The Nature and Indispensable Roles of Technical Communication in Agile Development Environments: Following Typical Processes and Adapting to Address Challenges

<bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Background:</i></b> The movement in recent decades from the waterfall model to the Agile framework, especially in software development, has transformed the nature of technical communication throughout product development processes. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Literature review:</i></b> Although several researchers have studied the roles of effective technical communication in Agile environments, more insights are needed, especially in how teams adapt Agile communication principles to fit their circumstances. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Research questions:</i></b> 1. How do people communicate effectively throughout phases of the Agile development process? 2. How do participants adapt typical Agile/Scrum communication practices to address challenges and fit their circumstances? <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Methodology:</i></b> In this qualitative observational study, we interviewed and observed professionals to explore technical communication practices throughout phases of the Agile development process and to explore how teams used and modified common Agile/Scrum practices in given contexts. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Results:</i></b> We investigate the nature of effective technical communication throughout the typical phases of the Agile process and note a variety of ways in which participants modified conventional practices to fit their situations. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Participants highlighted the indispensability of effective technical communication in Agile processes and developed innovative ways to adapt communication practices based on their unique experiences and situations throughout the development process. The findings illuminate useful practices and offer implications that will benefit organizations, practicing professionals, students, and educators.