Dynamic System Development

Owned by Computer Science Department
Last updated: Jul 19, 2023
2 min read

The dynamic system development method (DSDM) grew out of the need to provide a standard for the rapid application development process before the term agile was coined. The DSDM method, introduced in 1994, credits Van Bennekum with conceiving the development methodology. Like most agile methods, DSDM focuses on business value, active user involvement, frequent delivery, integration testing, and stakeholder collaboration. However, DSDM, unlike many agile methods, provides complete support throughout all life cycle phases. The DSDM philosophy is that the team can deploy 80% of the system in 20% of the time with the possibility of rework and that development changes must be reversible.  

 

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is an Agile project delivery framework, primarily used as a software development method. The DSDM Consortium (now the Agile Business Consortium) developed it in the mid-1990s. The framework is based on the eight principles of DSDM Atern, which are focused on business needs/value, active user involvement, empowered teams, frequent delivery, integrated testing, stakeholder collaboration, and iteration and adaptability.

The DSDM philosophy is that any project must be aligned to clearly defined strategic goals and focus upon early delivery of real benefits to the business. DSDM is characterized by the following aspects:

  1. User Involvement: Active user involvement is imperative. DSDM teams usually include a user representative and, in the later stages of development, a larger group of users to help with testing and review.

  2. Team Power: The method is empowered to make decisions. The team is expected to be proactive and have the power to make decisions that drive the project forward.

  3. Iterative Development: The approach is iterative and incremental, allowing for changes in requirements as business needs evolve.

  4. Frequent Delivery: The goal is frequent delivery of results. With DSDM, the aim is to deliver tangible and functioning results not just when the entire project is completed, but also throughout the project lifecycle.

  5. Integrated Testing: Testing is done throughout each iteration, so that any problems are identified and solved as early as possible.

  6. Collaboration and Cooperation: Stakeholders and developers cooperate closely. Daily communication between stakeholders and the project team is encouraged, as this leads to decisions being made more quickly.

  7. Clear and Continuous Communication: This is vital to the success of the project. DSDM places great emphasis on direct and clear communication over more formal documentation.

  8. Demonstration of Control: This is achieved through regular, repeatable, planned delivery of systems.

In terms of process, DSDM has a five-phase lifecycle: Feasibility, Foundations, Exploration, Engineering, and Deployment. Each of these stages is strictly defined with specific deliverables and tasks.

Remember, DSDM is a tool and like any other tool, it needs to be used correctly to gain the maximum benefit. It's designed to be easily tailored and used in conjunction with other recognized project management methods like PRINCE2.