David Hussman Evolving Our Designs

What is software architecture and how does it relate agile methodologies? More importantly, are these questions (and their answers) in conflict? Too often, agile development is associated with cowboy coding, possibly a reaction to evangelist statements about the failings of Big Design Up Front (BDUF). Having worked with projects (agile and non-agile) of varying sizes, I find that success most often involves pragmatic designs incrementally implemented. Choosing to create a shared vision via architectural means need not collide with agile principles and practices, but I am sure that agile community will continue to question the associated ROI. This talk will challenge the traditionalists to re-evaluate agile, and the agile community to further embrace change.

David Hussman has been building software for more than 10 years. In that time, he has developed in the following fields: medical, digital audio, digital biometrics, retail, and education. For the past four years, David has coached large and small teams in the U.S., Canada, and Russia. As well as speaking and presenting at agile conferences in the U.S. and Europe, David has contributed to several books, published at numerous agile conferences, contributed to the Cutter Consortium, and recently completed a series of interviews for Capella University courses. He is a partner with SGF Software in Minneapolis.