Lean Software Development

Introduction

Lean originally started as a manufacturing method by Toyota and was later applied to software development and Agile.

Principles of Lean

• Using visual management tools (e.g., whiteboards, charts).
• Identifying customer-defined value.
• Building in learning and continuous improvement.
• Eliminating waste.
• Empowering the team.
• Delivering fast.
• Optimizing the whole.
• Building quality in.
• Deferring decisions.
• Amplifying learning.

Eliminating Waste

To maximize value, waste must be minimized. Waste in software development includes:

• Partially done work
• Delays
• Handoffs
• Unnecessary features

Empowering the Team

Encourage team autonomy and avoid micromanagement.

Delivering Fast

Quick delivery of valuable software with iterative improvements.

Optimizing the Whole

View the system as a whole rather than optimizing isolated parts.

Building Quality In

Quality should be integrated throughout the development process.

Deferring Decisions

Balance early planning with making decisions at the latest responsible moment.

Amplifying Learning

Encourage continuous feedback and learning.

The Seven Wastes of Lean

• Partially Done Work: Work that cannot be delivered to the customer.
• Extra Processes & Features: Anything beyond what the customer needs.
• Task Switching: Multitasking that reduces efficiency.
• Waiting: Delays in approvals or processes.
• Motion: Unnecessary actions that do not add value.
• Defects: Errors and rework.