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Lean vs Agile vs Design Thinking: What you really need to know to build high-performing digital product teams
As companies evolve to adopt, integrate and leverage software as the defining element of their success in the 21st century, a rash of processes and methodologies are vying for their product teams' attention. In the worst of cases, each discipline on these teams -- product management, design and software engineering -- learn a different model. This short, tactical book reconciles the perceived differences in Lean Startup, Design Thinking and Agile software development by focusing not on rituals and practices but on the values that underpin all 3 methods.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2017
210 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Gothelf
14 books100 followersIn a world of continuous change, improvement and optimisation the delivery of products to market is no longer the right measure of success. Instead we must focus on outcomes — meaningful changes in human behavior — to tell us if we’ve delivered anything valuable to our customers.
I teach executives and teams — through remote training, workshops, keynotes, & books — to focus on their customers, learn from mistakes and create a customer-obsessed culture based in humility and agility that continuously improves their products and services and the way they work.
I am the co-author of Sense and Respond, Lean UX and Lean vs Agile vs Design Thinking. My most recent book is called Forever Employable: How to stop looking for work and let your next job find you.
I am currently writing a book on Objectives and Key Results.
I teach executives and teams — through remote training, workshops, keynotes, & books — to focus on their customers, learn from mistakes and create a customer-obsessed culture based in humility and agility that continuously improves their products and services and the way they work.
I am the co-author of Sense and Respond, Lean UX and Lean vs Agile vs Design Thinking. My most recent book is called Forever Employable: How to stop looking for work and let your next job find you.
I am currently writing a book on Objectives and Key Results.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 2, 2017
I would call this a pretty neat 'to the point' essay on combining Agile (such as Scrum), Lean (Gothelf himself wrote Lean UX: Applying Lean Principles to Improve User Experience) and Design Thinking, which is really the big talk of the town at the moment.
The text only spans 55 pages so don't expect a lot of models, data tables or other tools; instead expect a lot of common sense and good advice.
I especially like what he writes about 'MVP' - a term that has been almost completely warped:
In the first part of the book/essay, Gothelf takes you on a quick tour through the three approaches/methods mentioned in the title and in the closing chapter he basically tells you to take what you need (and what makes sense) from each of the three. Which makes sense.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but Gothelf does it in a way that makes you wonder how you would go about doing this the right way.
Gothelf has 10 (of course there are 10...) recommendations/core practices:
1. Work in short cycles
2. Hold regular retrospectives
3. Put the customer at the center of everything
4. Go and see
5. Balance product discovery with delivery work by only testing high-risk hypotheses
6. Do less research, more often
7. Work (and train) as one balanced team
8. Radical transparency
9. Review your incentive structure (and performance management criteria)
10. Make product discovery work a first-class citizen of your backlog
These are all great tips that a lot of companies can benefit from - I think especially #9 deserves more attention.
The text only spans 55 pages so don't expect a lot of models, data tables or other tools; instead expect a lot of common sense and good advice.
I especially like what he writes about 'MVP' - a term that has been almost completely warped:
However, dig into what most organizations know of Lean Startup, and you'll likely end up where most Lean Enterprises do - the MVP. Standing for Minimum Viable Product, MVP has become one of the most powerful and bastardized phrases in modern product development. As product managers strice to steer their engineering colleagues to build only what they need, the conversation inevitably nets out at what most would consider Phase 1 of the product, with the reality of a future Phase II never a sure thing. Despite Lean Startup's core foundation on Agile principles and rhythms, few product teams work to integrate these to products.
In the first part of the book/essay, Gothelf takes you on a quick tour through the three approaches/methods mentioned in the title and in the closing chapter he basically tells you to take what you need (and what makes sense) from each of the three. Which makes sense.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but Gothelf does it in a way that makes you wonder how you would go about doing this the right way.
Gothelf has 10 (of course there are 10...) recommendations/core practices:
1. Work in short cycles
2. Hold regular retrospectives
3. Put the customer at the center of everything
4. Go and see
5. Balance product discovery with delivery work by only testing high-risk hypotheses
6. Do less research, more often
7. Work (and train) as one balanced team
8. Radical transparency
9. Review your incentive structure (and performance management criteria)
10. Make product discovery work a first-class citizen of your backlog
These are all great tips that a lot of companies can benefit from - I think especially #9 deserves more attention.
June 26, 2017
You know those facebook posts where someone complains that they bought a rug on Amazon, but they didn't read the product details and they actually bought dollhouse rug instead? Well, that's how I feel about this 55 page "book", with a one and a half page chapter dedicated to Design Thinking.
