The whole method is based on nine principles, all of which are to be applied, the first four define the foundations on which DSDM was built and the remaining five provide the basic principles for the structure of the method.
1. Active involvement of users is essential
This is the main principle. The involvement is not only active, but even proactive.
In DSDM this is the contribution of users evenly.
2. DSDM teams must be empowered to make decisions
Team members must be able to make quick decisions on the way forward.
Characteristic of DSDM is indeed a tight schedule. There is no time for long decision-making. The team members must have clarity about the boundaries, within which they can operate. An important limitation is, of course, the budget.
3. Frequent delivery of goods is of essential importance
By planning a regular completion (say weekly) of something tangible and sight perch one creates a safety net for reversal of bad decisions that managers do not feel the controls to be lost. The products do not have to be complete, as long as they progress in the proper direction show.
4. Fitness for business purposes is essential for the acceptance of products
The principle means that the developer does not remain stabbing at some point because he wants to make gold rimmed solution. The suitability for business purpose has starting point, certain technical issues can be postponed.
5. Iterative and incremental development is necessary in order to converge to right solution
If the team includes users who provide feedback almost immediately on the work of the developers, it is possible to carry out system development step by step instead of in one go. Because systems are developed piecemeal, DSDM ensures that errors are detected early
6. All changes during development are turning back
This means that there has to be immaculate from a management of all software and related documentation.
7. Requirements are set at high level
Demands collected during the Business Analysis to determine the scope of the project. These requirements should be clearly defined well.
8. Testing is integrated in the life cycle
The philosophy of DSDM is “test as you go.” All tests, including acceptance testing, are progressively implemented during the project.
9. A collaborative and cooperative attitude of all stakeholders is essential
Not only collaborate and cooperate are important, but all is equally important. Participants in this approach become involved. Any existing artificial partitions between and within departments work mainly in DSDM.
–Slimane Zouggari