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A system demo is a critical event in agile software development, where the teams showcase the integrated features and functionalities of the solution they have built in the last iteration. It provides an opportunity to get feedback from stakeholders, customers, and other teams, and to measure the progress and value of the solution.
However, not all system demos are effective and successful. Sometimes, teams fall into some common pitfalls that reduce the quality and impact of their system demos. These pitfalls are known as anti-patterns, which are bad practices that should be avoided or corrected.
In this article, we will explore some of the common anti-patterns related to system demos, and how to avoid them.
Anti-Pattern 1: No System Demo
The most obvious anti-pattern is to skip the system demo altogether. This can happen for various reasons, such as:
- The teams think that their work is not ready or good enough to be shown.
- The teams do not have a proper demo environment or tools to present their work.
- The teams do not see the value or benefit of doing a system demo.
- The teams are too busy or overwhelmed with other tasks or issues.
Skipping the system demo is a big mistake, as it deprives the teams of the chance to get feedback, validation, and recognition for their work. It also creates a gap between the teams and the stakeholders, customers, and other teams, who may not be aware of what the teams are working on, or how they are solving the problems.
To avoid this anti-pattern, the teams should:
- Adopt a mindset of continuous integration and delivery, where they aim to produce working software that can be demonstrated at any time.
- Set up a dedicated demo environment and tools that can support the presentation of their work.
- Plan ahead for the system demo, and allocate enough time and resources for it.
- Embrace feedback as a learning opportunity, and not as a criticism or judgment.
- Celebrate their achievements and successes, and acknowledge their challenges and failures.
Anti-Pattern 2: Team Demos Instead of System Demo
Another common anti-pattern is to replace the system demo with individual team demos. This can happen when:
- The teams work in silos, and do not collaborate or coordinate with each other.
- The teams have different goals, priorities, or expectations for their work.
- The teams do not have a clear vision or understanding of the overall solution or customer needs.
- The teams do not trust or respect each other.
Doing team demos instead of system demo is a problem, as it prevents the teams from showing the integrated and holistic view of their solution. It also creates confusion and inconsistency among the stakeholders, customers, and other teams, who may not see how the different parts of the solution fit together, or how they address the customer needs.
To avoid this anti-pattern, the teams should:
- Adopt a mindset of collaboration and alignment, where they work together towards a common goal and vision.
- Communicate and coordinate with each other regularly, and share their progress, challenges, and dependencies.
- Involve stakeholders and customers in their planning and development process, and seek their feedback and input.
- Trust and respect each other’s expertise and contributions, and appreciate their diversity and differences.
Anti-Pattern 3: Long or Boring System Demo
A third common anti-pattern is to do a long or boring system demo. This can happen when:
- The teams try to show too much or too little in their system demo.
- The teams do not prepare or rehearse for their system demo.
- The teams do not engage or interact with their audience during their system demo.
- The teams do not focus on the value or benefits of their solution during their system demo.
Doing a long or boring system demo is a waste of time and energy, as it reduces the attention and interest of the audience. It also diminishes the impact and credibility of the solution, as it may not convey its relevance or usefulness.
To avoid this anti-pattern, the teams should:
- Adopt a mindset of simplicity and clarity, where they show only what is necessary and important in their system demo.
- Prepare and rehearse for their system demo beforehand, and ensure that it is well organized and structured.
- Engage and interact with their audience during their system demo, and invite them to ask questions, give feedback, or try out the solution themselves.
- Focus on the value or benefits of their solution during their system demo, and explain how it solves customer problems or meets customer needs.
Conclusion
System demos are essential events in agile software development, as they provide an opportunity to showcase the integrated features and functionalities of the solution built by the teams in the last iteration. However, system demos can also be ineffective or unsuccessful if they fall into some common pitfalls, known as anti-patterns. These anti-patterns are bad practices that should be avoided or corrected, as they can reduce the quality and impact of the system demos.
In this article, we have discussed some of the common anti-patterns related to system demos, and how to avoid them. By following these tips, the teams can improve their system demos, and make them more effective and successful.
According to StarAgile, some of the common anti-patterns related to system demos are:
- No system demo
- Team demos instead of system demo
- Long or boring system demo
By avoiding these anti-patterns, the teams can:
- Get feedback, validation, and recognition for their work
- Show the integrated and holistic view of their solution
- Convey the relevance and usefulness of their solution
- Engage and interest their audience
