Why a pattern language can provide a better start, is more flexible, is easier to understand, and can be more complete than any framework.
First some terms:?
A simple definition of a pattern is that it is a solution to a recurring problem in a context. Each pattern describes a problem that occurs over and over again in our environment and then describes the core solution to that problem in such a way that you can use the solution a million times over without ever doing it the same way twice. (Paraphrase from Christopher Alexander).
A?pattern language?is a network of patterns that call upon one another to provide an overall solution to a bigger problem. Patterns help us remember insights and knowledge about design and can be used in combination to create solutions.
Pattern languages can have more than one pattern to solve the same problem but for different contexts. For example, in product development we may have several different planning patterns where the context changes according to size, timeframe, and general approach.
A pattern language can provide an easier start than a framework
A pattern language can provide a more flexible start because both the patterns that fix the situation and the way they are implemented can be used as the starting point for a team or organization. Which patterns are used and how they are implemented can either be agreed upon by the team or given to them by an expert, depending upon their preference. ?Being fit for purpose lowers resistance, provides a better why and what, and thereby increases the motivation for people to implement the plan.
A pattern language also won’t lock you in because the patterns you start with are flexible in and of themselves and as needs change the patterns selected can change. So a pattern language is both a good start while never needing to be abandoned.?
Frameworks tend to have predetermined starts.
A pattern language is more flexible than a framework
Patterns provide flexibility for several reasons. One is obviously becauseeach pattern can be done in many different ways. But the other is because patterns can be substituted for each other as contexts change.
As long as patterns fulfill the required need no one pattern is required to be used.
The core of a framework, by definition, is set. Some declare themselves as immutable.
A pattern language is easier to understand than frameworks
Patterns include the what and the why of their solution. This enables understanding right from the beginning. It also enables people to access their dormant knowledge and thereby gives them examples that they understand right from the beginning.
When people understand the why and the what of a solution they understand the how of the solution better.
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A pattern language can be more complete than frameworks
Pattern languages can be added to. So if a problem exists where no pattern exists one can be readily added. For example, if a company has special regulatory issues they must follow, patterns that provide solutions on how to solve these problems can be added to the pattern.
Adding practices to frameworks tends to make them more complex, not necessarily more complete.
?Other advantages of pattern languages
There are other advantages. Pattern languages incorporate systems thinking. A properly created pattern language defines the relationships between the components of the whole. This provides us greater clarity on how people and teams in an organization relate to each other.
Pattern languages also go beyond hybrids. One can think of hybrids as being a combination of different meals. You pick the pieces you like from each. But pattern languages are composed of smaller pieces. And can therefore be a better fit.
?This enables different teams in the same company to use different patterns (the how) while having the same relationships with other teams and roles.
This enables a consistent way of working across an organization while enabling different teams to work in a way that works for them.
Pattern languages avoid the trap frameworks present
Frameworks don't grow as organizations do. This means that an organization will eventually outgrow a framework or be limited by it. But frameworks don't describe how to go beyond them. That's their point - you work within them. This has frameworks necessarily become traps.
Getting started with pattern languages
A person trained in a pattern language can work with an organization or team to co-select the set of patterns that fit for them. This increases the sense of ownership while speeding up education.
Amplio includes pattern languages to provide solutions
Amplio is designed as a pattern language that covers all aspects of creating business agility. This includes all aspects of work done in value streams, transitions, coaching, and more. It incorporates practices from other approaches by converting them into well-defined patterns that include the what, why, various hows, and where they apply.
My Amplio Consultant Educators Learning Journey is not just about learning Amplio, it is about creating a community that continues to extend the state of the art of Agile.
Always looking for new people to join us. Contact me if interested in create a new way of working.
Head of Product @Dotwork ex-{Company Name}
11 个月I think it might have been Daniel Terhorst-North (he probably has a better quote here).... we were taking a cab to an airport from a conference, and started chatting about pattern languages. One thing that bubbled up: you need patterns to select patterns. Pattern languages can be conceptually appealing to those who understand the implicit patterns that help you make sense of patterns. But without that, they can be hard to use. Which reminds me of another quote: "You can't teach and learn principles" (I forget who). All to say, I've always struggled balancing the conceptual beauty of pattern languages with my ability to apply them outside of audiences who understand the implicit meta-patterns.