That’s why our Project Manager crafted this Ultimate Guide to implementing agile at your company or team.

Agile – the sweetest sound for any CEO, sales and PM.

Considering Agile was formally launched in 2001, it is definitely not a new concept. However, many successful companies have not yet implemented it, despite its popularity and widespread use in project management. While some businesses function best with waterfall or other methodologies, Agile offers a flexible and iterative approach that focuses on collaboration, customer satisfaction, and adaptability.

This is not surprising, given that Agile offers numerous advantages, including a flexible and iterative approach that prioritizes collaboration, customer satisfaction, and adaptability.

Embracing the Agile Mindset

Agile is rooted in four core values (and twelve principles) stated in the Agile Manifesto:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software over comprehensive documentation

• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

• Responding to change over following a plan

These core values show us what mindset we should embrace as implementing Agile requires a shift in mindset and culture. Quite often that’s the most difficult thing-to change the mindset and habits of fellow colleagues so it is important to effectively communicate why we’re making a switch and explain all the benefits to the team. Don’t get discouraged if the team pushes back at first- that’s normal, just give your team some time to adjust and be transparent with your reasoning behind every decision. As Agile teaches us- responding to a change is crucial.

Forming a Cross-Functional Agile Team

Start by forming a Cross-Functional Agile team. Key to any successful company and/or project is always people. Your team is the vital, most important part of your organization so make sure you have an open minded team who is willing to learn and are open to change.

Agile emphasizes collaboration between team members with different skill sets and areas of expertise. It is important to form cross-functional teams that can collectively handle all aspects of the project. Each individual is unique and owns a special set of skills that gives value to the team. These teams should be self-organizing  and accountable for delivering results.

Selecting the Right Agile Framework

Once you have your team, you need to select the right Agile framework.
There are various Agile frameworks available, including Scrum, Kanban, XP (Extreme Programming), and Lean Agile, among others. Choose the one that aligns best with your project requirements and team dynamics. Scrum, for instance, works well for projects with frequent iterations and fixed-length sprints, while Kanban suits projects with a continuous flow of work items.

Here in Lumen Spei, we use Scrum-but with a twist. We think every project is unique and therefore we approach each project differently. We adapt methodology to the projects and not the other way around, taking the best features from scrum (or to phrase it better-those that suits our projects best) and making it work for each project individually. Sometimes that means not having the strict process procedure followed but that’s ok. We are a small company and at this point,  an individual approach to each client works best for us. That way each client can rest assured they are getting a tailor made approach that fits their needs with a highest level of support and customer care.

Developing a Project Backlog for Agile Implementation

In Agile, the project backlog is a prioritized list of features, tasks, and user stories that need to be completed. This is something a Product Owner will do together with clients and determine priorities based on many factors like: technology used, business requirements and logic, timeline, budget etc.

When doing that it is very important to collaborate with stakeholders and the entire team to create a comprehensive project backlog and put focus on prioritization. Having a clear set of prioritized features is extremely important. That’s how the team knows what to take on first (second, third…), what’s most important to deliver first and what can be pushed for the next phase. Prioritized product backlog is crucial when defining a Sprint Goal so make sure to regularly review and refine the backlog as you move along with the project. 

Sprint Planning and Execution

Agile projects are divided into fixed-length iterations or Sprints, typically lasting 2 weeks in Lumen Spei. During each iteration, the team works on a set of items from the backlog that were discussed and planned for at a Sprint planning session. This is where we determine the above mentioned Spring Goal and make plans for the upcoming sprint. 

When doing this we make sure to plan iterations meticulously, set realistic goals, and of course monitor progress closely.

The Role of Stand-up Meetings

Most controversial  event or (Scrum ceremony) is often a set of Stand-up Meetings. Usually people either hate them or adore them, no inbetween. Whether you like it or not, it is an extremely important event that must be implemented for any version of Agile approach. 

Daily stand-up meetings, or daily scrums, are a fundamental practice in Agile. These short meetings allow team members to synchronize their work, discuss any challenges, issues and blockers  and plan their activities for the day. They are not here solely for PMs to waste your time, we promise! 🙂 

In order for these meetings to be effective and not wasteful, make sure  these meetings are timeboxed (5 to max 15 minutes) and focused on addressing obstacles, without going into other topics. Any issue that lasts more than 15 minutes should be addressed in a separate meeting with only those team members who are included in the topic and not the whole team. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful Agile implementation. Encourage regular interactions between team members, stakeholders, and customers. 

Empowering Agile Implementation with Collaborative Agile Tools

One of the key aspects of successful Agile implementation lies in utilizing the right set of collaborative Agile tools. These tools play a vital role in enhancing team collaboration, streamlining project tracking, and fostering effective communication within the team. 

