Agile Development for Agency Tools

Building productized tools for agencies requires a unique approach to development. We use specialized agile sprints that balance technical excellence with the business realities of running an agency. Our process ensures you get tools that work perfectly while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as your needs evolve.

Sprint Structure Overview

2-Week Sprint Cycles

Our development follows focused 2-week sprints that deliver:
  • Tangible Progress - Working features you can see and interact with
  • Regular Feedback Loops - Opportunities to refine and adjust direction
  • Predictable Delivery - Clear milestones and realistic timeline expectations
  • Risk Mitigation - Early identification and resolution of technical challenges

Sprint Planning Process

Pre-Sprint Requirements Review

Before each sprint begins, we conduct detailed planning sessions: Feature Prioritization
  • Review the product backlog with your team
  • Identify the highest-value features for the upcoming sprint
  • Consider dependencies and technical constraints
  • Align on success criteria for each feature
Resource Allocation
  • Assign development resources based on feature complexity
  • Plan for design, frontend, backend, and testing work
  • Schedule client feedback sessions and review meetings
  • Buffer time for unexpected technical challenges
Risk Assessment
  • Identify potential blockers or technical unknowns
  • Plan research spikes for complex functionality
  • Establish contingency plans for critical path items
  • Set realistic expectations for sprint deliverables

Sprint Execution Framework

Week 1: Foundation and Core Development

Days 1-2: Sprint Kickoff
  • Technical architecture review and setup
  • Core functionality development begins
  • Initial UI/UX implementation
  • Database schema finalization
Days 3-5: Feature Development
  • Primary feature implementation
  • Integration with existing systems
  • Basic testing and quality assurance
  • Internal team reviews and feedback

Week 2: Refinement and Testing

Days 6-8: Polish and Integration
  • User interface refinement
  • Cross-browser and device testing
  • Performance optimization
  • Security testing and validation
Days 9-10: Client Review and Feedback
  • Demo of sprint deliverables
  • Client feedback collection and prioritization
  • Bug fixes and immediate improvements
  • Next sprint planning preparation

Development Methodology

Test-Driven Development

Every feature is built with comprehensive testing: Automated Testing
  • Unit tests for all business logic
  • Integration tests for API endpoints
  • End-to-end tests for critical user flows
  • Performance tests for scalability
Manual Quality Assurance
  • User experience testing across devices
  • Accessibility compliance verification
  • Cross-browser compatibility testing
  • Edge case and error handling validation

Continuous Integration/Deployment

Our technical infrastructure supports rapid, reliable releases: Automated Deployment Pipeline
  • Code review and approval processes
  • Automated testing before deployment
  • Staging environment for client review
  • One-click production deployments
Monitoring and Alerts
  • Real-time performance monitoring
  • Error tracking and notification
  • User analytics and behavior tracking
  • System health and uptime monitoring

Client Collaboration During Sprints

Daily Communication

We maintain transparent communication throughout development: Progress Updates
  • Daily standup summaries shared with your team
  • Visual progress tracking through project management tools
  • Immediate notification of any blockers or delays
  • Regular screenshots and videos of work in progress
Feedback Integration
  • Structured feedback collection processes
  • Rapid prototyping for uncertain features
  • A/B testing for user experience decisions
  • Client involvement in design and functionality decisions

Sprint Review Sessions

Each sprint concludes with comprehensive review: Demo and Walkthrough
  • Live demonstration of new features
  • Explanation of technical decisions and trade-offs
  • Discussion of user experience and design choices
  • Review of testing results and quality metrics
Feedback and Planning
  • Structured feedback collection
  • Prioritization of requested changes
  • Planning for subsequent sprint scope
  • Timeline and milestone adjustments as needed

Quality Assurance Standards

Code Quality

Every line of code meets our standards:
  • Clean Code Principles - Readable, maintainable, and well-documented
  • Security Best Practices - Input validation, authentication, and data protection
  • Performance Optimization - Fast load times and responsive interactions
  • Scalability Considerations - Built to handle growth in users and data

User Experience Standards

All tools are designed for agency professionals:
  • Intuitive Navigation - Logical flow that matches agency workflows
  • Mobile Responsiveness - Perfect experience across all devices
  • Accessibility Compliance - Inclusive design for all users
  • Brand Consistency - Seamless integration with your agency’s visual identity

Sprint Deliverables

End of Sprint Outcomes

Each sprint produces concrete deliverables: Working Software
  • Fully functional features deployed to staging
  • Comprehensive testing documentation
  • User acceptance criteria validation
  • Performance benchmarks and metrics
Documentation
  • Technical documentation for new features
  • User guides and training materials
  • API documentation for integrations
  • Deployment and maintenance procedures

Handling Changes and Pivots

Adaptive Planning

Agency needs can evolve rapidly, and our process accommodates change: Mid-Sprint Adjustments
  • Process for handling urgent requirements changes
  • Impact assessment for scope modifications
  • Re-prioritization of remaining sprint work
  • Communication of timeline and budget implications
Scope Management
  • Clear processes for adding or removing features
  • Impact analysis for all change requests
  • Transparent communication about trade-offs
  • Flexible planning that accommodates business priorities

Success Metrics

Sprint Performance Indicators

We track key metrics to ensure quality delivery: Delivery Metrics
  • Sprint completion rates and velocity
  • Defect rates and resolution times
  • Client satisfaction scores
  • Feature adoption and usage rates
Quality Indicators
  • Code coverage and test pass rates
  • Performance benchmarks and response times
  • Security scan results and compliance
  • Accessibility testing outcomes

Getting Started with Development

Ready to begin building your productized tools? Our development sprints are designed to deliver high-quality results while keeping you involved and informed throughout the process.

Book Your Development Sprint

Choose Doug’s 2-week sprint (6K)or4weeksprint(6K) or 4-week sprint (12K) to begin building your productized tools. Fast 4-hour response time and immediate sprint planning.