Published on 04/24/25

How do you apply agile methodology when you have a fixed schedule and budget?

Valentin
Valentin Quillier
Project Manager
10 minutes
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Goodbye to the V-cycle!

The V-cycle, with its long, fixed phases and lack of flexibility, is a thing of the past. In the digital world, needs evolve too quickly to accommodate a rigid model where everything is defined before an idea is even tested. And yet, a project cannot move forward without a schedule, a budget or a functional framework. In this context, how can we reconcile agility and efficient organization?

The V-cycle: A rigid but historical approach

The evolution of methods: From V-Cycle to Agile

Historically, the V-cycle was designed for projects where the environment is stable and standardized, such as in industry or aeronautics. It imposes a linear progression: analysis, design, development, testing, acceptance. Once a phase has been completed, it is difficult to go back without incurring additional costs or delays.

And yet, in a digital project, needs are constantly evolving. An initially pertinent idea may turn out to be obsolete once it's in production. This rigidity slows down innovation and complicates change management.

The agile philosophy is above all a change of mindset.

Agility is not simply a way of doing things, but rather a state of mind based on several key principles:

  • Adaptability: Projects evolve according to user feedback.
  • Collaboration: Interaction between teams and customers is essential.
  • Continuous improvement: We constantly adjust to maximize value.

📌 Did you know?

Contrary to popular belief, Agility is not a single method but a set of different approaches that can be applied via different frameworks:

  • Scrum: Organization in short sprints with demos and retrospectives.
  • Kanban: Visual task management to optimize workflows.
  • Lean: Value prioritization and waste reduction.

To sum up:

V-cycle
on design

Features

  • Sequential approach
  • Detailed documentation
  • Clear upstream vision

 

Benefits

  • Anticipation of risks
  • Precise planning
  • Greater predictability

 

Disadvantages

  • Little room for adjustment
  • Longer initial scoping time

Agility 
on execution

Features

  • Iterative development
  • Continuous feedback
  • Adaptation to needs

 

Benefits

  • Maximum flexibility
  • Continuous delivery
  • Greater stakeholder involvement

 

Disadvantages

  • Difficult to estimate costs
  • Dependence on customer involvement

Our approach: A hybrid methodology

Article Agile methodology - 804xH diagram

Phase 1: Design and scoping

Before launching developments, we begin a design phase structured according to a sequential approach inspired by the V Cycle. This stage provides a precise framework for the project, and includes :

  • UX Researchto understand user needs,
  • Creation of mock-ups and prototypesto validate functional choices,
  • User testingto make upstream adjustments,
  • Drafting of detailed specificationsto anticipate technical constraints.

This phase guarantees a complete vision of the project and aligns all stakeholders. It also ensures technical feasibility and facilitates the establishment of a precise schedule before moving on to development.

 

Phase 2: Development in agile sprints

Once the framework has been validated, we move on to a phase of iterative execution in sprints, where :

  • Each feature is developed, tested and integrated progressively,
  • Feedback from users and stakeholders is taken into account on an ongoing basis,
  • Frequent deliveries enable the project to be quickly adjusted to changes and priorities.

This hybrid approach combines the rigor of initial scoping with the flexibility of sprints, guaranteeing better adaptation to changes while keeping costs and schedules under control.

You've got everything you need to go Agile.

The important thing is not to dogmatically apply a method, but to adopt an agile mindset:

✅ Encourage exchanges and stakeholder involvement.

✅ Maintain controlled flexibility within a defined framework.

✅ Avoid unpleasant surprises while maximizing the value delivered.

Our objective? An efficient, adaptable project that truly meets users' needs. Out with the rigid V-cycle, in with a pragmatic, agile organization!

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