By recommending and integrating Agile project management tools, teams can experience improved productivity and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. Let’s explore the top tools and understand how they can empower teams to deliver exceptional results in an Agile environment:

Edworking

Edworking is an emerging unified platform for remote teams, offering seamless coordination, communication, and task management. With everything in one place, including tasks, files, images, video calls, chats, meeting rooms, file sharing, and stories all in one, Edworking simplifies work processes with a single subscription.

Jira

Jira is a widely used Agile project management tool that offers robust features for planning, tracking, and releasing software. With customizable workflows and real-time visibility into project progress, Jira enables teams to stay focused and organized throughout each sprint.

Trello

Trello is a user-friendly Agile collaboration tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize and prioritize tasks. It promotes visual project management, making it easy for teams to manage their work and collaborate seamlessly.

Asana

Asana is an all-in-one Agile project management and collaboration platform that allows teams to plan, track, and manage their work in one place. Its intuitive interface and task dependencies help teams stay on top of their projects and meet their deadlines.

Monday.com 

Monday is a versatile Agile tool that provides a visual and collaborative workspace for teams to plan, track, and manage projects effectively. With customizable workflows and automation, teams can streamline their Agile processes and work more efficiently.

Slack

Slack is a popular communication tool that facilitates real-time team communication. With dedicated channels for different projects, teams can collaborate, share updates, and address issues promptly.

Miro

Miro is a digital whiteboard and collaboration platform that enables Agile teams to brainstorm, plan, and visualize their ideas and workflows. It promotes remote collaboration and enhances creative problem-solving.

Recommended ➜ Read about digital transformation tools in 2023

Embracing Agile Principles for Success

Agile project management has proven to be a game-changer in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of project execution. By fostering collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, Agile empowers teams to deliver exceptional results in the face of complexity and uncertainty.

To implement Agile successfully, organizations must invest in creating a collaborative and supportive environment. Remember that Agile is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so be open to tailoring the methodology to suit your project’s unique needs.

 Agile project management is not just a methodology, it is a mindset that embraces adaptability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

 By embracing Agile principles and continuously refining their practices, organizations can thrive in the face of uncertainty and deliver value that exceeds expectations. 
Embrace Agile and empower your teams to reach new heights in project management. Feel free to give us a shout if you need help! 🙂

The post The Ultimate Guide to Implementing Agile in Project Management 2023 first appeared on Lumen Spei.

The People and Medicine (PL Ludzie I Medycyna) Foundation was established in 2018 with a focus on patient experience, creating and using different solutions for helping people living with diagnosis.Testing, describing, and working towards a better experience using Participatory Design methodology, where actual users are researching, designing, testing, and agreeing on a final solution, among others. This was done for Patients4Patients. 

Patients4Patients is a peer-support-based mobile app – an innovative yet scientifically-grounded support system. There is a safe place where all questions can be asked, such as, “How will this affect my love life?”. The system allows recovered or experienced patients to provide practical and emotional support to the “novice” patients via 1:1 chat. After signing in, users can select their conditions and predefined conversation topics. In the app, they can filter anonymous patient databases based on this information to find matching peers.

Since 2022, Foundation set approach where users are actually invited to participate in decision-making and treated as members of the Product Team, which is what sets them apart from a typical approach! They want to be the first Polish, NGO-centered “project UTOPIA”-like [2] initiative to set pioneer standards for working with marginalized groups on Digital Products using Participatory Design.

As the war in Ukraine began, the idea was to translate the app into Ukrainian so that the estimated 2-3 million Ukrainians in Poland could also use it for emotional support.

In what condition did Lumen Spei find the project?

The Foundation received grant funding for the development of the application, the deadline was a bit challenging.

Before Lumen Spei’s involvement, there were around 600 active users. We decided to use the following stack of technology: 

• Flutter for the simultaneous development of the iOS & Android mobile app 
• Firebase for notifications, storage, database, and authentication

In the following five months of our operative development, the application was completed with all of the prior requests met, and was successfully deployed on the 22nd of August 2022 to the App & Play Store.

Here is where you can find the app right now:

• Pacjenci Pacjentom Play Store
• Pacjenci Pacjentom Apple App Store

What are the results before vs. after?

Our pro-bono contract was complete, and the Foundation planned to add Clubs and an educational space (module) for patients to learn how to:

1. provide instrumental and emotional support to each other,
2. maintain psychological well-being in illness,
3. create partnership relations with doctors and specialists,
4. think critically in the world full of fake medical news,
5. implement self-advocacy in their lives.

