Leonardo da Vinci's Agile Methodology: Gleaning Scrum Lessons from The Renaissance Art Workshop

Uncover Agile methodologies and Scrum practices embedded within the workings of Leonardo da Vinci's Renaissance art workshop. This article unveils how da Vinci's teachings align with modern Agile/Scrum principles, offering profound insights to drive business and technology transformations.

Picture: Drawing By Leonardo Da Vinci, © The Trustees of the British Museum

12.06.2023
Alfa Sommersol

The Catalyst of Iterative Creativity: Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci's work stands as a testament to iterative creativity, a cornerstone of Agile methodologies. His iconic works like the Mona Lisa weren't the result of spontaneous genius but rather, a reflection of a meticulous and evolving creative process. This aligns closely with Agile's embrace of continuous iterations and adaptations, echoed in practices like agile user stories.

Da Vinci's Workshop: The Prototype of a Scrum Team

In Da Vinci's workshop, a remarkable semblance to modern Scrum teams is noticeable. The collaborative space, filled with apprentices and artists, nurtures continuous learning and knowledge sharing. I've witnessed the power of such a collaborative setting during an Agile transformation at a tech startup. This robust environment spurred creativity, enabling us to craft a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) swiftly, attracting the essential investment that skyrocketed the company's growth.

The Essence of Iterative Development in Da Vinci's Masterpieces

Just like the constant refinements in agile user stories, Da Vinci refined his art pieces until he achieved perfection. His masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa, saw years of iterative development, showcasing his Agile-like approach in action.

Da Vinci's Patrons: The Precursors to Agile's Customer Collaboration

An unmistakable parallel lies between Da Vinci's relationship with his patrons and the customer collaboration pillar of Agile methodologies. It reminds me of the collaboration between the product team, engineers, and stakeholders during a planning poker session and how this enhance our understanding of the product goals, fostering more accurate estimates and setting the stage for the project's success.

The Agile Mantra in Da Vinci's Workshop: Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Da Vinci's relentless pursuit of adaptability and continuous learning mirrors Agile's core values. His innovative sketches, like the flying machine and armored tank, demonstrate his ceaseless desire to explore and adapt. These traits remain pivotal in the modern world, where digital transformations are the norm.

Learning From da Vinci's Workshop: Takeaways for Modern Agile Teams

Modern Agile teams can draw vital lessons from Da Vinci's workshop. They can leverage his iterative creativity approach in formulating agile user stories, model their Scrum teams like his workshop for knowledge sharing, and prioritize customer collaboration, like Da Vinci did with his patrons.

Conclusion: The Relevance of Da Vinci's Agile-like Methodologies Today

Leonardo Da Vinci, the Renaissance master, continues to inspire Agile teams today. His teachings serve as a valuable reminder of the iterative, collaborative, and learning-focused nature of Agile methodologies. Let us adapt these timeless principles, originally harnessed in the art world, to drive innovation and growth in our digital era.