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Have you ever read the Simplicity principle of Agile manifesto more carefully?

It may seem counterintuitive at first glance. After all, isn’t the goal of any project team to accomplish as much as possible? The answer, interestingly, lies in the concept of minimal thinking.

Minimal thinking, a concept derived from minimalism, extends beyond Agile practices. It centers on the idea that less is often more and it emphasizes doing only what is necessary, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and focusing on delivering value with the least amount of effort.

In Agile, on the other hand, simplicity is not about doing less work or taking shortcuts. Instead, it encourages teams to find the most straightforward and efficient way to achieve their goals. The principle acknowledges that complexity is the enemy of progress and that unnecessary work can lead to wasted time and resources. Therefore, by maximizing the amount of work not done, agile teams can reduce the risk of feature bloat, scope creep, and technical debt. This allows them to focus on delivering the most valuable features and improvements, ensuring that the product remains nimble and responsive to changing requirements.

The Connection

At first glance, it may seem that the Simplicity principle and minimal thinking are synonymous, both promoting the elimination of excess. However, the distinction lies in their origins and applications. In fact, Simplicity principle is an integral part of Agile’s DNA. Minimal thinking, on the other hand, is a broader philosophy that can be applied to various aspects of life.

If making them work together, then Agile teams can:

1. Make mindful decisions: Minimal thinking may help to choose which features, tasks, or processes are truly essential for delivering value. By constantly evaluating the necessity of each element, teams can ensure they stay true to the Simplicity principle.
2. Continuous Refinement: Minimal thinking encourages teams to revisit their work regularly to simplify further. This aligns perfectly with the iterative nature of Agile, where teams continuously improve their processes and products.
3. Clear Communication: Minimal thinking makes communication simple and clear, a big deal in Agile.
4. Less Waste: By thinking minimally, Agile teams can avoid wasting time and resources on things that don’t matter.

In conclusion, the Agile Simplicity principle and minimal thinking are linked concepts that share a common goal: the removal of unnecessary complexity to maximize value. While the Simplicity principle provides a specific guideline in Agile, minimal thinking offers a broader philosophical framework that can enhance Agile practices. By integrating minimal thinking into Agile processes, teams can cut through the noise, reduce unnecessary complexity, and deliver higher-value results. This shows how Agile can adapt to the changing world, thanks to its ability to combine different ideas like minimal thinking.

So, remember, simplicity is not about doing less; it’s about doing what truly matters with clarity and purpose. When coupled with minimal thinking, it becomes a powerful tool for achieving excellence in Agile and beyond.