Fostering Creativity in Agile Education: A Comparative Study of Students and Software Practitioners

Abstract

In the contemporary software development landscape, mastering agile methods and nurturing creativity are essential skills for team success. This study aims to demonstrate that these objectives are both compatible and synergistic. It presents the findings from six experiments involving diverse groups of stdents and software development practitioners who utilized DesignScrum, a gamified educational resource that integrates Scrum and Design Thinking. The primary objective is to teach agile methods and techniques in a manner that fosters creativity within software development teams. The results indicate that practitioners exhibit a stronger grasp of agile concepts due to their work experience, while students display a higher potential for creativity. Additionally, all participant groups perceived gamification as a beneficial learning approach, noting increased motivation and satisfaction. This study concludes that with the appropriate tools, teaching agility and creativity in various educational and professional settings is not only feasible but also highly advantageous.