ABSTRACT
Executive summary: Crystal methods are a family of Agile-related methodologies developed by Alistair Cockburn in the mid-1990s. All are considered to be “lightweight” methods. These methods focus on people, interaction, community, skills, talents, and communication—Cockburn claims that process (methodology), while important, should be considered only in the context of the foregoing. Hence, his methods emphasize flexibility and leave much to team discretion. Eight members of the Crystal family have been described and are identified by colors (Clear, Yellow, Orange, Orange Web, Red, Maroon, Diamond, and Sapphire). They differ by “weight.” Clear, Orange, and Yellow might be used for smaller, less critical projects, and Diamond and Sapphire for mission-critical projects. As with other Agile-related methods, little empirical evidence of efficacy is available. It is fair to say that these methods are more philosophy than prescription—tailoring for each project is expected.
