Agile vs. V Model

The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast · 30 Mar 2023 · 45m

What this episode covers

Hosts Jeff Gable and Luca engineer discuss reconciling the V-model with Agile development, particularly for safety-critical industries like medical devices. They argue that the V-model correctly identifies necessary activities but fails when applied as a long-cycle waterfall process. The speakers advocate for treating Agile as a series of mini-Vs, emphasizing rapid iteration, automated documentation, and breaking down silos between engineering and controlling departments to manage risk effectively.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Global Medical Device Podcast · 38m

    Waterfall vs. Agile: Battle of the Product Development Methodologies

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  • Embedded.fm · 1h 23m

    440: Condemned to Being Perfect

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    Curtis Cole, a veteran embedded systems engineer and former VP of Engineering at Leapfrog, argues that Agile methodologies like Scrum and Test-Driven Development (TDD) are effective for embedded software when adapted to hardware constraints. He explains how user stories, sprints, and story points allow teams to manage unknown requirements and deliver incremental, usable prototypes without compromising the final product's stability. Cole emphasizes that Agile is merely a process tool; success depends on hiring skilled engineers who prioritize quality, testing, and modular design over mere speed.

  • The Hardware Entrepreneur · 12m

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    Host Balint Horvath discusses the necessity of agile transformation in hardware companies, citing examples like Tesla, Bosch, and Mercedes-Benz to illustrate the risks of rigid waterfall development. He details a Swiss high-tech company's shift from functional silos to cross-functional teams to improve synchronization and accountability. Horvath highlights specific Scrum tactics for hardware, such as modular design with defined interfaces and T-shaped skill development, while referencing Paulo Samicelli's book 'Scrum for Hardware'.

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 09m

    67: Software for Things That Can Kill People

    Hosts Chris White and Elecia White discuss the rigorous regulatory processes for safety-critical software, drawing on their experiences with the FAA (DO-178B) and FDA (510k, PMA) for medical devices and avionics. They explain how hazard analysis determines certification levels, the necessity of extensive documentation and traceability, and the tension between agile development and waterfall compliance. The conversation highlights the ethical responsibility of engineers to push back against unsafe deadlines, the use of hardware compartmentalization (FPGAs, voting systems) to ensure safety, and the legal liabilities associated with product failures.

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