The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is an agile project management methodology developed to support the development of information systems and software. It was first developed in the late 1990s in the UK and has undergone various versions since then. DSDM focuses on the continuous delivery of functional software in short iterations to ensure that the developed systems meet user requirements.
The method places particular emphasis on the following principles:
Collaboration and Communication: DSDM encourages collaboration among members of the development team, stakeholders, and users. Regular communication is intended to ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of requirements and goals.
Incremental and Iterative Development: Projects are divided into short time periods during which specific functionalities are developed and delivered. This allows for quick response to changes or feedback and ensures that the end product aligns with current needs.
Business Value Focus: DSDM prioritizes delivering the maximum business value to stakeholders. This means that features and functions are prioritized based on the greatest benefit they provide.
Self-organizing Teams: Development teams are encouraged to self-organize and take responsibility for their decisions.
Testing as an Integrated Process: Quality assurance and testing are integrated into the development process from the beginning to ensure that the delivered software meets requirements.
Time-boxed Iterations: Development occurs in predefined time periods known as "Timeboxes." These Timeboxes are typically short development cycles during which specific features are developed and tested.
It's important to note that DSDM is one of many agile methods that can be used to manage software projects. Depending on the specific requirements and goals of a project, it may be beneficial to use DSDM in combination with other agile approaches or frameworks.