Iterations

    None of my inventions came by accident. I see a worthwhile need to be met, and I make trial after trial until it comes.

    - Thomas Edison

    Definition: Iterations are a standard, fixed-duration timebox during which Agile Teams and ARTs individually and collectively deliver incremental customer value while working towards the PI objectives.

    Summary

    Agile Teams and ARTs fulfill their responsibilities by working in a series of iterations. Each iteration is a Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycle. Iterations are continuous and sequential, and a new iteration starts immediately after the previous one. Iterations use fixed-duration timeboxes during which Agile Teams and ARTs deliver incremental customer value while working towards PI objectives. A typical PI has four two-week development iterations, followed by one Innovation and Planning iteration. Agile Teams collaborate within a PI to advance the product or solution toward the team and ART PI objectives. All teams on the ART synchronize to the same iteration and PI cadence, enabling them to explore, integrate, deploy, and release value together and independently.

    What is an iteration?

    An iteration is a set amount of time in which Agile Teams work together to provide value to their customers. A PI commonly comprises four two-week development iterations and one Innovation and Planning (IP) iteration. During the IP iteration, teams can explore new ideas and evaluate product design options. This time helps teams meet their goals and allows creativity, learning, planning, and reviews. All teams on the ART work to the same iteration cadence, making it easier to collaborate and synchronize their work.

    How is the PDCA cycle applied within iterations?

    In this article

    What is an iteration?
    How is the PDCA cycle applied within iterations?
    How do ART events apply PDCA within iterations?
    How do Agile Team events apply PDCA within iterations?

    Key Takeaways

    • Iterations are set periods of time for delivering incremental value.
    • Each iteration is a full Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycle.
    • Agile Teams deliver a fast, reliable flow of customer value each iteration.
    • Teams and ART stakeholders collaborate to decide what to show at the system demo.

    Last Update: 25 February 2025