Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches Bringing Agile to Hardware Development – Insights from Microsoft, Apple, and More | John Collins
In this agile in hardware episode, John Collins dives deep into the practicalities, challenges, and rewards of integrating Agile methodologies in hardware engineering, drawing from his extensive experience at companies like Microsoft, Apple, and FlixBus. Collins offers actionable advice on adapting Agile frameworks to hardware environments, covering everything from psychological safety to coordinating across diverse teams with different goals and development cadences. For anyone looking to understand the nuances of Agile in a hardware setting, this episode is full of valuable insights.
Starting Out with Agile in Hardware Engineering
“When you’re in a leadership role, it’s not just about the process – it’s about creating an environment of safety where teams feel empowered to take risks and try new approaches.”
John Collins shares how he first started implementing Agile principles in hardware engineering, despite the challenges posed by larger organizations like Apple and Microsoft. He discusses the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for Agile success and reflects on the training needed to foster an Agile mindset among engineers used to traditional, linear development approaches.
“The Agile journey starts by influencing teams and creating an environment where everyone feels secure and motivated to try new things.”
Crafting an Agile Framework for Hardware
“Aligning software and hardware development isn’t about making them the same; it’s about finding the right synchronization points and respecting each team’s unique process.”
John explains his approach to choosing and adapting Agile frameworks for his teams, describing how he brought software and hardware workflows into alignment through careful planning and OKRs. He shares tips on setting frameworks like SAFe, Scrum, or custom Agile processes, ensuring that hardware and software teams coordinate effectively without stifling autonomy.
“Using shared goals like OKRs helps both hardware and software teams work together without losing their individual strengths.”
Key Differences Between Agile in Software and Hardware
“In hardware, there are fixed constraints and build cycles dictated by suppliers and physical limitations – Agile can adapt, but it takes patience.”
In this segment, John highlights the key differences in Agile application between software and hardware teams. He explains why skepticism can be a healthy part of the process, and how roles like the Agile coach help teams embrace new methodologies. John also emphasizes the importance of matching Agile coaches to team dynamics to ensure effective adoption.
“Every Agile coach and team is unique – finding the right match is essential to making Agile work in hardware.”
Overcoming Challenges in Agile Hardware Development
“Hardware requires a structured approach with build schedules and physical constraints, which makes Agile’s flexibility more challenging to implement.”
John dives into the unique challenges of implementing Agile in hardware, especially around the rigidity of build cycles and long testing periods. He shares strategies for mitigating these constraints, like prioritizing issues by risk impact and using statistical models to allocate resources for destructive testing. This practical advice helps listeners understand the importance of adaptability within Agile for hardware.
“Leverage data from past builds to predict impact, prioritize risk, and optimize your testing and build resources.”
Resources for Adopting Agile in Hardware
John refers to the Management 3.0 training as a good foundation to prepare people for adopting Agile, and also combining Agile and Hardware.
About John Collins
John Collins is a former Senior Vice President of Engineering, known for driving strategic growth in large international teams across software and hardware. With a background in Electrical Engineering, he began his career as a hardware engineer at Microsoft, contributing to the development of Xbox consoles and HoloLens. At Apple, John worked as a program manager for battery development, and later advanced to engineering management in sectors such as mobility and sustainability in eCommerce across Europe. Holder of eight patents in AR, battery, and camera design, John is also the author of two influential books on engineering and leadership.
You can link with John Collins on LinkedIn.