AgileDBR: Blending Industry and Academic Practice

This article introduces AgileDBR, a new/novel hybrid framework that integrates Agile project management with design-based research (DBR) to overcome challenges in both methodologies. Agile focuses on iterative cycles of planning, execution, and evaluation, while DBR, used in learning sciences, involves designing and testing interventions to address specific problems. The AgileDBR framework is applied in a case study within postgraduate computing education (PGCE), highlighting its advantages in transparency, scalability, and collaboration through processes, practices, and product (artefact). By aligning Agile's structured, time-bound iterations with DBR's systematic and flexible research process, AgileDBR proved particularly effective in responding to disruptions caused by COVID-19. The case study, for illustrative purposes, demonstrates AgileDBR's adaptability-supported by methodological tools like the Vision Research Canvas and Test and Learn Cards- to facilitate research pivots and enhanced documentation. The outcome of this study showcases the benefits of AgileDBR making the research process efficient, transparent, adaptable, and scalable through documented iterative collaborative project management processes, practices, and visual tools.