USDS Quick and Dirty Skinny on Agile Software Development
A plain-language primer that explains the core principles of agile software development and how teams plan, prioritize, and deliver work iteratively.
This guide introduces key agile concepts such as prioritizing working software over documentation, collaborating closely with customers, and adapting plans based on feedback rather than rigidly following upfront requirements (p. 1).
It explains how teams use roadmaps, epics, user stories, backlogs, and iterations/sprints to break large initiatives into small, testable units of work and deliver value incrementally (pp. 1–3). The resource also covers common pitfalls—like writing overly detailed stories or skipping conversations with stakeholders—and provides practical guidance on story sizing, acceptance criteria, and iterative planning to support continuous learning and improvement (pp. 4–5).
Share this Resource:
