The Development Approach refers to the method used to create and evolve a product, service, or result during the project life cycle. It defines how the work will be done, and it varies by project type and industry

1. Predictive Approach (Traditional/Waterfall):

The entire project is planned upfront. Scope, time, and cost are fixed. Best for stable and well-defined projects.

A Predictive Approach is suitable when the project and product requirements are clear from the start—they can be defined, collected, and analyzed early on.

It is also useful when:

• There is a large investment at stake
• The project involves high risk
• You need strict controls, such as frequent reviews, change management, and phase-by-phase planning

In short: Use this approach when everything needs to be well-planned and changes are costly.

Example: House construction

2. Adaptive Approach (Agile):

Work is done in short cycles (iterations), and feedback is continuously incorporated. Ideal for projects with high uncertainty or changing requirements.

Used when project requirements are unclear at the beginning and are likely to change frequently.

• Best when there is high uncertainty or volatility in what the customer wants.
• You start with a broad vision, not all details.
• As the project moves ahead, the team keeps changing

It’s flexible and responsive, often used in software development or startups.

3. Hybrid Approach:

Combines elements of both predictive and adaptive. For example, planning is done upfront (predictive), but execution uses iterative delivery (adaptive).

It is a mix of predictive (fixed plan) and adaptive (flexible) approaches.

• Some parts of the project are planned in advance (predictive), and other parts are kept flexible (adaptive).
• Useful when there is some uncertainty or risk in requirements.
• Helps to balance control and flexibility in the project.

Example: Planning hardware in advance (predictive) but using feedback to design software (adaptive).

As we move from predictive to adaptive, the approach becomes more iterative and incremental meaning feedback is used more often, and results are delivered in parts.

Iterative Approach

• Try different ideas again and again to clarify what the customer wants.
• Each version gets feedback and is improved based on customer input.
• Focus is on understanding and refining the solution.

Example: A customer says, “I need a way to capture ideas.”

So you try a whiteboard → a notebook → a computer → a mobile app.

Each time, you collect feedback and improve.

Incremental Approach

• Start with a basic version and add more features step by step.
• Each version is functional and adds value.
• Focus is on progressively building the complete solution.

Example: You build a house in stages.

Start with the base → frame → walls → full house.

Each stage is usable and gets feedback.

In short:

• Iterative = Learn and adjust ideas.
• Incremental = Deliver working parts step by step.