What is Large Scale Scrum? Agile LeSS Explained

January 8th, 2024 by inflectra

Large Scale Scrum has emerged as a powerful and adaptive framework in the realm of Agile project management and software development. This methodology is designed to address the challenges of scaling Scrum to accommodate larger teams and more complex projects. Let’s start from the beginning:

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What is Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)?

Imagine taking the core principles of Scrum — its simplicity, transparency, and iterative nature — and amplifying them for larger teams and more complex projects. Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is an Agile methodology that can manage and coordinate the complexities of large-scale software development. Originating from the need to scale Scrum beyond its conventional limits, Craig Larman and Bas Vodde developed LeSS to retain the spirit of single-team Scrum while providing guidelines for coordinating and synchronizing multiple teams working on a single product.

LeSS vs. Traditional Scrum

As mentioned above, Large Scale Scrum is an extension of the original Scrum methodology that was conceptualized in the 1980s, so they have some strong similarities. However, there are several key differences in how these frameworks operate that make them stand apart:

Factor	LeSS	Traditional Scrum
Team Structure	Multiple, cross-functional teams working on a single product	Single, cross-functional team
Daily Scrum	Daily Scrums within each team	One Daily Scrum for the entire team
Team Sizes	Small to medium-sized teams between 8-50 members	Small teams between 3-9 members

LeSS vs. Scrum at Scale

While LeSS emphasizes minimalistic changes and works best in medium-sized teams, Scrum at Scale introduces additional roles and ceremonies to handle the complexity of even larger projects:

Factor	LeSS	Scrum at Scale
Organizational Structure	Feature Teams	Nexus Integration Team
Coordination Channel	Feature Team communication	Scaled Daily Scrum
Team Sizes	Small to medium-sized teams between 8-50 members	Medium to large teams between 50-1000 members

LeSS vs. SAFe

Similar to the Scrum at Scale comparison, both of these methodologies are again designed to scale Agile development. However, once again, LeSS prioritizes simplicity while SAFe has a larger roster of defined roles and is ideal for some of the largest projects:

Factor	LeSS	Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
Roles	Fewer roles, decentralized decision-making	Defined roles and responsibilities
Team Sizes	Small to medium-sized teams between 8-50 members	Large enterprises with thousands of employees
Planning	Feature-based	Iteration and Program Increment planning

Pros & Cons of Large Scale Scrum

LeSS, like any methodology, isn’t perfect and comes with some advantages and disadvantages. For example, it offers a streamlined transition for teams already accustomed to Scrum, but may require training for those new to this format. Some of the pros and cons of this framework include:

Benefits

Cost Efficiency for Scrum-Experienced Teams: It is relatively cost-effective and easy for teams already well-versed in Scrum practices to shift to LeSS, which means minimal additional training and a smoother transition.
Simplified Structure with Fewer Roles: LeSS reduces organizational complexity by using a streamlined structure with fewer roles, emphasizing self-managing feature teams.
Customer-Centric Strategy: These feature teams also facilitate frequent contact with customers and business stakeholders, ensuring rapid feedback integration and fostering a customer-centric approach (one of the principles of LeSS).
Scalable for Different Team Sizes: This framework adapts to both small and larger teams by offering two primary frameworks, discussed in more detail below.
Continual Improvement: Another core principle of this methodology, a culture of continuous improvement is prioritized via regular inspection and adaptation — allowing teams to improve and refine their processes over time.

Drawbacks

Training Requirements, Especially for New Scrum Teams: Implementing LeSS may necessitate training, particularly for teams transitioning from other methodologies or adopting Scrum for the first time.
Significant Organizational Changes: With this in mind, adopting a Large Scale Scrum framework may also require major organizational changes to align with its principles, potentially impacting existing roles and personnel structures.
Challenges in Assembling the Right Scrum Team: Finding the right mix of skilled and compatible team members who also have experience in a range of areas and duties can be challenging, potentially affecting the effectiveness of the team.

Large Scale Scrum 10 Principles

LeSS is founded on 10 principles that guide its implementation and success. These principles emphasize simplicity, transparency, and a focus on the entire product:

Transparency
More with less
Whole product focus
Customer-centric approach
Systems thinking
Lean thinking
Queuing theory
Empirical process control
Continuous improvement in the pursuit of perfection
Large Scale Scrum is still Scrum

LeSS Experiments (Best Practices)

Craig Larman and Bas Vodde originally framed LeSS as a set of experiments, with the idea that there are no such things as “best practices.” Their first two books on LeSS (the third book includes the guides we’ll discuss below) cover a variety of experiments that they’ve tried and tested, with some that the authors recommend organizations try, some that they recommend avoiding, and some that are maybe useful to certain situations but not all. These created the foundation of LeSS and can give potential users considering adopting the framework insights into what outcomes can be expected.

LeSS Guides

LeSS guides are essentially recommendations (but not rules) from Larman and Vodde based on what they’ve discovered in their experiments. They provide valuable insights into things like implementation, responsibilities, coordination between teams, and more. Again, these guides are optional recommendations based on their experiences, but aren’t mandatory for everyone who adopts Large Scale Scrum.

Agile LeSS Frameworks

Large Scale Scrum offers two primary frameworks tailored to different team or organization sizes: Basic LeSS and LeSS Huge:

Basic LeSS

While LeSS is typically used for groups larger than eight members, Basic LeSS can be used for smaller teams of fewer than eight people. It can help teams looking to scale Scrum principles beyond the traditional framework, and maintains a simple structure with one Product Owner, one Product Backlog, and one Definition of Done.

LeSS Huge

For teams exceeding eight people, LeSS Huge is designed to accommodate enterprise-level organizations dealing with extensive projects and larger teams. It introduces a few additional roles, such as Area Product Owners, to help manage the complexity of coordinating everyone.

Large Scale Scrum Roles

Designated roles in LeSS are mostly consistent with other Scrum frameworks. The three primary roles are:

Product Owner: Responsible for defining the product backlog, prioritizing features, and ensuring the team delivers value in line with customer expectations.
Scrum Master: Facilitates the Scrum process, removes impediments, and supports the team in adhering to Scrum principles and practices.
Development Team: Comprised of cross-functional individuals responsible for delivering the product in increments, working collaboratively within feature teams.

For a deeper dive into the responsibilities, relationships, and nuances of these roles within Scrum, read our comprehensive guide on this topic here.

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LeSS is a versatile framework that offers organizations a practical approach to scaling their Agile development. Through its principles, guides, and emphasis on continuous improvement, LeSS provides a pathway for teams to navigate the challenges of complex and large-scale software development projects.

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