptions of a feature or requirement from the user’s perspective.
• Diagrams – visual representations such as flowcharts, class diagrams, or sequence diagrams to illustrate system behavior or design.
• Wireframes and mockups – low-fidelity sketches that represent the user interface or application structure.
• Domain models – conceptual representations of the business domain, including entities and relationships.
• Architecture models – high-level diagrams that outline the system’s structure and components.

Disciplined agile delivery (DAD)

Agile works great for small teams, but what happens when you’re dealing with large projects, enterprise systems, or strict governance requirements? That’s where disciplined agile delivery comes in. 

DAD is a flexible framework that extends Agile principles to the entire delivery process, including architecture, DevOps, and operations. DAD follows three main phases:

• Inception – The team lays the groundwork, defining the project’s goals, scope, stakeholders, and risks. This phase ensures everyone is aligned before development begins.
• Construction – The real work happens here. Teams build, test, and refine the product in short cycles, constantly incorporating feedback to stay on track.
• Transition – Once the product is ready, it’s time to deploy, train users, and ensure everything runs smoothly in production.

So how DAD differs from Agile? Traditional Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban provide lightweight structures, but they mainly focus on software development rather than the entire delivery process.

Disciplined agile delivery takes Agile beyond development. It provides a structured framework that covers the entire lifecycle of a project, including architecture, DevOps, governance, and deployment. 

Dynamic systems development method (DSDM)

Dynamic systems development method is a software development approach that blends the flexibility of Agile with strong governance, making it a go-to choice for projects in corporate or highly regulated environments.

Instead of just focusing on software, DSDM ensures that every project aligns with real business needs and delivers measurable value. At its core, DSDM follows a few key principles:

1. Business first – every project must serve a clear business purpose and deliver tangible value.
2. Time matters – work is timeboxed, meaning deadlines are fixed, and features are prioritised to ensure delivery stays on track.
3. Collaboration is key – teams, stakeholders, and users work closely together to keep things aligned and moving efficiently.
4. Quality isn’t optional – high standards are built into the process, ensuring reliable, effective solutions.
5. Stay in control – defined roles and governance ensure accountability and keep projects on track.

DSDM is ideal for large-scale or complex projects where stakeholder involvement and structured feedback loops are critical. It’s perfect for teams that need Agile flexibility but also strong oversight, ensuring projects don’t just move fast, they move in the right direction.

Key factors to consider when choosing an Agile methodology

As you’ve seen by now, not all Agile frameworks are one-size-fits-all. Selecting the right methodology requires understanding your team’s unique needs, project requirements, and organisational goals. Below are key factors to consider when making your choice.

Team size

The size of your team influences how communication, coordination, and decision-making are managed. Smaller teams often thrive in environments with direct communication and minimal structure. Larger teams or those spread across multiple locations require more structured approaches to ensure consistency and collaboration. Understanding how your team size impacts workflow and communication can help you choose a methodology that promotes efficiency.

Project complexity and timeline

The level of complexity in your project determines how much structure and planning are necessary. Complex projects with multiple dependencies may require detailed planning and rigorous management to reduce risks and ensure alignment. On the other hand, projects with tight deadlines or evolving goals benefit from methodologies that prioritise adaptability and rapid delivery. 

Stakeholder involvement

The degree of stakeholder involvement needed during the project lifecycle can impact the choice of methodology. Projects that require frequent feedback and close collaboration with stakeholders need processes that facilitate regular communication. On the contrary, if stakeholders are less involved or only need periodic updates, a methodology with less dependency on their active participation may be more effective.

Level of uncertainty

Projects with uncertain or rapidly changing requirements need approaches that emphasise adaptability and iterative development. Early feedback and continuous refinement help navigate ambiguity and ensure alignment with evolving goals. For projects with stable and well-defined requirements, more structured approaches that focus on predictability may be more effective.

Organisational culture

The organisation’s culture and mindset play a critical role in determining the right methodology. Agile thrives in environments that encourage collaboration, trust, and empowerment. Organisations with a more hierarchical or process-driven culture may require methods that balance agility with governance to integrate seamlessly into existing practices. Assessing the cultural readiness for Agile can significantly influence the success of its implementation.

Industry and domain requirements

Certain industries have unique challenges, such as regulatory compliance, safety standards, or market volatility. The nature of the industry or domain often dictates whether a lightweight and flexible approach is feasible or whether a more robust and structured process is required. Projects in regulated industries may need methodologies that ensure documentation and compliance, while innovation-driven domains may prioritise speed and adaptability.

Team expertise and maturity

The experience level of the team significantly affects how well they can adapt to an Agile approach. Teams with less Agile experience may benefit from methodologies that provide clear roles, guidelines, and processes to follow. Experienced and self-organising teams, on the other hand, may excel with more flexible approaches that give them autonomy to make decisions and optimise their workflow.

Resource availability

Resource constraints, including budget, time, and tools, influence the choice of methodology. Teams working with limited resources may need to prioritise methods that maximise efficiency and focus on delivering the most value with minimal waste. The availability of technology and tools to support Agile practices, such as task management or automated testing, also plays a role in effective implementation.

Scalability needs

For projects that involve multiple teams or need to scale across an organisation, the chosen methodology must support scalability. The ability to coordinate work across teams, manage dependencies, and ensure alignment becomes critical in larger projects. Identifying whether the project or organisation requires a methodology suitable for scaling Agile practices can guide your decision.

Agile methodologies comparison table

Here’s a comparison table for different Agile methodologies discussed above. You can explore and analyse the table to understand how each methodology aligns with different factors.

TL;DR

• If you need structure and clear roles, Scrum and FDD are good choices.
• If flexibility is your priority, consider Kanban, Scrumban, or ASD.
• For rapid delivery and prototyping, RAD and Lean Startup work best.
• For large, scalable teams, DAD and FDD are excellent.
• If quality and engineering practices are key, XP is the way to go.

Final thoughts

Agile isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. With so many methodologies out there, understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your team and project. Each approach has its own strengths, and sometimes, a little experimentation is the best way to find what works. 

If you’re ready to embrace Agile practices and drive success in your projects, GoodCore Software is here to help. Our team specialise in implementing Agile practices to streamline software development and deliver exceptional results.