The writing was clear, to the point, and very similar to my views on the whole agile / lean / design thinking conference and certification machine. I just wish I read it on a blog and saved the $10 for some Hemingway.
The writing was clear, to the point, and very similar to my views on the whole agile / lean / design thinking conference and certification machine. I just wish I read it on a blog and saved the $10 for some Hemingway.
January 1, 2019
Superficial y conciso. Solo lo recomendaría para alguien que no sabe nada y quiere una opinión de los métodos en menos de dos horas. Mala edición, demasiados errores gramaticales. Siento que perdí mi dinero y mi tiempo con este libro. Buena suerte.
January 14, 2019
Síntesis e Integración en una extensión breve
Resume el propósito y rescata la esencia de cada metodología, contrastando sus diferencias, pero siempre manteniendo el foco en conciliar con el objetivo final de negocio que se tenga.
Facilita la reflexión en torno a estas actuales formas de trabajar y la aportación de cada una.
No es un libro que detalle las metodologías, puesto que no es lo que pretende el texto.
Resume el propósito y rescata la esencia de cada metodología, contrastando sus diferencias, pero siempre manteniendo el foco en conciliar con el objetivo final de negocio que se tenga.
Facilita la reflexión en torno a estas actuales formas de trabajar y la aportación de cada una.
No es un libro que detalle las metodologías, puesto que no es lo que pretende el texto.
May 1, 2019
Está cortísimo, de 85 páginas; lo empecé, me piqué y lo terminé en la misma sentada.
Muy útil para entender bien las diferencias entre cada una de las metodologías. En lo personal las que eh utilizado (Agile y Design Thnking) estaba explicadas de manera correcta hasta donde pude darme cuenta, así que asumo que lo demás también.
Escrito de manera ligera para leer pero rico en contenido técnico y útil, que era lo que yo buscaba.
Muy útil para entender bien las diferencias entre cada una de las metodologías. En lo personal las que eh utilizado (Agile y Design Thnking) estaba explicadas de manera correcta hasta donde pude darme cuenta, así que asumo que lo demás también.
Escrito de manera ligera para leer pero rico en contenido técnico y útil, que era lo que yo buscaba.
September 30, 2021
Practical pocket book that summarizes the big problem in many technology product organizations today, due to the distortions that have been generated over time in the use of various methodologies. At the end of the day, the important thing is always the customer, regardless of the methodology or technology as Jeff puts it. Recommended for those who have lived in a sea of confusion for years trying different approaches.
May 25, 2023
A practical comparison of and a great book for an introduction especially for those who don't need the details since it is very tiny one. This work will be useful for the front end developers a digital product team.
October 10, 2018
Da buenos consejos para integrar las tres metodologías o filosofías con una conclusión clara: céntrate en el usuario y toma lo que puedas de cada una.
November 20, 2021
Demasiado superficial. Es solo una embarradita de las 3 metodologías, si no conoces nada de ellas te puede ser útil como una introducción pero si ya tienes conocimientos previos y quieres realmente una comparativa, mejor elige libros específicos de la metodología y haz tú el ejercicio de la comparativa 😅.
Nunca llegó a una conclusión, la respuesta fue "haz la que mejor te convenga y te ajuste".
Leí la versión traducida y sinceramente deja mucho que desear. Varios typos y errores gramaticales.
Nunca llegó a una conclusión, la respuesta fue "haz la que mejor te convenga y te ajuste".
Leí la versión traducida y sinceramente deja mucho que desear. Varios typos y errores gramaticales.
November 20, 2018
Este no es un libro, es un folleto, se lle tan rápido como si se tratase de un artículo de opinión. Los temas son tocados superficialmente y de forma ejecutiva (no técnica). Su narración es casi anecdótica. Mi crítica se enfoca más al hecho de que no vale lo que cuesta.
June 10, 2019
Everyone who works on some phase of product implementation should read this short but impactful book! Great overview of each technique with insightful authors comments on why it can (and sometimes is failing) when applied specifically to big teams or large companies.
October 15, 2019
No termina siendo una comparación
Muy básico, no termina sirviendo para saber cómo integrar los tres conceptos o dónde utilizar cada uno por separado. No queda claro y los conceptos son básicos
Muy básico, no termina sirviendo para saber cómo integrar los tres conceptos o dónde utilizar cada uno por separado. No queda claro y los conceptos son básicos
March 5, 2019
The Good Fella’s reference the author likes to come back to doesn’t really add any value, in my opinion.. But I get what he was trying to say.
