The document discusses complexity theory in relation to software development, contrasting complex systems with complicated ones. It argues that while some software development can be categorized as complicated and may benefit from waterfall methodologies, most software development is complex, requiring agile practices that emphasize collaboration and continuous feedback. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of software development to prevent ineffective decisions stemming from traditional metaphors.

1. Complexity Theory and
Why Waterfall
Development Works
(Sometimes)
Larry Apke
Agile Expert
www.agile-doctor.com
larry@agile-doctor.com

2. Who Am
I?
Over 6 years real-world experience as a scrum master, agile coach,
consultant and software development manager and over 15 years of
IT experience.
My passion is to help people create high-quality software on a regular
basis.
I am a regular speaker on Agile topics, an active member of Agile
user groups, founder of the San Antonio Agile Coffee.
My home is in Scottsdale Arizona where I spend my weekdays as an
Agile Coach at a local financial services company.

3. Waterfall Development
Image from Winston Royce
Paper titled “Managing the
Development of Large Software
Systems” August 1970.

4. Agile Development

5. Cynefin Model

6. Cynefin Model
Pronounced Kunevin
Means “Habitat” or
“Place”
Dave Snowden

7. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
Interaction
A large number of
diverse components
(Agents) engaged in
rich interaction
A large number of
diverse components
(Agents) engaged in
interaction that can be
understood

8. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
Autonomy
Agents are largely
autonomous but
subject to certain laws,
rules or norms; there is
no central control but
agent behavior is not
random
Agents are subject to
certain laws, rules or
norms; there may be
central control

9. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
Emergence
Global behavior of a
complex system
“emerges” from the
interaction of agents
and is therefore
unpredictable; requires
feedback – can only be
understood in
retrospective
Predictable, but
requires expertise. Can
be understood
beforehand.

10. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
Equilibrium
“Far from equilibrium”
because frequent
occurrences of
disruptive events do
not allow the system to
return to equilibrium.
There may be
disruptive events but
system will return to a
recognizable
equilibrium.

11. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
Linearity
Nonlinearity
occasionally causes an
insignificant input to be
amplified into an
extreme event
(butterfly effect).
System exhibits
linearity in that output
events are
approximately
proportional to input.

12. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
SelfOrganzation
Capable of selforganization in
response to disruptive
events.
Centralized control is
effective in response to
disruptive events.

13. Complex Vs. Complicated
Criteria
(George
Rzevski)
Complex
Complicated
CoEvolution
Irreversibly co-evolve
with their
environments.
Independent parts may
need experts to
understand, but can be
understood and
function in isolation.

14. Complex Vs. Complicated
Complex
Complicated
Probe, sense, respond
Sense, analyze, respond
Holistic
Reductionist
Synthesize
Analyze
Deming
Taylor
Stock Markets, New Product
Development, Invention/
Innovation
Manufacturing (building a
house or car) manufacturing,
insurance, health care
providers, public schools,
banks
Software Development?
Software Development?

15. Is Software Development Complex?
If software development is complex, “Knowledge of experts may be
of limited value, and the effectiveness of cause-and-effect analysis
is likely to be marginalized, or of short duration.” - H. William
Dettmer “Systems Thinking and the Cynefin Framework”
I believe that some software development can be classified as
complicated in which case Waterfall Methodology will work.
However, I believe that most software development falls into the
complex category which is where the Agile methodologies and their
emphasis on continuous feedback are more effective.

16. Is Software Development Complex?
In fact, I believe that most of the pain found in software development
stems from the very fact that the people who are in positions of
power do not fundamentally understand what software is.
Continuing to use metaphors from complicated endeavors (like
building houses and cars) confounds the situation and leads those
in charge to make decisions that are diametrically opposed to
getting work done.
Software development, for the most part, is a complex endeavor
that involves creativity, communication and collaboration and thrives
with the kind of small, co-located, dedicated teams that Agile
proposes.

17. Solving the Wrong Problem
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear,
simple, and wrong. - H L Mencken
It's not at all important to get it right the first time. It's vitally
important to get it right the last time. - Andrew Hunt and David
Thomas

18. Solving the Wrong Problem
Gossamer Condor – Built
by Paul MacReady 1977.
Photo from Smithsonian
Museum.
Winner of the Kremer
prize established in
1959.
Story described in Aza
Raskun's blog.

19. Questions???