Abstract
This study explores how agile software development supports user involvement in the context of relational digital transformation. Relational digital transformation offers an alternative to top-down approaches by viewing technologies as relational constructs embedded within evolving organizational practices. Achieving such transformation requires attention to the relationships that shape technologies, emphasizing sustained collaboration between users and development teams. While software plays a central role, traditional digital transformation often neglects relational dynamics. Agile software development—with its iterative process, adaptability to user needs, and emphasis on user involvement—emerges as a viable approach to implement relational digital transformation. This paper uses a qualitative case study to examine both the user involvement practices employed and users’ perspectives on these practices. The findings identify agile software development practices that can effectively support user involvement, while also revealing limitations, particularly the challenges of maintaining long-term participation and embedding user involvement beyond initial deployments.
Paper Type
Full Paper
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2025.30
User Involvement in Relational Digital Transformation: A Case Study of Agile Software Development Practices in a Large Organization
This study explores how agile software development supports user involvement in the context of relational digital transformation. Relational digital transformation offers an alternative to top-down approaches by viewing technologies as relational constructs embedded within evolving organizational practices. Achieving such transformation requires attention to the relationships that shape technologies, emphasizing sustained collaboration between users and development teams. While software plays a central role, traditional digital transformation often neglects relational dynamics. Agile software development—with its iterative process, adaptability to user needs, and emphasis on user involvement—emerges as a viable approach to implement relational digital transformation. This paper uses a qualitative case study to examine both the user involvement practices employed and users’ perspectives on these practices. The findings identify agile software development practices that can effectively support user involvement, while also revealing limitations, particularly the challenges of maintaining long-term participation and embedding user involvement beyond initial deployments.
Recommended Citation
Moalagh, M., Svesengen, V., A. Farshchian, B. & Mikalsen, M. (2025). User Involvement in Relational Digital Transformation: A Case Study of Agile Software Development Practices in a Large OrganizationIn I. Luković, S. Bjeladinović, B. Delibašić, D. Barać, N. Iivari, E. Insfran, M. Lang, H. Linger, & C. Schneider (Eds.), Empowering the Interdisciplinary Role of ISD in Addressing Contemporary Issues in Digital Transformation: How Data Science and Generative AI Contributes to ISD (ISD2025 Proceedings). Belgrade, Serbia: University of Gdańsk, Department of Business Informatics & University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. ISBN: 978-83-972632-1-5. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2025.30