I’m currently working within an “Agile” environment, and this pretty much nails down exactly the issues that we are encountering. There are an abundance of methodologies that a team can work in, and the lines between each can become so blurred that you’re not sure what you’re working in anymore. Tensions run high. Backlogs become longer and longer. Immediate solutions are coded before they are thought about. Etc etc. this is a nice book that validates those frustrations and helps you gain better understanding for really what each team is working within and how that understanding allows for better collaboration. Nice add to the library. And good for anyone who, like me, needs a little bit more to go in when working with a larger tech community. But didn’t tell me anything I didn’t, on some level, already know.
I’m currently working within an “Agile” environment, and this pretty much nails down exactly the issues that we are encountering. There are an abundance of methodologies that a team can work in, and the lines between each can become so blurred that you’re not sure what you’re working in anymore. Tensions run high. Backlogs become longer and longer. Immediate solutions are coded before they are thought about. Etc etc. this is a nice book that validates those frustrations and helps you gain better understanding for really what each team is working within and how that understanding allows for better collaboration. Nice add to the library. And good for anyone who, like me, needs a little bit more to go in when working with a larger tech community. But didn’t tell me anything I didn’t, on some level, already know.
June 24, 2022
A few very useful insights – that you might find in other books too.
This book, on the other hand, I have a couple of issues with:
1. Don’t mix up Lean and Lean Start-up; one of those is a real thing
2. If Agile teams really do „lack a clear understanding of customer needs”, they’re not actually Agile.
3. You can’t “pick and choose the specific elements” from Agile, Lean Start-up and Design Thinking. That’s doing agile, not being agile.
4. Don’t be “radically transparent” and “open your retrospectives to everyone”, that won’t increase trust. Instead, do open up your reviews, but keep the retros safe.
This book, on the other hand, I have a couple of issues with:
1. Don’t mix up Lean and Lean Start-up; one of those is a real thing
2. If Agile teams really do „lack a clear understanding of customer needs”, they’re not actually Agile.
3. You can’t “pick and choose the specific elements” from Agile, Lean Start-up and Design Thinking. That’s doing agile, not being agile.
4. Don’t be “radically transparent” and “open your retrospectives to everyone”, that won’t increase trust. Instead, do open up your reviews, but keep the retros safe.
August 15, 2022
Es decepcionante que sea un libro taaaan breve, casi una nota de blog. Sin embargo, es útil para aquellos que trabajamos en la industria de la innovación digital, especialmente para aquellos que recién se estar introduciendo en el mundo de las metodologías ágiles. Este libro revela algunos típicos vicios que ocurren en la industria, pero no profundiza en cómo mitigarlos. Tampoco hace mucho hincapié en cómo cruzar las metodologías. Aunque si es un buen punto de partida cuando quieres empezar en agilidad.
September 6, 2021
Pros:
- Te cuenta más sobre la historia de estas metodologías desde su origen y te anima activamente a que las apliques a tu organización.
- Es una concisa forma de entender cómo funciona un equipo de trabajo en el área de producto.
Contras:
- Faltas de ortografía.
-Pésima traducción de un hombre que se vende como profesor del ITAM.
- En realidad, la conclusión del libro es: «Toma partes de estas tres metodologías y forma tú tu propia estrategia de trabajo en tus equipos», o sea, es volver al punto inicial. No hay una enseñanza realmente desconocida para las personas que sí estamos en el área.
- Te cuenta más sobre la historia de estas metodologías desde su origen y te anima activamente a que las apliques a tu organización.
- Es una concisa forma de entender cómo funciona un equipo de trabajo en el área de producto.
Contras:
- Faltas de ortografía.
-Pésima traducción de un hombre que se vende como profesor del ITAM.
- En realidad, la conclusión del libro es: «Toma partes de estas tres metodologías y forma tú tu propia estrategia de trabajo en tus equipos», o sea, es volver al punto inicial. No hay una enseñanza realmente desconocida para las personas que sí estamos en el área.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2018
Muy buen libro, bien explicadas las diversas perspectivas de las metodologias
Lo recomiendo para las personas que estan por incursionar en alguna de las 3 metodologias propuestas en el libro. Muy bien explicadas las ideas principales, diferencias de las metodologias ademas de su interrelacion y colaboracion para lograr el mismo objetivo.
Lo recomiendo para las personas que estan por incursionar en alguna de las 3 metodologias propuestas en el libro. Muy bien explicadas las ideas principales, diferencias de las metodologias ademas de su interrelacion y colaboracion para lograr el mismo objetivo.
July 5, 2019
Buena comparatoria que se diluye
El texto hace un buen compendio del principal objetivo y comparatoria, del mundo Agile / Lean Startup / Design Thinking que finalmente se diluye poco a poco... Buen inicio que se desinfla a medida que se avanza...
