Advantages of agile methodologies for software and product development in a capstone design project

Professional skills are often emphasized in a capstone engineering design course, especially in relation to addressing ABET Engineering Criteria. Learning of these skills is typically a product of the project management approach followed by design teams. The principles behind agile development and the features of the Scrum methodology match up well with the expected outcomes of a major engineering design experience and preparation needed by students for engineering practice. This paper presents a case study on design team use of an agile process for the successful development and release on the Google Play store of an Android app for a client during the span of a two-semester senior design course in electrical and computer engineering. The agile project management used in the case study was found to be beneficial to all involved (students, mentors, and clients). It emphasizes behaviors that lead to greater satisfaction and higher quality results with the senior design experience. Student learning opportunities related to professional skills are examined. This work adds to emerging literature promoting agile development as a model for capstone projects.