When To Use Agile vs. Waterfall

What is Agile project management?

Agile project management is a dynamic and iterative approach that focuses on continuous improvement, flexibility, and high levels of team involvement. In this methodology, project plans evolve through the collaborative efforts of cross-functional teams and other stakeholders. The Agile framework is designed to accommodate changes and feedback quickly, typically through regular feedback loops that help refine and improve the development process.

The diagram below perfectly illustrates the Agile project management cycle, highlighting its iterative and collaborative nature.

Pros

• Quickly adapts to changes in scope or project plan
• Frequent updates keep customers and product owners engaged
• Early and frequent testing enhances product quality
• Keeps all team members actively involved
• Speeds up delivery through iterative cycles
• Early problem detection lowers failure risks

Cons

• Flexibility can lead to constant changes, impacting budget and timeline
• Outcomes are less certain without a fixed project plan
• Requires a lot of time and commitment from development teams
• Effective management requires experienced Agile leaders
• Less effective for projects with static, defined requirements

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What is Waterfall project management?

Waterfall project management is a sequential process where fixed, defined requirements are identified early in the project process. This methodology involves progressing through a series of distinct phases — concept, initiation, analysis, design, construction, testing, implementation, and maintenance — with each phase completed before the next begins.

The diagram below shows a clear view of the Waterfall project management process, using a Gantt chart to map out each sequential phase from concept to deployment.

Pros

• The process is straightforward and easy to understand
• Fixed plans make it easier to predict project outcomes
• Well-defined phases facilitate better progress tracking
• All requirements are defined upfront, minimizing scope creep
• Maintains detailed records, aiding future maintenance
• For some types of projects, especially where integration with other non-Agile systems is required, Waterfall may offer better control

Cons

• Difficult to make changes once a phase is completed
• Final products may not meet user needs
• Requires a lot of resources in the early stages
• Not suitable for rapidly changing environments
• Testing late in the process can lead to costly fixes

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What is the difference between Agile and Waterfall?

Agile and Waterfall are two popular methods for organizing projects. The main difference between Waterfall and Agile is:

• Waterfall is a more traditional approach to project management, involving a linear flow.
• Agile, on the other hand, embraces an iterative process. It involves rapid actions and great flexibility.

Let’s look at a comparative table to better illustrate the practical applications and outcomes of Waterfall vs. Agile in real-world settings. This table details specific examples, showing how each approach is applied and what outcomes can typically be expected. 

Examples of Agile vs. Waterfall project management

You can watch the video below for an in-depth comparison between the two popular methodologies.

Wrike’s project management platform can be customized based on your chosen methodology.

Which methodology to choose?

Waterfall is best for projects with concrete timelines and well-defined deliverables. If your major project constraints are well understood and documented, Waterfall is likely the best approach.

The Agile methodology was created for projects where the significant constraints are not well understood. If your project involves developing a new product, the scope and timeline may be difficult to determine in advance. Agile is flexible, enabling you to plan a project in stages or “sprints” to evolve as the work progresses.

Elements to consider before choosing your PM framework

When deciding between the Waterfall and Agile management methodologies, it’s important to consider the specific needs and constraints of your project. Here are five key elements to think about when choosing the right framework for your project:

Project requirements

Waterfall is ideal if your project has stable and clearly defined requirements that are unlikely to change. This method ensures that all aspects of the project are well documented and followed precisely. Agile should be considered when requirements are unclear or expected to evolve. 

Customer involvement

In Waterfall, customer involvement is typically limited to the beginning and end of the project. This works well when the customer can provide all necessary information upfront. Agile thrives on continuous customer interaction, making it preferable for projects where client feedback is crucial to the development process.  

Timeline flexibility

Choose Waterfall if your project has a fixed timeline with concrete deadlines. This methodology’s sequential nature suits projects where timelines are tight and must be adhered to strictly. Opt for Agile if your project can accommodate a flexible schedule. 

Team structure

Waterfall works well with teams that do not require constant collaboration or can work independently without frequent communication. This setup is ideal for projects distributed across different locations or with minimal team interaction. Agile is best suited for teams that can collaborate face to face.  

Risk management

With Waterfall, risks should be identified early, as changes later in the project can be costly and complex.  Agile offers better control over unforeseen challenges, making it suitable for high-risk projects.  

Which method suits your project?

At the beginning of this guide, we asked a question: Which project management methodology will you choose for your next project? Now that we’ve explained the distinct characteristics of both Agile and Waterfall, you might be better equipped to answer that question.  

The choice between Agile and Waterfall can fundamentally influence how your projects are executed. This is where using a project management tool like Wrike can be helpful. For Agile teams, Wrike’s interactive dashboards and integrative proofing tools can enable swift adaptations and stronger communication.

On the other hand, for projects that demand the rigorous structure of the Waterfall method, Wrike provides comprehensive planning tools such as detailed Gantt charts and real-time reports. These features ensure that projects following the Waterfall method proceed on a clearly defined path, with each phase thoroughly documented and transitions smoothly managed.

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