Waterfall Nostalgia: A Tongue-in-Cheek Ode to Simpler Times

Welcome to Episode 10!

Hello, architects! This week, we take a trip down memory lane to the era of Waterfall development—a time when projects had clear phases, rigid documentation, and the comforting illusion of predictability.

The Main Story: The Glory Days of Waterfall

Once upon a time, enterprise projects followed a structured, linear process:

1. Gather all requirements upfront (even if they’d change later).

2. Spend months designing before writing a single line of code.

3. Develop in complete isolation, hoping users wouldn’t need changes.

4. Deploy only when the stars align, and expect the project team to have moved on.

Ah, the elegance! The control! The 20-page change request forms!

But then, Agile came along, promising continuous delivery, adaptability, and collaboration. At first, Waterfall purists scoffed: “How can you build enterprise systems without exhaustive planning?” But soon, architects found themselves in daily stand-ups, writing user stories, and explaining TOGAF to Scrum Masters.

And now? Hybrid models abound. Agile sprints meet Waterfall governance, and TOGAF architects must navigate a world where long-term planning meets short-term pivots.

TOGAF’s Take: Blending Structure with Agility

TOGAF doesn’t force you to pick sides. Instead, it promotes an adaptable architecture development approach that can work with both methodologies.

How to Survive Agile-Waterfall Hybrids:

1. Architect for Change: Define clear guardrails but allow flexibility.

2. Governance Without Gridlock: Lighten documentation where possible, but keep critical controls in place.

3. Collaboration is Key: Architects, product owners, and engineers need ongoing dialogue, not just handoffs.

Humor in Diagrams

Share Your Waterfall Memories

Do you miss the good old days of rigid structure? Or have you fully embraced the chaotic energy of Agile? Share your experiences!

Wrapping Up

There’s no single right way—the best architectures balance structure with adaptability. Whether you’re sprinting or following a grand plan, TOGAF can help you navigate the madness.

Next Week’s Sneak Peek:

“The Compliance Circus: How Governance is a Juggling Act, With Clowns Involved”

Until next time, may your projects stay on track (or at least pivot gracefully)!