Restoring Humanity in AI & Agile

Dear AI & Agile Community,

Rejoicing in Our Expanded Circle of 2130+ Members!

I am thrilled to announce a milestone that fills me with immense joy and appreciation: our vibrant and diverse AI & Agile community has now surpassed 2130+ members! Your engagement and support have been the driving forces behind this remarkable growth, bringing depth and richness to our shared journey. I encourage you to keep spreading the word about our newsletter; we are just getting started.

The Need for a User-Centric and AI First Mindset:

In the age of AI, it's more important than ever to approach technology with a user-centric mindset. As AI tools and technologies become more sophisticated and integrated into our daily lives, we must ensure that they are designed and implemented with the needs and preferences of users in mind.

Being active users of AI ourselves allows us to gain a deeper understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. By experiencing AI firsthand, we can identify areas where it excels and where it falls short, enabling us to build more effective and empathetic solutions. It's crucial to remember that AI should serve as an enhancement and augmentation of our work, rather than a replacement for the human element.

By prioritizing the user experience and focusing on how AI can improve the lives of those who interact with it, we can create technologies that are not only powerful but also intuitive, accessible, and aligned with human values. This user-centric approach is key to ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in a manner that benefits society as a whole.

Applying Agile Principles to AI Development

The development of AI solutions requires a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of human needs and behaviors. Agile principles and practices provide a framework for creating AI systems that are adaptable, responsive, and aligned with the ever-changing needs of users.

By embracing collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement throughout the AI development process, teams can ensure that they are building solutions that truly meet the needs of their stakeholders. Agile methodologies promote regular feedback loops, allowing developers to iterate and refine their AI models based on real-world data and user input.

Moreover, Agile's emphasis on delivering working software in short cycles enables teams to test and validate their AI solutions early and often. This approach helps to identify and address any issues or unintended consequences quickly, reducing the risk of deploying AI systems that are biased, unfair, or harmful.

By applying Agile principles to AI development, we can create technologies that are not only technically advanced but also ethically sound and responsive to the needs of the people they serve.

Putting Knowledge into Practice

To truly harness the power of AI in Agile, it's essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While understanding the concepts and principles behind AI and Agile is important, it's equally crucial to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Experimenting with AI tools and techniques allows us to gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of their capabilities and limitations. By embracing a culture of experimentation and learning from both successes and failures, we can continuously improve our AI solutions and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Sharing insights and lessons learned with the broader AI and Agile community is another key aspect of putting knowledge into practice. By fostering a culture of openness and knowledge sharing, we can collectively advance the field and create innovative solutions that benefit everyone. This can take the form of participating in online forums, attending conferences and workshops, or contributing to open-source projects.

Remember, the most valuable insights often come from real-world applications and the experiences of those who are actively working with AI and Agile. By putting our knowledge into practice and sharing our findings, we can accelerate the development of human-centric AI solutions and drive positive change in our organizations and society at large.

Staying Positive and Open-Minded

As we navigate the uncharted waters of AI and Agile, it's natural to experience a range of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to uncertainty and apprehension. However, maintaining a positive and open-minded outlook is essential for embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Approach the integration of AI and Agile with empathy, considering the diverse perspectives and needs of all stakeholders involved. Be curious about the potential benefits and drawbacks of these technologies, and actively seek out new ideas and insights from others in the field.

Most importantly, remain committed to restoring humanity in Agile. As we leverage the power of AI to enhance our practices, we must never lose sight of the human element that lies at the heart of Agile. By prioritizing collaboration, communication, and empathy, we can create a future where AI and humanity coexist harmoniously, driving innovation and creating value for all.

Remember, the path forward may not always be clear, but by staying positive, open-minded, and focused on the needs of those we serve, we can navigate the challenges and emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to harness the potential of AI in Agile.

The Most Talked About Article This Week

This week, the tech world has been buzzing about an article from The Register titled “268% Higher Failure Rates for Agile Software Projects” . The article highlights a startling statistic: Agile software projects are failing at a rate 268% higher than non-Agile projects.

Key Points from the Article:

• Study Findings: The study indicates that Agile methodologies are not delivering the expected results, with a significant increase in failure rates.
• Expert Opinions: Several experts argue that the issue lies in the improper implementation of Agile practices rather than the methodology itself.
• Industry Impact: The findings have sparked a debate within the industry, questioning the effectiveness of Agile in today's fast-paced tech environment.

