The focus of the Core MAHD Framework is to effectively manage development projects from concept to launch while adhering to Agile principles and meeting the needs of hardware development. The MAHD Framework Core provides specific tactics to develop the solution through rapid learning and execution cycles, while guiding execution to completion. The framework can be scaled to manage projects ranging from simple cost reductions to complex systems.
The MAHD Framework offers structured guidance for organizing teams to drive project success, addressing the cross-disciplinary demands of hardware-based solutions. It also redefines the roles of product management, project management, and functional leadership to align with an agile way of working.
The MAHD On-ramp is a series of collaborative activities to initiate an agile project with the right velocity — both speed and direction. It includes algning on the strategic objective of the project, priorities customers and outcomes, defining a solution skeleton and aligning on project success factors. The result is a plan for success in a matter of days or weeks including a preliminary IPAC Iteration plan and prototype strategy.
After completing the On-ramp, teams iteratively execute project details by establishing clear IPAC (Integration, Prototype, Alignment & Customer) Iteration milestones through Iteration Planning. They then update the backlog and execute tasks in short sprints to achieve each Iteration goal.
MAHD Teams provide the foundation for agile success. Teams typically consist of 6-12 developers focused on either a sub-system of the solution or a specific discipline. They are lead by key roles:
The MAHD On-ramp starts with short Agile Vision Brief document. Teams then work through five collaborative activities designed to get a project started with clear focus and ready for execution success:
Once a team completes the MAHD On-ramp steps, typically within a matter of days or weeks, the team has an initial IPAC Iteration plan with a clear set of milestones and goals for the upcoming Iteration. They are ready to execute sprints toward hitting Iteration milestones.
With each Iteration, the teams demonstrate progress, gain valuable feedback, make decisions and adapt to new information as they plan for the next Iteration.
As the project nears completion, Iterations begin to focus more on launch and production activities. Designs are frozen and key strategic decisions have been made throughout the MAHD process.
Any signficant decisions left open would be based on a key concept of strategic flexibility to optimize market value.
At the center of the core MAHD Framework are IPAC Iterations. An IPAC Iteration is a development and
learning cycle comprised of one or more 2- week sprints (typically 3-4 sprints are executed in one Iteration, but the duration is flexible based on the needs of the project). During Iteration Planning, the team determines the length and goals of the Iteration and considers at least these four IPAC objectives:
Teams don’t need to have specific milestones established for all of these elements, but each should be considered to keep progress moving steadily toward success.
A key concept in the MAHD Framework is the principle “solution evolution”. Beginning with the initial solution skeleton developed during the On-ramp, solution details are defined and locked down through iterative learning and execution cycles. This doesn’t mean:
What solution evolution does mean is that teams make difficult tradeoff decisions throughout the project that balance targets, resources, and customer value.
During each IPAC Iteration Planning, the team works through several key questions and concepts to move the project forward, remove risk and optimize the solution.
“What is our next major learning event? What would “IPAC” look like? When should this occur?”
“What would our path be to achieve this? What’s the ‘vertical slice’ we should develop? What do we need to accomplish in the next Iteraction?”
“What does this mean for each subsystem? Discipline? What collaboration in sprint planning is needed? How long should this take? What are the lead times and dependencies?”
At the end of each IPAC Iteration, the team assesses results, demonstrates progress and makes difficult design decisions. Ultimately, rather than tracking tasks, the best indication of overall project success is the team’s ability to consistently set and hit key milestones, remove risk and focus on project priorities.
The Core MAHD Framework provides the basis for project excellence using agile methods and tactics. As teams build agile skills, the organization can build on success to apply agile methods to manage sustaining engineering efforts, product portfolios and innovation initiatives.
The Complete MAHD Framework provides the governance and methods to manage the entire product development process from product selection to customer service.
To discover how the MAHD Framework can accelerate your NPD efforts, download the Intro to MAHD e-book or contact us to discuss your needs.
Download the comprehensive Introduction to MAHD E-book to learn about the key elements of the MAHD Framework.
Request a 45-minute overview and discussion of your situation. We can provide an overview of the MAHD Framework and help you determine if MAHD is a good fit for your goals.
Going MAHD Newsletter
Get the latest articles and resources delivered directly to your email.
© 2023 MAHD Framework, LLC