This new feature was developed shortly after both versions had their first production release (Store) and is scheduled for release as an updated version at the beginning of March. It was a milestone in the long-term partnership, which saw Lumen Spei become a contracted tech partner with the Ludzie i Medycyna Foundation, where we continued to develop and maintain their mobile applications. 

It’s clear that this application is making a significant impact and helping people in their everyday lives. As part of this case study, we even received a testimonial from an app user who says the following:

Helpful app with a very nice user interface

and

Very helpful app <3

We would like to include quotes from the main project’s shareholders involved in this collaboration at the end. Here are their thoughts. 

We want to thank everyone for their involvement in the project, and the resources given for this case study.

Lumen Spei is here to help anyone who needs tech support for a worthy cause. You can get in touch with us through Tech To The Rescue or directly. Throughout the world, technology should be able to help people and empower communities.

The post Collaborating for Good: How Our Pro Bono Work with a Polish Non-Profit Health App Became a Lasting Partnership first appeared on Lumen Spei.

Because technology is advancing so quickly, new terms and phrases must be implemented in this field almost daily. Therefore, many words you hear from developers mean something opposite to what you think they mean. 

We can all agree – software developers use a lot of strange words and phrases. 

To prove that, we talked with our developers and asked them to write down the 10 most commonly used terms in software development.

So, in this article, we’ll go through the 10 most common terms software developers use. 

10 basic terms you should know when working with software developers

Even though we all speak the same language (sometimes), there are a lot of terms you’ll encounter for the first time when working with the developers. 

Simple words get completely new meanings and new terms are dug out straight of old, dusty dictionaries. 

For someone who is new to the entire tech space, encountering these terms for the first time could be a bit stressful. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Here are the 10 basic terms non-technical people should know when working with software developers.

Recommended ➜ Read about the the process of product ownership in Lumen Spei

#1 Deployment

This word is most commonly heard from military personnel. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word deployment means the movement of troops or equipment to a place or position for military action. 

Even though it is similar in a sense, in software development, deployment is often referred to as something different. 

Software deployment is all about actions that lead to software being put to use. Deployment can include the release of the software, installation and activation, deactivation, or uninstalling of the software. 

To simplify, everything that has to do with the software being put to use can be called deployment. 

#2 Push

In general, push is an action that causes an object to be moved, like pushing a button, pushing a car, or pushing a cart in a supermarket. 

Developers usually refer to ‘push’ when using Git. In this case, push means sending (uploading) updates you have done in your local repository. 

Push can also be used in describing notifications in app development, where push notifications are clickable pop-up messages that appear on your phone. 

#3 Commit

This is a synonym for perpetrating or carrying out (like a mistake or a crime), or it can be a pledge or a bind (when you are reluctant to commit yourself to a particular opinion.)

In development, a commit is tightly connected to version control. Commit is, in this sense, an action that sends the latest source code changes to the repository (Git). 

These changes then become a permanent version of the state in which they are so that you can roll back to them whenever you need them. 

#4 Stack

Another everyday word that has similarities with computer language. 

When a non-developer person says the word stack, we all think of a pile of objects arranged in some manner. 

In software development, a stack is a data structure that only operates on the most recent item added. 

#5 Bug

One of the most common words, both in software development and everyday language. A bug is an insect, or a harmful microorganism, typically a bacteria. Or, in spy language, a bug is a small concealable microphone. 

The most simplified explanation of the word ‘bug’ from the software development side of view: a bug is a coding error in computer programming. 

It can also be a feature that malfunctions. “It’s not a bug. It’s a feature” is a common saying among developers. Project managers do not like this saying.

#6 Cache

We all love to have it, even though it’s spelled differently. Cash is referred to money in bills that you have on your person. 

Cache, on the other hand, is a form of high-speed data storage. Since it is slow for a user to access data from the primary storage location, the cache allows data to be temporarily stored so everyone can access it more quickly. 

#7 Cookie

The best cookies are made by your grandma, and some are the servers’ best friends. We all know that a cookie is a savory dessert, but developers know that a cookie is a piece of data stored in the web browser. The website can access this data anytime, and it tells the server some information we need. 

#8 Bootstrap

It can be on your shoe or your screen. Even though not commonly heard today, bootstrap is a loop on the back of the boot that helps you get your foot in the boot. 

However, developers know that Bootstrap is an open-source frontend framework that helps developers build responsive web pages faster and easier. 

#9 Hex

Commonly, the hex means a magic spell or a magical curse, or in some cases, it means to cast a spell or put a curse on someone. 

Fortunately, when a developer utters these words, he usually thinks about the color Hex – where every color in the visible spectrum is represented by a series of 6 letters or numbers with a # symbol in front.