Taking the comments from the website and doing an analysis using GPT4-o and an AI Agile Agent Framework:

Qualitative Analysis and Conclusive Summary

Qualitative Analysis

Themes and Opinions

1. Varied Understanding and Misapplication of Agile:?Many comments reflect a misunderstanding or misapplication of Agile principles. There is confusion about what Agile truly entails, with some individuals conflating Agile with specific frameworks like Scrum. This misinterpretation often leads to projects being labeled as "Agile" even when the core principles of the methodology are not rigorously followed.
2. Criticism of Agile Practices:?Criticism surrounds Agile, particularly in how it is often implemented. Commenters point out that Agile frequently transforms into a set of rituals (standups, sprints) without embodying the underlying principles. Many express frustration that Agile can devolve into “cargo cult” practices, where its outward forms are mimicked without understanding its essence.
3. Requirement Specification and Planning:?A common thread is the importance of solid requirement specification and upfront planning. Several comments align with the study’s finding that projects with well-defined requirements before starting development are more likely to succeed. There is a consensus that regardless of the development methodology, understanding what needs to be built is crucial.
4. Management and Leadership:?Numerous comments criticize management and leadership within Agile projects. There’s a notion that poor leadership and project management can derail Agile projects. Issues such as lack of real user involvement, shifting goals, poor requirement gathering, and inadequate stakeholder engagement were emphasized.
5. Agile’s Suitability and Scope:?Some comments argue that Agile is suitable for specific types of projects, particularly those with evolving requirements and where iterative development is beneficial. However, it is perceived as less suitable for projects where requirements are stable and well-understood from the start, such as in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals or aerospace.
6. Psychological Safety and Team Dynamics:?The importance of psychological safety and team dynamics was highlighted. Effective Agile teams are self-organizing and collaborative, which requires a working environment where team members feel safe to discuss issues and suggest improvements openly.

Contrasting Viewpoints

1. Pro-Agile Stance: Agile enthusiasts underscore its benefits, particularly in adaptability and continuous user involvement. They argue that when executed correctly, Agile offers significant advantages in delivering high-value, user-centric products efficiently. They emphasize that Agile is often misunderstood and poorly implemented, leading to its perceived failures.
2. Skeptical and Critical Viewpoints: Critics are skeptical about Agile’s effectiveness, citing numerous failed "Agile" projects. They argue that Agile can lead to chaotic development processes and unmet deadlines. The critique focuses on Agile being used as an excuse for poor planning and lack of foresight. Some suggest that the Agile methodology's flexibility is often abused, leading to scope creep and frequent changes that derail project timelines.

Conclusive Summary

The analysis of the comments reveals a polarized view on Agile methodologies.?While some users strongly advocate for Agile,?highlighting successful implementations and its strengths in iterative development and quick feedback loops,?a significant number express frustration and disillusionment.?The main criticisms center on the misapplication of Agile principles,?leading to chaotic project management and failure to deliver.

A recurring theme is that successful software development projects,?whether Agile or not,?hinge on comprehensive initial requirement gathering and continuous stakeholder engagement.?Effective project management,?clear communication,?and flexibility are emphasized as crucial success factors.?Misunderstanding and poor implementation of Agile principles,?along with unrealistic management expectations,?are often cited as the root causes of project failures.

Overall,?the discourse suggests that Agile,?when practiced correctly,?has the potential to be highly effective.?However,?its success largely depends on the context of the project,?the expertise of the team,?and the commitment to its core principles rather than just its superficial practices.

The Aftermath of a Controversial Post

LinkedIn Post Link

Even though this post ruffled some feathers, I wanted to highlight an interesting observation: AI Agents can do a lot, but can they truly convey a person's unique voice? Immediately after this post, people were asking, "What happened to Snehal? He would never post something like this." I did this as a double test. I wanted to see if an agent-written post could elicit a conversation, which it totally did. However, people who know me could tell that there was something off. However I still plan to experiment and keep building to make the response better for the future.

As far as the topic of this post, here are my observations:

• Agility is a mindset: It's something you learn through experience and building. It's hard to obtain, which leads to the fall over frameworks and practices.
• Business perspective: As a business person, I can see the point the article is making. Many argue that the research is biased, but there is some truth to it. The virality of the article triggered defensive responses, which is interesting.
• Passion in defense: The passion in defending Agile was palpable. Imagine if there were multiple studies to support the claim with better data. Would we still defend it?

