1. Overview: What Are Agile Frameworks?

Agile is not a single method — it’s a mindset supported by many frameworks that help teams implement Agile principles in structured ways. Each framework provides specific roles, rituals, tools and workflows to manage work in an Agile way.

Tip: No single framework fits all. Choose what works best for your team and project.

2. Key Agile Frameworks Explained

Scrum

One of the most popular Agile frameworks, designed for small, cross-functional teams delivering in short, time-boxed iterations called sprints (usually 1–4 weeks).

Key Elements:

  • Roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team
  • Events: Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum (Stand-up), Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective
  • Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment

Tip: Scrum is ideal when work is complex, requirements change frequently and tight collaboration is needed.

Kanban

A visual workflow management method focused on continuous delivery. No sprints — work flows through stages at its own pace.

Key Elements:

  • Kanban board with columns (e.g., To Do → In Progress → Done)
  • Work-in-progress limits
  • Continuous flow, no fixed timeboxes

Tip: Kanban is great for ongoing, service-oriented work where tasks vary in size and priority.

Need help? Download our free Kanban Board Template (Google Sheets) to visualize your progress.

Lean

Derived from manufacturing, Lean focuses on eliminating waste, optimizing flow and delivering value quickly.

Core Principles:

  • Eliminate anything not adding value
  • Empower teams
  • Build quality from the start

Lean thinking underpins many Agile frameworks — it’s more of a mindset and set of principles than a strict method.

XP (Extreme Programming)

Focused on technical excellence and software quality. Ideal for software teams needing rapid, stable releases.

Key Practices:

  • Test-Driven Development (TDD)
  • Pair Programming
  • Continuous Integration
  • Frequent releases

Tip: Even non-technical teams can adopt XP’s focus on early feedback and continuous improvement.

Crystal, FDD, and Others

These are less common but may suit niche environments:

  • Crystal: Focuses on team size and project criticality
  • FDD: Structures work around features delivered every few days
  • DSDM: Emphasizes governance and structured delivery

3. Choosing the Right Framework

No single framework is best. The right choice depends on:

  • Team size and structure
  • Type and complexity of work
  • Frequency of changes
Scenario
Recommended Framework

Fast-paced product dev
Scrum or XP

Continuous service (e.g. support)
Kanban

Small improvements / BAU
Lean or Kanban

Highly regulated projects
DSDM or Hybrid

Tip: Many teams blend frameworks — for example, using Scrum for planning and Kanban for daily flow.

Example: A marketing team uses Scrum for new campaign launches but switches to Kanban for ongoing social media updates, adapting frameworks to their needs.