#10 MVP

Finally, one abbreviation. In sports, MVP is an abbreviation for “Most Valuable Player”, while in software development, it stands for “Minimum Viable Product.”

There are dozens of examples, but we’ll stop here. 

Language has constantly been evolving. This process was slower in the past, but so was technological advancement and cultural exchange between nations. 

Today, technology advances extremely rapidly. We have means of communication that was unachievable 20 years ago, and the scope of cultural exchange is as unclear as it can be. The internet jargon and memes are shaping language like no other was able to do it before. 

Those most exposed to these influences are, in many cases, developers. They are not just innocent bystanders to the process of language evolution but the force that drives it forward. 

This is why language evolves rapidly and uncontrollably and we still have no idea what will happen in the future. 

Recommended ➜ Read about the 7 steps of digital transformation

Lumen Spei developers are here to help you

Even though these basic software development terms aren’t too big of a hassle for newcomers to learn, there’s a lot more to development lingo.

We know our clients want results and we confidently provide results every single time. But we like to go the extra mile. It’s never good to leave a client in the dark. To eliminate such scenarios, we always help our clients learn. 

When we join a particular project, we go all in. If we identify an opportunity for improvement, we articulate it immediately. By sharing our knowledge and enriching our clients and community with our latest findings, we get one step closer to fulfilling our mission. 

Our developers are highly skilled and have knowledge in numerous areas of development. Whenever you have a chance to ask them a question that’s bothering you for some time, please do! We appreciate every question we get, as it gives us an opportunity to share what we have learned through years of work. 

If you have a project you need to get finished, there is no better team to count on than Lumen Spei. Reach out to us and let’s start working! 

The post Software Development Vocabulary Basics: Terms You Need to Know first appeared on Lumen Spei.

As a product owner, you are responsible for driving product development and ensuring product success.

With a motivated Product Owner and a well-coordinated team, the possibilities are endless.

In this post, valuable insight will be provided into the role of product ownership in the IT industry and the rewards that come with it.

Finally, I will offer tips and strategies for creating a successful Delivery plugin product with deliveryfrom.shop and unlocking the secrets to product ownership success.

Plugging into logistical success

Software is essential when it comes to connecting with the real-life problems that logistics in the courier industry, objectively speaking, has. With the use of software, Product Owners can create a more efficient and cost-effective system for delivering products.

The software can be used to track deliveries in real-time, provide customers with fast and reliable shipping service, and reduce the time and cost associated with order fulfillment. Additionally, the software can help automate processes, reduce manual labor, and improve customer service.

This allows for a seamless connection between the customer and the courier, ensuring that orders are delivered quickly and efficiently.

There are two products of this kind coming from Lumen Spei’s software factory:

• GLS Delivery plugin for WooCommerce
• DPD Delivery plugin for WooCommerce

These products perform a simple yet crucially important task – printing labels to attach to packages. It eliminates the need to manually pull the necessary data from a customer’s order and fits it into an official label’s layout, provided by two courier companies. 

Additionally, it resolves the issue of having to call or mail out the courier to arrange a package pickup. With our plugin solution, once the label is printed, your courier is automatically notified of the order and will soon come to collect it.

Therefore, by offering an alternative to the traditional approaches, these plugins can help to enhance efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness in any given situation, as their purpose is to provide a unique solution to a problem.

Don’t even get us started on the bulk ordering option. For instance, you can bulk up your entire order with just one click by the end of the working day. This eliminates the need to manually gather customer data, but rather prints it for you and arranges for the delivery pickup.

P.S. We love working with data! Read our opinion piece on how big data reveals digital transformation opportunities!

Having a good product might not always be enough

Marketing a WooCommerce plugin can be a challenging and daunting task. With the ever-growing number of plugin options available, it can be difficult to stand out from the competition. As already highlighted, it requires an understanding of the customer journey, the product life cycle, and the overall market landscape. 

Additionally, it is essential to take a creative approach to market the plugin and find innovative ways to reach potential customers. You must have the knowledge, skills, and resources to ensure the plugin is seen by the right people and is marketed effectively.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common life cycle steps for a software plugin:

1. Ideation: The first step is to develop an idea for a new software plugin. This could involve brainstorming and research to identify potential market opportunities. 
2. Design: The next step is to design the software plugin, including the features and user interface. This could involve creating wireframes, visual designs, and prototypes.
3. Development: The third step is to develop the software plugin. This could involve coding, testing, and debugging. 
4. Launch: The fourth step is to launch the software plugin. This could involve releasing the software plugin to the public, marketing the software plugin, and providing customer support. 
5. Maintenance: The fifth step is to maintain the software plugin. This could involve releasing updates, responding to customer feedback, and fixing bugs. 
6. Sunsetting: The sixth step is to sunset the software plugin. This could involve removing the software plugin from the market, providing support for existing users, and transitioning users to a new product.

