Driving Innovation: Maarit Laanti’s journey in Agile Hardware Development

Many professionals who are pioneers in introducing these methodologies to hardware environments, have originally gained their knowledge and expertise from software development. This has also been the case for WikiAgile’s Maarit Laanti, who has bridged the gap between software and hardware development benefiting from agile methods. In this article, we’ll explore Maarit’s journey into hardware agility and dive into the profound impact of agile methods on hardware development.   

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Workshops and Research on Agile Hardware since 2010: Working with multiple industries shows how agility transforms new product development

For Maarit Laanti, working with agile methods has given a deep sense of purpose, leading her to create new knowledge for applying agile methods into new environments.

Nearly two decades ago, her aspiration to understand how agile methods could benefit whole organisations led to her writing a groundbreaking dissertation on business agility, based on her years at Nokia. During these years, Maarit was deeply involved in transforming Nokia’s product development and leading software teams dealing with hardware elements. In 2010, she became determined to find ways to apply agile methodologies into hardware development. Her pioneering work led her to writing her first research paper on agile hardware: Piloting Lean-Agile Hardware Development. 

In the 2010s, Maarit worked with various hardware teams across diverse industries, ranging from microchips to automotive and heavy machinery. The aim? To create fresh perspectives on how agile methodologies could revolutionise sectors traditionally thought to be incompatible with agility. The challenge lay in challenging deep seated beliefs about the inflexibility of product development processes. 

“Initially, software was viewed by hardware teams as just one component among many, but the tide is shifting with digitalisation. Now, software holds a central role, intertwining itself within virtually every product we manufacture. This shift highlights the importance of software in driving product development and facilitating the integration of multiple software updates within modular hardware structures.” - Maarit Laanti, co-counder of WikiAgile

The growing popularity of agile hardware development can be attributed to two key factors: 

Firstly, the growth of digitalisation puts software into the heart of nearly all development efforts. Secondly, the proven success of agile methodologies in software development has led to their adaptation to hardware environments, leading to comparable benefits.

As our understanding of agile methodologies deepens, it becomes increasingly evident that the agile approach creates heightened productivity, financial gains, and employee satisfaction. By streamlining processes and empowering individuals, agile methodologies lessen bureaucracy and cultivate a culture of empowerment within organisations. 

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Looking into the future: Agile methods help enterprises comply with global demands for circular economy by 2050

Looking into the horizon, it's evident that the way we do business is undergoing a profound transformation. With software integrated into our everyday products, traditional manufacturing is evolving towards a service-driven model. This shift is facilitated by the software components embedded within tangible products. As digitalisation continues to move forward, the centrality of software expands across all industries.

Yet, this paradigm shift isn't just about business—it's about sustainability and our planet's future. The European Union's ambitious mandate for a circular economy by 2050 underlines the urgency of adopting eco-friendly practices. It's not only about reducing our carbon footprint; it's about creating a positive carbon handprint—activities that enrich rather than deplete our environment. To achieve this goal, businesses must transcend traditional business models and embrace innovation.

Tesla and SpaceX stand out as prime examples of companies at the forefront of innovation, consistently delivering groundbreaking solutions with unprecedented speed. Joe Justice is one of the early pioneers in agile hardware. Joe has - like Maarit - a software background, but also extensive experience in agile hardware and in product development at Elon Musk's companies. Joe and Maarit have been collaborating on various agile topics, including agile hardware since 2020. 

So, where does agility fit into the equation of sustainability and hardware development?

Agility offers a pathway for companies to adapt to evolving demands, creating solutions that resonate with the demands of the future. While the prospect of achieving full circularity by 2050 may seem daunting, the journey must begin with small steps today.

"I've seen time and again that transforming an entire company's way of working in just five years is no small feat. And those who embrace change early often emerge as the frontrunners of tomorrow.” - Maarit Laanti

While agility may have its roots in software, its significance extends beyond digital environments. Just as agility has evolved over the years, it now stands ready to drive the sustainability transitions of tomorrow. 

“The time for action is now. Agility can be used for the greater good and to shape a future that's not just sustainable but thriving.”