# The Design Process and Agile Development: Part 1 -- Design Is Collaborative

DevFeed: [The Design Process and Agile Development: Part 1 -- Design Is Collaborative](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-design-process-and-agile-development-part-1-design-is-collaborative-33281.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://8thlight.com/insights/the-design-process-and-agile-development>)

Author: Daisy Mølving

Published: 2026-02-05T06:00:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [8th Light Insights](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/8th-light-insights.md>)

Topics: [Agile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/agile.md>), [User experience (UX)](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ux.md>), [Development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/development.md>), [Self-organizing Team](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/self-organizing-team.md>)

Tags: [agile](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/agile.md>), [delivery-and-practice](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/delivery-and-practice.md>), [design-thinking](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design-thinking.md>), [development](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/development.md>), [development-process](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/development-process.md>), [experiential-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/experiential-design.md>), [product-strategy-innovation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/product-strategy-innovation.md>), [research](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/research.md>), [teams](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/teams.md>), [user-experience](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/user-experience.md>), [ux-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ux-design.md>)

## AI overview

Part 1 of a series examines how design thinking and UX research can work alongside Agile development. It argues that iterative design and Agile delivery are compatible, while noting the tension between research needs, rapid timelines, client goals, and incremental development.

## Source excerpt

This is Part 1 in our blog series on how the design process works alongside Agile methodology to produce results within an integrated team. Updated 2/5/2026. Originally published 2/2/2024 When it comes to developing new software, not every designer approaches the task the same way. While some use a design thinking approach, looking at the tasks from a user perspective, others use Agile methods, approaching it from an iterative project management standpoint. However, the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. The most successful designers approach their tasks using design thinking which helps inform prioritization within the Agile methodology. High performing teams delivering outcomes through the agile methodology do so with confidence when they know solutions are informed by the voice of the user. Working with Design Thinking and Agile Timelines Designers who've worked alongside Agile methodologies have likely felt the pressure of Agile timelines conflicting with the need for comprehensive design. While the approaches may feel conflicting at first, it's important to remember that both design and Agile methodologies emphasize the importance of working in small iterations to develop products that constantly evolve-- focusing on the smallest modifications that lead to making valuable products and building upon them. However, with its need for preliminary research, I've observed that user experience (UX) design can give Agile practitioners the impression of a waterfall process. Agile teams want to deliver quickly and continue iterating on the project after receiving feedback. As a UX designer, it is my responsibility to establish and fulfil the human need by talking to some users and conducting competitor research before we dive blindly into development. Working as a UX designer in this environment can feel like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. You have a client who cares about the bottom line and wants to get to market quickly and a development team of