Many assume that after step four, the game is essentially over, but that is when the distinction between short-term and long-term strategies truly comes into play. Do not let the sunsetting phase get to you, do a remake of your product on time. 

Recommended ➜ Read about the impact of digital transformation on business growth

How can a dedicated Product Owner make a difference?

As a Product Owner, you are responsible for leading a team of people to re-develop a successful WooCommerce plugin. It is vital to stay ahead of the competition and create a plugin that offers something unique.

Successfully managing a WooCommerce plugin requires taking the initiative to drive product development and ensure product success.

The first step is to define the product’s goals and objectives. This will help you create a roadmap for the product and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Creating a team of motivated and talented individuals who are passionate about the product is also essential. Additionally, it is crucial to create a plan for testing and validating the plugin to ensure it meets the customer’s needs. Finally, you must monitor the plugin’s performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure its success.

Product ownership is an exciting and rewarding role that offers limitless potential. With a motivated product owner and a well-coordinated team, success is within reach. 

Recommended ➜ Read about the 7 steps of digital transformation

Do not always start from square one when recycling

If we look at our plugin as a whole, it is an outstanding one. Why? Works great, is reliable, and most importantly, it serves its purpose. But then, on the other hand, something felt like it was missing. As they like to say, the devil is in the details.

Therefore the plan was not to recycle the product as a whole, but freshen it up with a new perspective.

A few steps of our newly-forged plan would include:

1.) Redesigning the brand identity, looking towards modern, custom-made visuals that would modernize the product itself.

2.) Expansion to new European markets on which GLS & DPD operate. Germany and Italy were the latest successes in the previous month.

3.) Establishing close relations with representatives of the two companies and forming meticulous customer support for the plugin.

4.) Conducting marketing campaigns and advertisements to boost further expansion to foreign markets and acquire a bigger market share.

5.) Switching to a subscription-based model rather than the one-time license due to forming a team that is going to nurture a product from now, therefore justify the change.

Note how not all of those have yet been accomplished, but rather are a guideline for further expansion in the upcoming year of 2023.

If you are interested in learn more about our product, check its official website.

There you can learn about the details, take a look at some product screenshots to understand it from the inside, as well as download it for test purposes with a 3-day test license available to everyone!

Will plugins be able to compete with custom web development in the future?

The answer is yes! The ever-growing number of digital products and services, along with the continuous improvements in technology, has made the world of web development more accessible than ever before. 

While custom development can offer a more profound experience, it is often accompanied by a higher cost and longer development time required. 

This has led to an increased demand for plugins and other ready-made solutions. WooCommerce, an open-source eCommerce platform, has become one of the most popular solutions for setting up and running web shops worldwide. The platform’s flexibility and wide range of features make it a go-to choice for many entrepreneurs. 

Furthermore, its vast array of plugins and extensions allows users to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Plugins and extensions are a great way to enhance the functionality of any website, and WooCommerce is no exception. 

Whether you’re looking to add new payment gateways, improve your store’s design, or analyze customer data, there’s already a plugin for that.

However, it’s important to remember that the quality and effectiveness of a plugin are mainly dependent on its ability to solve a specific problem.

Recommended ➜ Read about how a logistics company digitally transformed their business

In conclusion, WooCommerce’s popularity and wide range of available plugins make it an excellent choice for setting up online stores. Not only does it offer a wide range of features, but its flexibility and array of plugins allow users to tailor the platform to their specific needs.

Therefore, plugins can be an outstanding market opportunity, provided they can solve a specific problem.

Is there room for new WooCommerce plugins to be developed?

There are still several industries that are not currently well-covered regarding WooCommerce plugins. For example, the retail industry could benefit from a plugin that offers inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management features. 

Restaurants and hospitality businesses could benefit from a plugin that offers features such as online ordering, reservation management, and loyalty programs. 

The health and wellness industry could also benefit from a plugin that offers health tracking, fitness tracking, and nutrition tracking features. 

For any industry, it is vital to understand the customer’s needs and create a plugin that offers something unique. We could all easily agree that creating a user-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient plugin is essential. With the right product owner and a well-coordinated team, the possibilities are limitless.

Lumen Spei has the drive, talent, and ideas to deliver such projects. Reach out to us with your new project ideas, and we’ll help you get the project done on time and within budget.

The post Harnessing the Power of Product Ownership and Delivery Plugin Products first appeared on Lumen Spei.