SAFe Principle #3: Embracing Variability and Preserving Options
Introduction
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Principle #3, “Assume variability, preserve options,” emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing variability in complex systems and projects. Instead of attempting to eliminate variability upfront, SAFe advocates for deferring major decisions and preserving options until more information and insights are available. This principle enables organizations to make more informed choices and reduce the risk of premature decisions that may not align with desired outcomes.
Embracing Variability
SAFe recognizes that variability is inherent in complex systems and projects. Trying to eliminate variability upfront can be counterproductive, as it may lead to a false sense of certainty and hinder the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Instead, organizations should embrace variability as a natural part of the development process and focus on managing it effectively.
Deferring Major Decisions
SAFe emphasizes the importance of deferring major decision-making until more information and insights are available. By doing so, organizations can avoid making premature decisions that may not be optimal in the long run. Deferring decisions allows for a more thorough understanding of the problem space, enabling organizations to make more informed choices that align with their strategic goals.
Set-Based Design
SAFe Principle #3 promotes the use of Set-Based Design (SBD) or Set-Based Concurrent Engineering (SBCE) approaches. These methods involve considering multiple design choices initially, continuously evaluating trade-offs, and eliminating weaker options over time. This approach helps organizations converge on a final design that is more optimal both technically and economically.
Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty
SAFe acknowledges that organizations cannot have all the answers upfront and that navigating complexity and uncertainty requires a process of experimentation and adaptation. By assuming variability and preserving options, organizations can navigate the unknowns more effectively and discover the best way forward. This principle enables organizations to be more agile and responsive to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
SAFe Principle #3, “Assume variability, preserve options,” is a crucial principle for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of modern software development. By embracing variability, deferring major decisions, utilizing Set-Based Design, and acknowledging the need for experimentation and adaptation, organizations can increase their agility, reduce risk, and improve their chances of success.
References
- SAFe Principle 3: Assume variability, preserve options – O’Reilly
- SAFe Principle 3: Assume variability, preserve options | The SAFe Principles | InformIT
- SAFe Principle 3: Assume variability, preserve options – Value Glide
FAQs
What is SAFe Principle #3?
SAFe Principle #3 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing variability in complex systems and projects, deferring major decisions until more information is available, and preserving options to maintain flexibility.
Why is embracing variability important?
Embracing variability allows organizations to recognize that uncertainty is inherent in complex systems and projects. Instead of trying to eliminate variability upfront, organizations can focus on managing it effectively.
How does deferring major decisions help organizations?
Deferring major decisions allows organizations to gather more information and insights before making choices. This can help reduce the risk of making premature decisions that may not align with desired outcomes.
What is Set-Based Design?
Set-Based Design (SBD) is an approach that involves considering multiple design choices initially, continuously evaluating trade-offs, and eliminating weaker options over time. This helps organizations converge on a final design that is more optimal both technically and economically.
How does SAFe Principle #3 help organizations navigate complexity and uncertainty?
By assuming variability and preserving options, organizations can be more agile and responsive to changing circumstances. This enables them to navigate complexity and uncertainty more effectively and discover the best way forward.
What are some benefits of following SAFe Principle #3?
Following SAFe Principle #3 can help organizations increase their agility, reduce risk, and improve their chances of success in complex and uncertain environments.
How can organizations implement SAFe Principle #3?
Organizations can implement SAFe Principle #3 by embracing variability, deferring major decisions, utilizing Set-Based Design, and acknowledging the need for experimentation and adaptation.
What are some examples of how SAFe Principle #3 is used in practice?
SAFe Principle #3 is used in various industries and projects. For example, in software development, teams may use Set-Based Design to explore multiple design options before converging on a final solution. In manufacturing, organizations may defer major decisions about production processes until they have gathered sufficient data and insights.