Agile vs waterfall: A buyer's guide to how your software gets built
Plain-English guide to development methodologies for UK business owners commissioning software.
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What this tool does
This assessment helps you understand which software development methodology is likely to work best for your specific project. By answering 7 questions about your requirements clarity, availability, budget preferences, and organisational decision-making, you'll receive a recommendation with practical guidance on what to expect.
Be honest - there are no "right" answers, just answers that help identify what's best for your situation.
Which approach suits your project?
Answer 7 questions about your project characteristics to receive a personalised methodology recommendation. This takes approximately 3 minutes.
Question 1 of 7
This assessment provides general guidance based on typical project characteristics. Every project is unique - discuss your specific needs with potential development partners.
Want to discuss your results with a software development expert?
Book a free consultationUnderstanding the three approaches
Waterfall
All requirements are defined upfront and development follows sequential phases. Best for stable requirements, regulatory documentation needs, and limited ongoing availability.
Agile
Iterative approach delivering working software in short cycles (sprints) with regular feedback. Best for evolving requirements and regular client involvement.
Hybrid
Combines elements of both approaches - structured planning with iterative flexibility. Most common approach used by experienced development partners.
When to use this tool
- Starting a new project - Understand which approach will work best before engaging developers
- Evaluating proposals - Compare development partner recommendations against your profile
- Team alignment - Ensure stakeholders agree on expectations for the project
- Contract discussions - Inform pricing model and engagement terms
Frequently asked questions
Waterfall is a linear, sequential approach where each phase must be completed before moving to the next. Agile is iterative and adaptive, delivering working software in short cycles with continuous feedback. Hybrid combines elements of both, using structured planning from Waterfall with the flexibility of Agile sprints.
Agile typically delivers faster because it releases working software frequently, often every 2-4 weeks. Research shows Agile projects have a 64% success rate compared to 49% for Waterfall. However, 'fastest' depends on your definition: Agile delivers working increments sooner, while Waterfall delivers the complete solution at the end.
Waterfall projects typically use fixed-price contracts based on detailed upfront specifications. Agile projects usually use time-and-materials pricing with transparency each sprint. Hybrid approaches may combine both: fixed-price for well-defined components and flexible pricing for evolving features. The total cost depends more on project complexity than methodology choice.
Waterfall requires intensive involvement at the start (for detailed requirements) and end (for testing and sign-off), with limited engagement between. Agile requires consistent involvement of 3-5 hours weekly throughout the project for sprint reviews and feedback. Hybrid falls somewhere between, with structured checkpoints and some ongoing involvement.
While possible, switching methodologies mid-project is challenging and can cause delays. It is better to choose a hybrid approach from the start if you anticipate needing flexibility. If you must switch, plan for a transition period and clear communication with all stakeholders about new expectations and processes.
The recommendation is based on your project characteristics, not your team capabilities. If your team lacks experience with the recommended methodology, you have three options: invest in training, hire consultants or contractors with the required expertise, or work with a development partner experienced in that approach. Most professional development companies can guide you through any methodology.
