FAST Method & Framework

FAST is both a method and a framework.


FAST has a core prescriptive method and then supporting features or aspects that are not prescriptive. These supporting aspects and features make up the framework portion of FAST.


Below is an overview of the method and framework. A deeper understanding can be found in the FAST Guide.

FAST Method

In a few sentences and one picture

One-Time Setup

Continuous Flow

FAST Framework

Visualising Work

Visualise the Big Picture and work of the Collective.

When FAST was born, Product Mapping and Discovery Trees were invented. A Collective can use these tools or others.

Forecasting

FAST does not have a prescriptive mechanism for forecasting.

A Collective could choose to do Wisdom of Crowds forecasting in the instances that an estimate is required. Or find other alternatives.


Single Team FAST

FAST can be used in place of Scrum - as an example of Single Team FAST.

Improve the System

Nowhere in the core FAST method does it specify when or how to improve.

A Collective must work out what works best for their situation.

Product Management

FAST can be used in traditional agile delivery-focused feature factory mode.

OR

Embrace Modern Product Management and have the Collective take on more of a product mode/mindset. In such a mode, the Collective will be working on both discovery and delivery work. Compared to only delivering work, a.k.a. feature factory mode.

Improve Yourself

The FAST core method provides autonomy and purpose. What is missing from the trio of intrinsic human motivators, though, is mastery.

FAST recommends that you find a way to address mastery so every collective member can meet this human desire in the workplace and for their career.

Management Innovation

A FAST collective is a non-traditional organisational structure. It creates a fluid network structure rather than static teams. This network structure introduces new and exciting questions about people management.

Many of the questions and challenges have already been answered by other pioneering and progressive organisations that have trodden this path before you.

You may like to read one or some of these books for ideas and inspiration:
Organize for Complexity by Niels Pflaeging, Reinventing Organisations by Frederic Laloux, This is Beyond Budgeting by Bjarte Bogsnes, and Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan.

Large Scale FAST

If you have multiple static teams in your current org design, then to move to FAST, you would dissolve those teams by merging them into one Collective.

A Collective can hold many people, and FAST recommends staying within Dunbar's number - 150 people.

FAST can have multiple collectives.

For a deeper understanding of FAST, download the FAST Guide.