HKSM
Crystal Family Of Methodologies
A set of lightweight agile approaches for software development that tailor practices to the specific context, such as team size and system criticality.
Key Points
- Family of methods (e.g., Crystal Clear, Crystal Orange) chosen based on team size and criticality.
- Lightweight and adaptable; the team customizes just enough process for the situation.
- People-centric, favoring close communication, collaboration, and face-to-face interaction.
- Emphasizes frequent delivery, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Example
A small, co-located team building a low-risk internal tool selects Crystal Clear. They run 1-week iterations, hold short daily check-ins, keep documentation minimal but sufficient, demo working software every week to stakeholders, and adjust their practices after each retrospective.
PMP Example Question
A project manager leads a small, low-criticality software team and wants an agile approach that minimizes ceremony and adapts to the team's context. Which approach best fits these needs?
- Crystal family of methodologies
- PRINCE2
- Critical Chain
- ITIL
Correct Answer: A — Crystal family of methodologies
Explanation: Crystal methods are lightweight and tailored to context (team size and criticality), emphasizing people, communication, and just-enough process.
