A traditional yet refreshing model

Defining Waterfall

The Waterfall methodology is a linear approach to project management that takes a sequential plan to meet customer requirements. At New Story, we've identified seven phases of the Waterfall model: strategy mapping, content architecture, requirement analysis, wire framing and design, end-to-end development, testing and validation, and deployment and support. This methodology is successful when development flows seamlessly downwards through these stages.

Introducing Waterfall Flex

While traditional Waterfall has lost some popularity due to its lack of agility, it still has its place in the minds of many clients. That said, rigid planning can hinder improvement during the project's development, which is why we created Waterfall Flex to offer more flexibility. This model is designed to allow for changes in the development stage while still maintaining the logically staged development nature of the traditional Waterfall model. We know from experience that flexibility is key to ensuring an application is deployed on time and within the scoped budget.

Building trust
A major requirement for Waterfall Flex is trust in the process, which is built and reinforced during the strategy mapping phase. In this stage, both client and agency experts thoroughly explore the brand, market, objectives, and project, using a highly co-creative methodology called Mapping. This approach fuels clarity from all angles, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Cons of traditional Waterfall

1. Lack of agility
   Its linear approach doesn't allow for much flexibility or adaptation during the development process.
2. No room for improvement
   A strict, sequential plan, leaves little room for improvement during the development process.
3. Deadline delay
   As many new insights problems come to light in the course of the project - on both the client and agency sides - the original planning is often not met.

Pros of Waterfall Flex

1. Flexibility
   The Waterfall Flex model allows for more flexibility and maneuvering during the development process. This helps ensure the application is deployed on time and within budget.
2. Predictable outcome
   The Waterfall Flex model still maintains the staged development nature of the traditional Waterfall model, which ensure a qualitative outcome for the project.
3. Co-creative methodology
   The Waterfall Flex model emphasizes mutual trust and collaboration which brings more clarity to the project.

Let's talk

At New Story, we believe that there are many paths to success, and we're happy to discuss which development model best suits your business's needs. Whether it's the Waterfall Flex or Scrum, Evolutionary, or Hybrid model, we're here to help you grow your brand in the digital space. Reach out to us today and let's get started!