User-Centered Agile Methods (Synthesis Lectures on Human-Centered Informatics) [Paperback]

Hugh Beyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2010 | ISBN-10: 1608453723 | ISBN-13: 978-1608453726 | Edition: 1

With the introduction and popularization of Agile methods of software development, existing relationships and working agreements between user experience groups and developers are being disrupted. Agile methods introduce new concepts: the Product Owner, the Customer (but not the user), short iterations, User Stories. Where do UX professionals fit in this new world? Agile methods also bring a new mindset -- no big design, no specifications, minimal planning -- which conflict with the needs of UX design. This lecture discusses the key elements of Agile for the UX community and describes strategies UX people can use to contribute effectively in an Agile team, overcome key weaknesses in Agile methods as typically implemented, and produce a more robust process and more successful designs. We present a process combining the best practices of Contextual Design, a leading approach to user-centered design, with those of Agile development. Table of Contents: Introduction / Common Agile Methods / Agile Culture / Best Practices for Integrating UX with Agile / Structure of a User-Centered Agile Process / Structuring Projects / Conclusion

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers; 1 edition (June 3, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1608453723
• ISBN-13: 978-1608453726
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,253,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a agile book from a true UX/UCD perspective February 24, 2012

By Ryan L. Winzenburg

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am so grateful for this book.

I'm a UXer who has struggled with working in agile environments for the past 5 years. This book provides an excellent framework for UX Design and Development harmony.

Doing UX/UCD in a "pure" agile environment is akin to an architect being constrained by the plumber or electrician's process.

Hugh Beyer's book brings some sanity to the process by detailing how the goals and thus the tasks of these two roles are different.

If you work at a company who is just starting to implement agile, I highly recommend this book before the horse gets out of the barn