VanDev: In Search of... an Agile Documentation Process

In January we open with a presentation by Susan Patch on applying an Agile approach to documentation development. Appropriate documentation is essential to the efficient production and acceptance of software and Agile approaches are about getting the right balance of documentation detail and timing. Join us as Susan shares processes that are meeting with great success. Following the presentation we'll have a door prize draw, round-the-room introductions, and open networking. This is a networking event so be sure to bring your business/contact cards and a story or two to share.

About the Presentation:

This presentation summarizes one technical writer's experience in developing a workable documentation process by "being" Agile rather than "doing" Agile. The objective is for the documentation to evolve in parallel with the system development — delivering user stories, use cases, UI designs, system tests, manuals, and even online help — with just enough detail, and just in time. The journey started at about the same time that the Agile Manifesto was being written, so it wasn't until several years later that its applicability to agile environments could be seen. This isn't intended as a silver bullet solution, and it requires discipline and teamwork to be successful, but it may give you some ideas beyond those famous (infamous?) 3x5 index cards.

About the Speaker:

Susan Patch has been involved with software engineering, documentation, and testing for many years and across all phases of the software development lifecycle. She has worked with different development teams in diverse environments using both iterative and agile methodologies, and she has a special interest in all things to do with "being" Agile.

Stay tuned for updates...