Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety

"Only variety can absorb variety."


In order to deal properly with the diversity of problems the world throws at you, you need to have a repertoire of responses which are (at least) as nuanced as the problems you face. 1

W. Ross Ashby

Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety asserts that for a system to manage complexity effectively, its range of responses (variety) must match the complexity of its environment. For Agile teams, this means their structures, processes, and behaviors need to be flexible and adaptive enough to meet unforeseen challenges.

Scenario

Managing a Complex Product Launch:

An Agile team is working on the launch of a new e-commerce platform. The project involves managing technical complexities, adapting to changing customer needs, and responding to competitor moves.

Applications of Ashby's Law:

  1. Variety in Processes
    • Challenge: Some tasks are predictable (e.g., updating a product catalog), while others are highly uncertain (e.g., ensuring the system scales during Black Friday).
    • Application:
      • The team uses Kanban for predictable, operational tasks where a simple pull system suffices.
      • For the uncertain elements, they adopt Scrum with iterative cycles, experimentation, and regular feedback loops.
    • Impact: The team can handle both predictable and unpredictable tasks effectively without compromising speed or quality.

  2. Variety in Decision-Making
    • Challenge: Stakeholders demand quick decisions during critical moments (e.g., sudden platform performance issues).
    • Application:
      • Routine decisions, such as prioritizing low-risk features, are delegated to the Product Owner or handled through automated processes.
      • Complex decisions (like solving an unexpected scaling issue) are addressed by assembling a cross-functional team of engineers, architects, and business representatives to co-create solutions.
    • Impact: The team dynamically escalates or decentralizes decisions based on complexity.

  3. Variety in Skills and Roles
    • Challenge: The project requires expertise in DevOps, UX design, backend engineering, and marketing.
    • Application:
      • Team members are cross-trained to build T-shaped skills (broad knowledge with a deep specialty).
      • The team also has access to external experts or consultants to fill skill gaps when necessary.
    • Impact: The team can respond to challenges without bottlenecks, maintaining momentum.

  4. Variety in Communication
    • Challenge: Stakeholders demand regular updates, but too many meetings slow progress.
    • Application:
      • Low-complexity updates (like Sprint status) are shared asynchronously through dashboards.
      • High-complexity discussions (like shifting the product roadmap) are conducted in facilitated, time-boxed meetings.
    • Impact: The team balances transparency with efficiency, ensuring they address stakeholder needs without unnecessary disruptions.


Benefits for Agile Teams

Having applied Ashby's Law in different aspects of their work, Agile teams experience a range of benefits, including:

  1. Enhanced Adaptability:
    • Teams can adjust their approach based on the complexity of tasks and challenges.
  2. Improved Resilience:
    • Teams can respond effectively to unexpected changes or disruptions.
  3. Efficient Problem-Solving:
    • By matching the complexity of their responses to the problem at hand, teams avoid over- or under-engineering solutions.
  4. Effective Decision-Making:
    • Teams can delegate or escalate decisions based on the complexity of the situation, ensuring timely and informed choices.


Summary

Agile teams that embrace Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety harness diverse skills, adaptive practices, and strong communication to thrive in complex environments. By actively broadening each member's capabilities, sharing domain knowledge, and maintaining a flexible approach to task allocation, these teams reduce bottlenecks, respond swiftly to new challenges, and ultimately deliver high-value outcomes.

By embracing variety in their structures, processes, and behaviors, Agile teams can navigate the complexities of modern projects with confidence and resilience.