There definitely are systems where BDUF is a valid approach. But at the same time there are systems where making mistakes is the best way to learn. Emergent des

There definitely are systems where BDUF is a valid approach. But at the same time there are systems where making mistakes is the best way to learn. Emergent design is a thing. This strikes me as a false dichotomy. The choices aren't limited to "BDUF" OR "NDUF" (No Design Up Front). There's a continuum along which the amount of up-front design that is required can range. I prefer the term SDUF (Sufficient Design Up Front). And of course we all have to keep in mind that design and architecture aren't things that only happen "up front". Design and architecture work-streams should continue throughout the lifecycle of the project, IMO. The relative weighting of the different work-streams can vary, but the key is that it doesn't just end after the first (iteration|sprint|phase|whatever-you-call-it).