Comparison of the two most popular IT project management methodologies with practical tips.
"Client changed requirements mid-project and now everything is falling apart" - a classic. Or: "We worked 6 months in the dark and the end result satisfied no one". Both problems have a common source: wrong methodology for the wrong project.
Waterfall vs Agile - basic differences
Waterfall (sequential)
- Sequential phases: analysis → design → dev → test → deploy
- Everything planned upfront
- Changes expensive after start
- Documentation as main artifact
- Client sees result at the end
Agile (iterative)
- Short iterations (1-4 weeks)
- Planning on the go
- Changes welcome
- Working software as main artifact
- Client sees progress every sprint
When to choose Waterfall?
Requirements are 100% clear and won't change
Banking, medical, military systems - regulations often require full specification upfront. Certifications require documentation.
Fixed price, fixed scope
Client wants to know exactly what they get for what price. Public tender? Waterfall often the only option.
When to choose Agile?
Startup / new product
Don't know yet what users want? Iterate fast, gather feedback, pivot. Waterfall would kill you.
Time to market is crucial
MVP in 2 months, then iterations. Better 80% now than 100% in a year.
Scrum vs Kanban
Scrum
- 1-4 week sprints
- Roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Dev Team
- Ceremonies: Planning, Daily, Review, Retro
- For: product teams with dedicated PO
Kanban
- Continuous flow, no sprints
- No formal roles
- Work visualization on board
- For: support/ops teams, maintenance
Don't know which methodology to choose?
We'll analyze your project and propose an approach tailored to your specifics - no dogma, just pragmatism.