Hybrid Agile-Waterfall: Effective for Software Development?

Margo Kosnik

Are you wondering if a hybrid Waterfall and Agile approach is a good solution for your project or rather a hidden problem? From my perspective, it depends on the project type and your relationships with your clients. I think that if you set understandable rules related to such a hybrid solution, you will have a chance to achieve success.

Although the Agile approach is conquering project management, Waterfall still has its supporters. Occasionally, the Agile and Waterfall approaches can be combined. Are you wondering if a hybrid Waterfall and Agile approach is a good solution for your project or rather a hidden problem? From my perspective, it depends on the project type and your relationships with your clients. I think that if you set understandable rules related to such a hybrid solution, you will have a chance to achieve success.

Agile and Waterfall Hybrid in software development

If I must choose between Agile and Waterfall, in the light of my personal experience, I would definitely go with Agile. We have been using this approach at Codest for years, and I can say that it works very well. This conclusion is based on our experience on the international market and the cooperation of our clients from different industries, such as e-commerce, marketplace, adtech, fintech, proptech and SaaS.

Before we start a project, we usually spend a lot of time on convincing our clients that Agile is a better solution, especially if compared with Waterfall. You may ask: why Agile? I believe that this approach allows us to create a product close to our clients’ expectations because they can actively participate in the development process. We are in constant contact and monitor the progress. In addition, Agile helps in guiding our clients to precisely sketch the project they want to undertake.

Anyway, a hybrid solution may also be a good idea. Waterfall is still used by many managers who want to be familiar with the documentation and stick to it from the very beginning of their projects. So, how is it possible to combine both approaches? You must focus on the most important benefits of Agile and Waterfall. Let me give you an example. In the course of the project, we can stick to the previously specified documentation, but the hybrid approach allows us to stay flexible and adjust if necessary. To this end, pay attention to the quality of communication with your client. If you decide that changes should be made to the documentation, inform your customer, make sure that everything is accepted on both sides, and only then make the suggested modifications.

Agile software development

You must be aware that the hybrid solution carries some potential dangers. One of them is the lack of precise arrangements on how much Agile and Waterfall should be used, respectively. The lack of clear rules may later lead to misunderstandings. That is why I emphasize the role of communication with your client once again. When you develop software products, your customers must understand that it is impossible to plan everything from beginning to end. If you inform your client that deviations related to the underlying documentation may arise during the project and they fully respect that, then you have a good chance of success. In short, both sides must recognize their needs and match each other’s work styles.

Hybrid solution in practice

To clarify my point of view, I will show you how the combination of Agile and Waterfall can work in practice. Some time ago, we worked with a client who strongly preferred the Waterfall approach. We did not have regular calls, which made the cooperation very difficult. Furthermore, we did not know whether we are developing the project according to the client’s wishes and actually meet the expectations. At some point, a decision was made to connect Waterfall and Agile. We contacted the client and presented the situation and our points of view on the matter. We explained why applying Agile makes sense and how it can help us. The client understood our perspective and we could implement this change into the project management. I can assure you that, in this case, the hybrid solution turned was a good idea and the project was successfully completed.

Curious facts about the Agile and Waterfall hybrid solution

I came across a very interesting study recently, presenting the use of individual project management methods by the managerial staff. It turns out that predictive management is still used most often since as many as 47% of respondents were in favor of this option. In turn, Agile came second with 23%. The hybrid solution (Agile and Waterfall) was used by 23% of respondents as well. Other approaches were used by 7% of study participants.

Suggestions? I think Agile can boast about its great popularity, which can grow over time. Hybrid solution also has its supporters as this approach can ensure high efficiency – provided a well-planned process, of course.

Agile and Waterfall Hybrid solution

Hybrid solution – is it worth the effort?

It is worth it, but only if you agree with the client on the details of the terms of cooperation. If the client is determined to use Waterfall only, then try presenting the benefits that can be achieved by combining the Waterfall and Agile approaches. I am sure that if you use the right arguments, you will be able to successfully complete the project by applying the hybrid solution.