Lean Software Development ♻️

Lean software development is a methodology that applies lean manufacturing principles to software development, aiming to maximize value for the customer while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

The Seven Principles of Lean Development

“DevOps, Lean and Agile in the broad sense are just systems to force you to stop pretending that you know more than you really do."

- Chris Behrens

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1. Eliminating Waste ♻️

Identifying and removing anything that doesn't add value to the final product or the development process. This could include unnecessary features, redundant tasks, or inefficient workflows.

Elements of a lean Continuous delivery pipeline | by Oliver Oldfield-Hodge | Featureflow | Medium

2. Building Quality In 👷‍♂️

Integrating quality assurance throughout the development lifecycle, rather than as a separate phase.

Quality GIFs | Tenor

3. Creating Knowledge 🧠

Fostering continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the development team.

Knowledge GIFs | Tenor

4. Decide as Late as Possible ⏰

Delaying decisions until the last responsible moment to allow for more information and reduce the risk of making suboptimal choices.

Time Moving Slow GIFs | Tenor

5. Deliver Fast 💨

Prioritize delivering value to the customer quickly and frequently.

Delivery GIFs | Tenor

6. Empower and Respect the Team 💪

Foster a culture of empowerment and autonomy, giving team members the authority and responsibility to make decisions and solve problems.

Much Respect GIFs | Tenor

7. Optimize the Whole 🔃

Focus on optimizing the entire development process, not just individual parts or teams.

Small GIFs | Tenor

Who even uses that ?

You will be surprised that it is used by various companies and industries, including software development teams, manufacturing, and even government departments.

Software Development

Spotify - Yes, Spotify uses Lean, not Agile 🤯

Intuit and Dropbox - These tech companies have embraced Lean Startup methodologies, which shorten development cycles and rapidly validate business models.

IAG (Insurance Australia Group) - Has used Lean to improve its digital strategy, focusing on driving sales and reducing customer costs.

Other companies - Many software development companies use LSD principles to streamline development, improve product quality, and reduce time to market.

Other Industries

Automotive - Elektrobit, for example, utilizes Lean development in the automotive sector, involving the customer more directly in the software development process.

Manufacturing - Lean manufacturing, the origin of LSD, is used by companies like Toyota to optimize production lines, minimize waste, and reduce costs.

Various sectors - Lean principles are also applied in logistics, retail, healthcare, and even higher education.

Benefits of Lean Development

Eliminates Waste - Streamlines the development process and saves time and resources.

Advantages ➕	Disadvantages ➖
Eliminates Waste ♻️	Scalability Challenges 😰
Faster Delivery 🚚	Documentation Needs 📄
Empowered Teams 💪	Complexity Management 😵‍💫
Increased Quality 💯	Potential for Rework 👷🏻
Adaptability ✅	Not Suitable for All Projects 🚫

Conclusion 🎉

A little theory, but it was really helpful for me to learn what Lean Software Development is. The methodology is empowering people to make decisions and engage in ongoing positive change.

As you can see it is used by big companies and I like how it focuses on maximizing value while minimizing waste.
Thank you, folks, you can join my channel so we can learn and thrive together! 🤓

Meme Gif

Resources

Chris Behrens, DevOps Foundations: Core Concepts and Fundamentals