Summary of Nine Principles of DSDM

1. Active User Involvement is Imperative
   • DSDM – a user-centred approach
   • Active participation through lifecycle
2. DSDM Teams must be Empowered to Make Decisions
   • DSDM team comprises developers and users
   • Decisions made as requirements refined or changed
   • No need for recourse to higher management
   • Rapid and informed decision-making
3. The Focus is on Frequent Delivery of Products
   • Team produces agreed products throughout lifecycle
   • Team chooses best approach to achieve objectives
   • Ensures focus on delivery, not just activity
4. Fitness for Business Purpose is the Essential Criterion for Acceptance of Deliverables
   • Build the right product before you build it right
   • Meeting business need is more important than technical perfection
5. An Iterative and Incremental Approach is Necessary  to Converge on an Accurate Business Solution
   • DSDM allows solutions to emerge incrementally
   • Developers make full use of user feedback
   • Partial solutions can be delivered to meet immediate needs
6. All Changes During Development are Reversible
   • All products should be in a known state at all times
   • It should be possible to step backwards, where an approach does not work
   • The team should be willing to embrace change and not be defensive
7. Requirements are Baselined at a High Level
   • Freezing and agreeing purpose and scope of system
   • Baseline at a level which allows detailed investigation of requirements at a later stage
8. Testing is Integrated Throughout the Lifecycle
   • Not a separate activity at the end
   • System is tested and reviewed incrementally by developers and users
   • Testing evolves as prototypes mature
   • Aim is to find and fix errors as early as possible
9. A Collaborative and Co-operative Approach between all Stakeholders is Essential
   • Everyone working together as a team
   • Shared goal of achieving the business objectives
   • Give and take on all sides
   • Involves all parties, not just core team

Nine Principles of DSDM -Detail

Source

• University of Greenwich,  London, UK