Feature Driven Development

Feature-driven development requires clear communication between the project team and the customer. A primary product of this communication is the project schedule for feature deliverables. Not all project management tools are well understood by customers. At the highest level, a customer is primarily focuses on cost, schedule, and risk (CSR). Not everyone can clearly identify CSR when reviewing a Gantt chart such as those used in Microsoft Project (tm). I propose a simpler technique for illustrating and managing schedules for Agile projects. I propose that using line graphs is a simpler and easier way to convey CSR. I've put together an example at FeatureDriven.com. Schedules for plans and progress lines clearly show where develop is ahead or behind, allowing simple visualization of schedule concerns, potential for cost savings or overruns, and completion risks. In addition, I suggest the use of indicator annotations (red, amber, and green) to provide a visual guide to subjective assessment of risk (green - a head, amber - on track, and red - concern).

For your current or next project, please consider the techniques illustrated at FeatureDriven.com as a better way to manage your project.

Stuart Fraser, Member, Agile Alliance
www.FeatureDriven.com