Week 14 · learning day 5
Manifesto principles and method selection
Agile Product Development (Part 1) · 60–90 minutes
Today’s outcomes
- Explain manifesto principles and method selection in the context of agile product development (part 1).
- Decide a product decision using the source outcome rather than intuition alone.
- Produce a reusable section of a delivery-method decision.
Source trace
W14-O02Differentiate between waterfall and Agile methodologies.
Core lesson
Make the choice inspectable
Manifesto principles and method selection matters when it changes a real allocation of attention, money, time, or delivery capacity. Agile reduces uncertainty through small increments and frequent learning.
Start by naming the decision and the uncertainty around it. Separate evidence from assumptions, compare at least one alternative, and state what would make you revise the choice.
The source outcome for today is: Differentiate between waterfall and Agile methodologies.
What decision will manifesto principles and method selection improve, what evidence is sufficient for that decision, and what is the cost of being wrong?
Worked example
Manifesto principles and method selection in practice
For an asynchronous planning workspace, the product manager must decide a choice about manifesto principles and method selection. The team records the target user and outcome, the evidence currently available, the strongest alternative, and the next reversible test. The recommendation is written as a choice with a reason—not as a list of features.
Do the work · 20 minutes
Turn the idea into a decision
- Choose a product you know and write the specific decision that manifesto principles and method selection should support.
- List two pieces of evidence, two assumptions, and one credible alternative.
- Make a recommendation in three sentences and add one condition that would change it.
Save to your portfolio
A delivery-method decision — section: Manifesto principles and method selection
Knowledge check
Answer before opening
What is the decision at the centre of manifesto principles and method selection?
A good answer names an accountable choice, not merely an activity or output.
How should evidence and assumptions be separated?
Label observed facts, interpretations, and untested beliefs explicitly so the next learning step is visible.
What makes the recommendation revisable?
It includes a trigger, threshold, or new evidence that would justify changing course.
What should the portfolio artefact communicate?
The context, considered alternatives, chosen direction, rationale, evidence, and remaining risk.
Spaced review
Reconnect the learning
Reflection