Increment and Iteration
In a world of constant change and the pursuit of excellence, the concepts of “iteration” and “increment” are key elements on the path to success. But what do they actually mean, and why are they so important? Let’s take a closer look.
An iteration is the process of repeating certain actions in order to move closer to a desired result. An iteration can occur at a specific stage or coincide with it. In the context of product development (or system creation), this means improving the product through ongoing hypothesis generation and testing (not necessarily following a predetermined cycle). Testing hypotheses under the principle “The more iterations, the more likely the success” highlights the importance of persistence and a willingness to experiment.
With each iteration, we gain valuable experience that brings us closer to our goal. It is especially important in every iteration to avoid making a fatal mistake, as such an error could put an end to subsequent iterations or make them significantly more difficult.
An increment is the small result of each iteration—a meaningful improvement. It is the added value in the system of interest that we obtain after each attempt at enhancement. In the context of creating, developing, and refining a product, incremental improvements ensure gradual yet steady progress with minimal risk of making a fatal mistake.
Why does this matter?
All of this relates to the principle of continuity. Continuity means that work on a system does not end after its initial creation and launch. Instead, the system is constantly adapted and improved in response to changing needs and circumstances. Continuous engineering[1] involves ongoing updates and improvements to various aspects of the system, whether software or physical components. This can include monthly or even daily updates that fix bugs, add new features, or adapt the system to new conditions.
Understanding and applying the principles of iteration and increment allow us to move forward more consciously and effectively. Instead of striving for unattainable perfection all at once, we focus on gradual improvement. This makes the development process less exhausting and more productive. Each iteration brings new knowledge and experience, making the next step more meaningful.
To implement the principle of iteration and increment in relation to a product, it is important to pay attention to mastery (both personal and team), which also needs to be continuously developed. Many people are familiar with iteration and increment as they relate to the product, but few consider the conscious development of mastery in the creation system for that product. Conscious development means improving the ability to learn quickly, to think using a systems approach, and to do so professionally[2].
This approach to iteration and increments, to the product, and to mastery is not just a methodology—it is a philosophy of continuous development and self-improvement. They remind us that success is not a sudden event, but the result of ongoing effort.
In conclusion, the concepts of iteration and increment play a key role in achieving success in any field, based on the principle of continuity. They teach us to value the process as much as the result, reminding us that every step forward, with attention to the product and to our own mastery—even the smallest one—brings us closer to our ultimate goal.
In the context of systems engineering, continuity is manifested through practices such as continuous integration and continuous delivery. Here, developers constantly make small changes that are tested and integrated into the system without major delays. This helps quickly identify and fix errors, ensure security, and keep the system aligned with real-world operating conditions. ↩︎
It is recommended to develop your own personality through iterations and increments. ↩︎