The MAHD Framework is an agile-based product development process designed for flexibility and scalability, managing everything from simple projects to complex systems and the entire product lifecycle. It integrates seamlessly with systems like Stage-Gate, SAFe, and Six Sigma while supporting portfolios, innovation pipelines, and sustaining engineering. Rooted in agile principles, MAHD incorporates key elements tailored for hardware development.
The MAHD Framework Core
Teams quickly get frustrated when directly applying agile methodologies like Scrum to hardware development. This is because hardware features cannot be easily expressed as user stories, lead times require looking forward, and products must be completed on a known schedule. However, the principles of agile are sound and provide a foundation to deliver higher value solutions, faster.
The MAHD Framework adheres to agile principles but modifies the tactics to manage the unique and more constrained characteristics of hardware development to:
Align sub-components and disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, and software
Allow flexibility to adapt to changes, while identifying attributes that need to freeze
Develop prototyping and validation strategies that work for hardware
Incorporate support functions such as procurement as well as external partners
Manage risk while maturing the design, documentation, and quality plans
Visit our FAQ to address specific questions you may have or learn more about the benefits you should expect.
The MAHD Framework was initiated in 2014 to address the challenges of traditional product development processes and gaps in agile for software methods. The effort was lead by Dorian Simpson with collaboration and testing with a wide range of product and industry leaders. MAHD 1.0 officially launched in 2017. Soon after, MAHD Framework LLC was founded to help companies adopt agile methods through training, consulting, and coaching.
Built on agile principles with tactics purposedly designed to optimize hardware development, MAHD emphasizes:
The MAHD team continues to refine the framework to make it even more valuable, intuitive, and fast to learn.
The focus of the Core MAHD Framework is to manage projects from concept to launch while adhering to Agile principles. It defines the principles, roles, key concepts and step-by-step tactics for agile success.
The Complete MAHD Framework applies agile methods to an organization’s entire product development process including portfolio management, opportunity investigation and sustaining engineering.
Since its launch in 2017, the MAHD Framework has evolved based on real world learning with companies implementing the framework. Each release enhances the key concepts and adds new learning and implementation tools.
MAHD 4.0 is currently planned for release in 2025 with new tools and enhancements to make it easier to learn and faster to implement.
Agile principles can be applied to any project or process. However, specific tactics like Scrum and SAFe were designed for pure software-based products. The MAHD Framework is optimized for solutions that have physical components such as mechanical and electrical components but almost always include embedded firmware as well as software elements.
The MAHD Framework provides agile methods and tools built on five key pillars that are proven to deliver product development success.
The agile manifesto identifies 12 principles that were written with SW in mind. Most are valid for HW, but specific implementation methods must be reconsidered for physical products. See our article on MAHD’s refinement of these 12 agile principles for HW.
The first pillar of the MAHD Framework focuses on the ability to consider the needs of the entire project, which is critical to hardware development. This includes strategic priorities as well as constraints such as cost, schedule, and resources.
The MAHD Framework includes the principle that teams should be empowered to make decisions and be held accountable for the results. Teams should also be responsible for self-correction and communication.
The third pillar is the principle that only when customers see and experience your solution can they provide meaningful input. This principle is critical to the success of hardware projects.
The MAHD Framework uses short execution and learning cycles to allow teams to focus on the most important and valuable project elements. This approach also allows teams to adapt to changing requirements and project needs.
The fifth pillar, execution excellence, is about giving teams the tools and methods to focus, meet commitments, collaborate, and consistently deliver their best work in the most efficient way possible.
The table below summarizes the differences between the MAHD Framework and other common Agile-based processes. The primary difference is that while MAHD builds on Agile principles, the tactics are designed specifically to meet the needs of physical products. Download the whitepaper for a more comprehensive comparison.
Learn how MAHD, SAFe and other scaled Agile approaches compare and which is best for your situation.
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 30-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.
