An organization uses a lean startup model to quickly validate ideas. Which of the DA life-cycles would be most suitable for this setup?

The Exploratory life-cycle is the most suitable for organizations using a lean startup model because it emphasizes learning and experimentation. This approach aligns perfectly with the lean startup methodology, which focuses on validating hypotheses quickly through iterative cycles of building, measuring, and learning. In an exploratory life-cycle, teams are encouraged to explore and experiment with new ideas to gather insights and feedback early in the process.

This allows for a more flexible approach, enabling teams to pivot or adjust their strategies based on the feedback they receive from their experiments, which is a fundamental aspect of the lean startup philosophy. The exploratory life-cycle supports rapid iterations and frequent adjustments, making it a great fit for environments where speed to validate ideas is crucial.

The other life-cycles, while they may support some aspects of agile and lean practices, do not specifically emphasize the experimentation and flexibility that are central to the lean startup approach. Continuous delivery Agile, for example, focuses more on delivering increments of work continuously rather than exploring new ideas. Similarly, Continuous Delivery Lean is more about optimizing delivery processes and maintaining flow, rather than the exploratory and validating aspects that are key to a lean startup. Lean life-cycle could be too rigid in its processes for the rapid validation that a lean startup environment necessitates.