Una pena, pues enganché hasta la mitad del libro y esperaba un desenlace alucinante, y no fue tal...
El texto hace un buen compendio del principal objetivo y comparatoria, del mundo Agile / Lean Startup / Design Thinking que finalmente se diluye poco a poco... Buen inicio que se desinfla a medida que se avanza...
Una pena, pues enganché hasta la mitad del libro y esperaba un desenlace alucinante, y no fue tal...
August 4, 2019
Buena introducción
Es muy buen libro a modo introductorio para dejar en claro varios conceptos y buenas prácticas de estas 3 metodologías. Sería interesante una visión mas esquemática de cómo pueden converger estas 3 metodologías de acuerdo al objetivo buscado (liberar funcionalidades mas rápido, mayor aprendizaje, etc.).
Es muy buen libro a modo introductorio para dejar en claro varios conceptos y buenas prácticas de estas 3 metodologías. Sería interesante una visión mas esquemática de cómo pueden converger estas 3 metodologías de acuerdo al objetivo buscado (liberar funcionalidades mas rápido, mayor aprendizaje, etc.).
October 24, 2019
A short, good read, however, it stops short of giving really good guidance on the integration of these practices. It gives some light, broad suggestions, but some more detailed, concrete specifics on how it had worked for him would improve the closing.
The best part was his highlighting the strengths and weaknesses (or vulnerabilities) of each.
The best part was his highlighting the strengths and weaknesses (or vulnerabilities) of each.
March 23, 2021
To my surprise, that was a really short booklet and felt like it was something that was inside of an other more expensive book.
It was still nice to see all three methodologies next to each other and have a short summary what the benefits are and how they can be combined.
For me it's rather an introduction to the ideas and I should have read it earlier, prior to many other books.
It was still nice to see all three methodologies next to each other and have a short summary what the benefits are and how they can be combined.
For me it's rather an introduction to the ideas and I should have read it earlier, prior to many other books.
June 29, 2023
Short, practical and a good starting point for thinking about product organizations and process.
While I didn't learn anything new, being familiar with all of these frameworks and their applications, I still found the succinct way they are summarized here very useful, and the perspective from which they are evaluated - very helpful.
While I didn't learn anything new, being familiar with all of these frameworks and their applications, I still found the succinct way they are summarized here very useful, and the perspective from which they are evaluated - very helpful.
November 18, 2017
Buena definición de los términos.
Es un libro sencillo para aprender las diferencias de estas metodologías, pero lo más importante es descubrir la razón principal de utilizarlas en nuestras actividades.
Es un libro sencillo para aprender las diferencias de estas metodologías, pero lo más importante es descubrir la razón principal de utilizarlas en nuestras actividades.
April 10, 2018
Es un blend de lo que todos tenemos en la cabeza pero por separado
Es un libro interesante y ameno, conceptualmente práctico en la manera de mezclar técnicas. Ligero y con un gran sentido real de las cosas que suceden en la vida real
Es un libro interesante y ameno, conceptualmente práctico en la manera de mezclar técnicas. Ligero y con un gran sentido real de las cosas que suceden en la vida real
September 4, 2018
A summary of a current quandary in the product development and UX worlds. I enjoyed it, but knew it was high level because the audiobook was only 45 minutes and cost $1.95. I listened to it twice to make sure I didn't space out during something important.
February 21, 2019
Lo recomiendo
Muy buen análisis de las metodologías que están en vigencia y las más recomendada. Da una amplia visión de como llevar a cabo una estrategia de trabajo centrado en la satisfacción del usuario o consumidor
Muy buen análisis de las metodologías que están en vigencia y las más recomendada. Da una amplia visión de como llevar a cabo una estrategia de trabajo centrado en la satisfacción del usuario o consumidor
September 1, 2019
Fast review of the 3 tendencies
I appreciate how the author explains the key aspects of each methodology and the way these can work together.
Maybe I expect more details in the 10 advices.
I appreciate how the author explains the key aspects of each methodology and the way these can work together.
Maybe I expect more details in the 10 advices.
March 23, 2020
Me gustó pero no me impactó
Es un libro que te cuenta sobre las metodologías y problemas de las mismas creo que le falta ser concretó en cosas puntuales, es como un Resumen del tema.
Es un libro que te cuenta sobre las metodologías y problemas de las mismas creo que le falta ser concretó en cosas puntuales, es como un Resumen del tema.
July 6, 2023
Te da un apoyo muy bueno cuando inicias al mundo del desarrollo, dependiendo de que lado vienes. Mas viniendo del lado de diseñador poder completar que puedes tomar de otras formas de trabajo y complementar tu area para una mejor efectividad
October 21, 2017
Needs more meat
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews