An Introduction to the Waterfall Model Vs. Agile Software Development Methodology
When it comes to building software, a lot of people think Agile is the only way to go. Agile is a popular method where you start quickly and adjust as you go. But guess what? It’s not the only way, and sometimes, it’s not even the best way.
There’s another approach getting attention now called Impact Engineering. It’s really just a fresh name for a much older style of working called the waterfall method. Think of it like building a house: you make a full plan first, i.e., the design, the structure, and all the details, before you start putting anything together. That’s what Waterfall (or Impact Engineering) is all about.
According to Junade Ali, who wrote “Impact Engineering: Transforming Beyond Agile Project Management”, projects that use Agile actually fail a lot more than people think. About 65% of the time! On the other hand, projects that use the impact engineering or waterfall method only fail about 10% of the time. That’s a huge difference.
The reason for this is pretty simple:
- Agile often starts with rough guesses and fills in details later. This can cause problems, confusion, and delays.
- Waterfall (Impact Engineering) takes time upfront to figure everything out. That way, there are fewer surprises and less chance of the project going off track.
Why Planning First Works
Clear Expectations
In our discussion between impact engineering/the waterfall model vs. the agile software development methodology, you must understand that there are a lot of questions right at the start in the waterfall model approach. Some of these are:
- What exactly do you want your software to do?
- What features are most important?
- What does success look like?
Answering these questions early helps you and the team building your custom software get very clear on what needs to happen. That way, there’s no confusion later on about what’s being built.
Less Risk
Because everything is mapped out before the coding even starts in impact engineering, you’re much less likely to end up with a product you don’t like or didn’t ask for. You also avoid expensive changes and major delays later on. You save time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Faster in the Long Run
Even though you spend more time planning at the beginning, the actual building process moves faster because everyone knows exactly what to do. The development team can focus on making your software without having to stop and figure things out along the way.
Are There Any Downsides?
The biggest downside to impact engineering is that it takes a lot of effort up front. You have to be willing to spend time thinking through all the little details early, and it can feel tedious. But skipping this step just means you’ll have to deal with the same issues (plus even more) later. So it’s better to invest the time early and get it right.
How Pell Software Can Help in Navigating the Waterfall Model Vs Agile Software Development Methodology
At Pell Software, we know that picking the right way to run your project is a big decision. Sometimes Agile is the right fit — especially if you know things will change a lot during the project. Other times, impact Engineering is a much smarter choice if you need clear plans, fewer risks, and faster delivery in the long run.
If figuring out the best approach for your project is what you want, we can help you do that because we understand that sometimes it’s one method while other times a mix of both works best.
However, at Pell Software, we prioritize the success of your project. This is why we rely on the strengths of waterfall software development to deliver custom software services that not only meet but exceed your expectations.
If you want software that’s built right the first time, with clear communication and no guessing games, we’re ready to help. Reach out today to get started!
