The power of iteration: How to embrace digital transformation with agility
In the digital age, technology is transforming how we live and work. Keeping up with the evolution of technology can be the difference between success and failure for many businesses.
TL;DR [too long; didn't read] 🤯
- You can make projects easier to deliver with Agile.
- You can embrace early ROI with Agile digital transformation.
- Working iteratively removes the stress from a significant digital transformation project.
- Download our digital transformation eBook for further insights 🙌.
In the digital age, technology is transforming how we live and work. Keeping up with the evolution of technology can be the difference between success and failure for many businesses.
Two decades ago, websites were once simple and standalone. Now they are complex and offer more opportunities to add value than ever.
Websites have become systems for lead generation and guiding users to the services they need. Digital presence goes beyond websites, including seamless app integration and constant updates on social media and online directories. This is where digital transformations are concerned.
What is digital transformation?
Digital transformation: Digital transformation refers to a process of change that utilises new digital practices to replace older technology or non-digital practices within your business. The motivation behind digital transformation is often driven by business needs, market requirements, a desire for increased efficiency or the need to improve internal culture and customer experiences.
Why would you want to transform digitally?
Digital transformation improves a business's way of working to become more efficient and improve customer experience. There are several reasons why your business should and needs to digitally transform, including;
1. Adapting to evolution
By steadily embracing digital technologies, businesses can stay competitive and meet the changing expectations of customers, who increasingly prefer digital interactions and personalised experiences.
2. Optimised operations
Automating manual tasks and processes for your team can save time, reduce errors, increase job satisfaction and free up resources to focus on higher-value activities.
3. Improved collaboration
Digital transformation facilitates better collaboration and user experience both internally and externally. The right tools enable remote collaboration and access to information from anywhere for employees. Whilst also providing better opportunities to engage with customers, build stronger relationships, and provide personalised experiences.
How can you transform?
Traditional vs. modern practices in web development.
Previously, the development and launch of a website in years gone by has relied upon traditional, linear project management methods.
They are characterised by extensive planning, long lead times and a big launch, also known as a big bang. This approach can encounter problems and be slow or costly to adapt when unexpected issues arise. What we are describing is typically known as a waterfall approach.
Waterfall vs. Agile: Waterfall and agile are two distinct methodologies and processes for completing projects. The waterfall model is a sequential, linear approach, following an order where each project phase flows down to the next. The next phase in a waterfall project cannot be started until the previous one is completed. An agile approach is more flexible and is an incremental model whereby the project is broken down into smaller tasks to be completed in short timeframes. The project is completed in increments, with features being released and improved in response to user feedback.
In software development, modern practices opt for an incremental method of digital transformation. This emphasises gradual evolution and small changes over time, known as the agile approach.
Typically speaking, when making incremental changes, the feedback from organisations is that the team feels empowered and able to deliver value quickly and efficiently. The practice of making multiple iterations and learning from them makes the teams more confident and able to unlock ideas that had once felt too scary.
How does agile improve the implementation of large digital transformation projects?
For example, migrating to a new CMS platform.
Breaking the habit of using the traditional "waterfall" method for digital transformations and large projects can be challenging for businesses. Moving away from familiar, tried, and tested methods can feel scary, but with the proper support, it can feel empowering.
A better way to start large projects is by adopting an incremental approach using agile methodology and developing and changing one small aspect at a time, avoiding big launches and embracing gradual evolution.
Overcoming reliance upon outdated methods for implementing digital transformation can provide value quickly for your organisation, stakeholders and customers. It can also reduce the stress surrounding delivering a large project, taking away from a big reveal, instead offering more minor, frequent updates for your team.
Digital transformations wrapped up
By focusing on renewing and launching individual components one by one, organisations can benefit from digital transformations in the short term and avoid knee-jerk reactions whilst steadily improving the customer experience.
Continue on your journey to embrace digital transformation by reading our eBook.
Our eBook, "Avoiding the cliff edge: Why digital transformation should be agile", takes insights from experts in digital transformation and psychologists who share why the incremental method for digital transformation is better.
