How to use agile frameworks to speed up innovation

Agile supports iterative development

Even when dealing with success stories like Infravista, innovation often requires an adaptive approach. Agile frameworks break innovation down into six “sprints” - plan, design, develop, test, deploy, and review - which allows employees or teams to review the project at the end of each stage. In turn, it is easier to make modifications ahead of the next sprint phase. Should an issue surface, it will be clear where it stems from. By promptly addressing issues and making modifications at each stage, the innovation process becomes more efficient and streamlined, enabling products to reach the market at a faster pace. 

Additionally, the regular reviews conducted at the end of each sprint instil higher levels of confidence in the project's progress and overall success. By actively reviewing and discussing the work completed, teams can gain a better understanding of their achievements, validate their efforts, and build confidence in their ability to meet project goals. These reviews also serve as checkpoints for stakeholders and decision-makers to assess the project's direction, alignment with objectives, and overall quality.

Agile focuses on continuous development

The iterative framework provided by agile methodologies also establishes a commitment to continued development. In a world where consumer demands and other constraints are constantly evolving, agile frameworks enable organizations to complete quick updates to boost client experiences. The main driving forces of innovation are customer experiences, revenue growth, and product development. 

Agile processes are, by their definition, very versatile. The fact that they align with the business rather than generic processes ensures an even faster development strategy.

Agile frameworks empower all employees

Celebrating collaboration is a hallmark of agile frameworks. It should be noted, however, that agile has a defined space for sharing ideas. The KICKBOX online platform facilitates an agile workspace where employees can take ownership of their ideas, innovate with freedom when creativity strikes, and generally feel psychologically safe. This brings a greater volume of ideas while employees also possess the confidence to see them through.

The fact that they can gain instant feedback without the negative elements of a traditional hierarchy adds to psychological safety and fast innovations. 

Agile promotes productivity and happiness

Happy employees are statistically shown to be 13% more productive. Agile methodologies and the ability to break projects into sprints and micro-goals keep employees engaged in the task at hand. Moreover, any issues are handled by multiple people with quick responses. This can prevent the threat of one mishap causing major frustration and destroying an employee’s enthusiasm and engagement with the project.

Agile methodologies prevent innovations from hitting a brick wall, which also helps spot failures at an earlier stage. In turn, employees get to focus on the winning concepts.

Agile makes the project the focus

While there is a need to get innovations to market ASAP, speed isn’t the only concern for corporate innovation. Collaboration is equally vital. Aside from bringing the collective skills and ideas of employees together, agile methodologies enable companies to collaborate with customers. It is something 65% of high-growth companies actively do. Valuing collaboration rather than individuality, even when it comes to the relationship with clients, is one of the pillars of agile frameworks.

By simultaneously breaking down silos, employees across all departments - as well as external outlets - can have their say. Especially as all contributions are rewarded.