A Story from Milan Airport

I heard about this article from someone I met in line at Milan Airport. We were chatting, and I mentioned that I was in Italy to talk about AI and Agile. He mentioned, "I just heard that Agile software projects have a 268% higher failure rate," which caught my attention. I looked it up and wasn't surprised. One thing this person said that resonated with me was, "As developer, we never understood all the time spent in ceremonies. But what worked for us was taking pieces of different Agile practices and making it better." Immediately, I thought, that's what agility is about—iterating through things and finding what works for you. Some may call this a hybrid approach, but at its core, it’s about helping and working with people one small step at a time.

The Experiment with an AI Agent

I then took that article link and provided it to an AI agent I coded to write a LinkedIn post with the task of engaging conversation. It wrote it so well that I said, "Let's try and see what happens." The result was insightful: if Agile were truly working the way it’s supposed to, would everyone have a different definition?

Conclusion

To me, none of this matters if we don't cut the noise, stay positive, and elevate humanity. I apologize on behalf of the agent-written post, but it provided valuable insights into people's thoughts and feelings.

Let's all understand that we need to pivot hard. We need to be more than just Agile. We need to roll up our sleeves, learn, implement, and, most importantly, share. Only by being a collective can we thrive in this AI era. If we focus on selling, monetizing, and building more frameworks for monetization, we will not survive and risk Agile falling flat.

Who's with me? ??

Don't Miss Out on the AI & Agile Summit!

Are you ready to be part of the groundbreaking AI & Agile Summit? This transformative conference is set to take place on June 26th, 2024, bringing together industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and trailblazers in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Agile methodologies.

Here are the incredible keynote speakers who will be sharing their insights at the summit:

• Cohen Reuven : Known for his pioneering work in cloud computing and AI, Reuven is a mentor at Techstars and co-founder of AwardPool.
• Rob Albritton : An AI and ML expert, Rob leads IBM Consulting's federal AI capability and strategy, bringing extensive experience from his roles at NVIDIA and MITRE.
• Vyjayanthi Vadrevu : Founder of Rasa.nyc , Vyjayanthi applies anthropological research to tech innovation and AI ethics, with a background in UX research and applied anthropology.

Shoutout to our sponsor: Spinach AI and Scrum Alliance

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of the evolutionary journey that will shape the future of technology and agility. Get your tickets FREE now for the AI & Agile Summit on June 26th, 2024!

Visit AI & Agile Summit to secure your spot and join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.

Applying Agile Principles to AI Development

This was inspired by David Pereira 's post:

Agile means prioritizing learning over processes.

• Are we prioritizing learning about AI by actively engaging with the latest advancements and understanding the needs of every organization and individual?

Agile requires empowerment instead of control.

• Are we empowering people to learn about AI and encouraging exploration without instilling fear?

Agile implies setting direction and uncovering how to get there.

• Are we establishing a clear AI strategy and promoting responsible AI practices to guide organizations effectively?

Agile signifies being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

• Are we actively using AI, building trust, and stepping out of our comfort zones to learn and innovate?

Agile is about taking risks gradually instead of having answers to everything.

• Are we truly understanding AI's holistic purpose and taking incremental steps to deepen our knowledge?

Agile requires ditching plans when they become obsolete.

• Are we flexible enough to move away from rigid frameworks and manifestos, knowing when to pivot, especially in the rapidly evolving AI landscape?

Agile takes care of current fires while ignoring potential ones.

• Are we addressing immediate AI challenges while not getting sidetracked by potential future issues, ensuring focus and efficiency?

Agile means being humble to accept that we might be the problem.

• Do we recognize that our own misconceptions about Agile might hinder progress? Similarly, are we humble enough to continuously learn and improve our communication with AI, acknowledging our limitations and striving for better understanding?

Hello, my name is Snehal and I am the founder of Boostaro , a company that enables organizations to thrive in the digital era by putting people at the center of their success and embracing emerging technologies. We believe that by collaborating and embracing innovation, we can create a more prosperous future for enterprises of all sizes and in all industries.

Having a background in Bioinformatics, I have always been fascinated by AI and Machine Learning, and I have always enjoyed Agile. Seeing them both come together is a remarkable spectacle.

I cannot wait to see what our collective future contains. As someone who enjoys both AI and Agile, I am well aware of the many benefits that AI can bring to the development process. I am eager to see how it will affect our working approaches. As emerging technologies become more pervasive in our daily lives, we must determine how to adopt and augment them while preserving the human element. As we embark on the Agile Journey with AI, I cannot wait to share this journey with you all. In these newsletters, I will be discussing the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the modern workplace.

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions, need any help, or simply want to speak. Connecting with others and expanding my knowledge are always options.

www.calendly.com/boostaro