What is DSDM in Agile? Guide to the 8 Principles of This Framework

DSDM stands for Dynamic Systems Development Method. It is one of the earliest agile project management methods: originally designed with software development in mind, it can also be applied to other types of projects.

Are you looking to learn more about agile methodologies to find the best fit for your business needs? Consider enrolling in a DSDM training course to get a comprehensive overview of its principles and applications.

Keep reading to get an overview of DSDM, including its history, 8 principles and what sets it apart from other agile methods such as the scrum methodology.

See all software Project Management

The Principle of DSDM

DSDM, What is it?

DSDM is an agile project framework based on an iterative development methodology. It was developed in the 90s after the rise of the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach, which focused on adapting traditional project management methodologies such as the waterfall methodology to software and system development.

The RAD approach was successful in its endeavor to make software projects more agile. However, it lacked a proper structure to grow: the DSDM Consortium was founded to enable business experts to share their best practices and know-how to develop a proper agile framework through training courses and workshops.

The Dynamic Systems Development Method later lost its focus on IT projects and was expanded to become a generalist agile project management framework under the name of DSDM Atern.

Like other agile methods, the DSDM method is based on an incremental process, with frequent releases and testing. It describes 7 project phases:

• Pre-project: preparatory work to define a vision and set goals,
• Feasibility: checking whether the project is realistic and objectives are attainable,
• Foundations: defining the solutions and methods that will be used for the project,
• Exploration: prioritizing and iterative definition and testing of features,
• Engineering: developing the project incrementally,
• Deployment: implementing each iteration of the project,
• Post project: assessing the benefits obtained from the project.

The project lifecycle should always abide by the DSDM principles to ensure efficiency.

Is DSDM Still Used Today?

DSDM is still in use today in the business world, although it has significantly evolved since its inception in the mid-1990s. 🤔

As businesses continue to recognize the value of agile methodologies, DSDM has been integrated into broader agile frameworks and approaches. It is particularly valued in complex projects where traditional agile methods like Scrum may need supplementation with more rigorous governance and discipline to manage scope and risk effectively.

Many organizations blend DSDM principles with other agile frameworks to tailor their project management approaches to their team’s specific needs. Managers often seek DSDM certification courses to enhance their skills in these areas.

👉 For instance, DSDM's focus on stakeholder collaboration, incremental deliveries, and quality control complements Scrum's flexible and iterative nature, making a hybrid approach attractive for larger, more complex projects.

Furthermore, the Agile Project Framework, which is the latest iteration of DSDM, highlights the method's adaptability and relevance in current project management scenarios.

It offers a comprehensive guide for teams, integrating best practices from older versions of DSDM while aligning with other agile methodologies to stay relevant in today's fast-paced business environment.

The 8 Core Principles of DSDM

We will delve into the 8 core principles of DSDM, and this video will also give you a quite complete explanation of those notions.

1. Focus on the Business Seed

A successful project is always derived from a realistic, solid business case. The project should help you reach long-term goals and be in line with the strategy of your organization.

Therefore, it is important to always keep in mind what the project should lead to and to prioritize requirements and features. To ensure your project stays relevant and serves a purpose, DSDM uses tools like the MoSCoW prioritization method. It sorts features into 4 categories:

• Must have: the essential features of the project, without which it cannot reach completion. Together, they form the Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Should have: these features aren’t necessary but would still make a great positive impact.
• Could have: these needs will only have a marginal impact on the success of the project.
• Won’t have: features that do not benefit the project.

2. Deliver On Time

Delivering results on time is significant to build a trusting relationship between the client and the project team. To hit deadlines more consistently, use timeboxing techniques, often taught in agile time management courses.

Timeboxing is a very simple idea: it consists of setting time limits to your tasks in advance. For example, decide how much time you’ll dedicate to a meeting, and even to each of the topics it will touch upon in advance, so you’ll be able to plan tasks more effectively.

Do this as consistently as possible and assign smart priority levels using tools such as the Eisenhower matrix to never fall behind schedule. ⏲️

3. Collaborate

Cooperation and collaboration are key in project management. The team should be a cohesive unit organized around a common goal. Project team members should be able to trust each other to make decisions without wasting time.

Collaboration with all stakeholders is required: be sure to involve all the relevant people to gather feedback along the development process, especially from your client.

4. Never Compromise Quality

Quality shouldn’t be used as a variable to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. It should be a standard to uphold at all times. Everyone should agree on quality standards and adhere to them throughout the project.

DSDM emphasizes continual improvement: the level of quality should be checked and reviewed by the team throughout the development cycle, not only at the end.

5. Build Incrementally from Firm Foundations

Just like other agile approaches such as the Scrum method, DSDM focuses on the delivery value and building on the progress made at each step. Releasing new features early allows you to check the project is always headed in the right direction without wasting time on details.

Although carefully determining the scope of the project and project needs at the start of the project ensures everyone has a common vision.

6. Develop Iteratively

Development should be based on an iterative approach: new features are released and tested throughout the project, and then tweaked in later releases according to the feedback provided by the client and testers.

Experimentation is encouraged and value is created release after release.

7. Communicate Continuously and Clearly

Communicating with stakeholders can make or break a project.

It allows you to manage their expectations and ensure no obstacles will be encountered down the road.

Internal communication within the project team is also essential: DSDM advocates for daily stand-up meetings, simple documentation and workshops to foster informal interaction.

8. Demonstrate Control

Staying in control of your project means being able to track and monitor its progress using relevant, accurate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Review what went wrong to learn or share best practices, and be proactive by letting everyone know what progress the team has made.

The Scrum Process: What are the Differences with DSDM?

If you’re already familiar with other agile project management frameworks, these principles may sound familiar.

Both the Scrum methodology and DSDM emphasize the importance of incremental improvements and iterative releases.

The difference between DSDM and Scrum is that DSDM is a more comprehensive approach to project management, as it includes a wide range of roles that encompass project governance, whereas Scrum is mostly focused on the operational team.

DSDM Exams and Agile Certifications

Do you aspire to become a team leader trained in Agile to deliver high-quality results?

To hone your skills and prove your knowledge, you may want to consider taking specific training and examinations. These will help you become a recognized DSDM practitioner and take on a greater level of responsibility.

You can choose from a range of organizations habilitated to deliver such labels, which consist of the following:

• AgilePM®,
• AgileBA®,
• APMG,
• or the Scrum Master certification delivered by the Agile Business Consortium.

See all software Project Management

Ready to Lead DSDM Projects?

As one of the first standardized agile frameworks, DSDM has revolutionized software development and announced the rise of other approaches such as the Scrum methodology.

Today, as businesses evolve in a more competitive environment and the need to be more agile is felt across all industries, it has become a widely used project management methodology.

Has your business embraced Agile yet? Consider starting with a DSDM introductory course to kick-start your journey in agile project management.