What does it mean when the agile mindset is described as empirical in nature?

When the agile mindset is described as empirical in nature, it emphasizes practice-based decision-making grounded in experience. This approach is fundamental to agile methodologies, which prioritize real-world observations and actual outcomes over prescriptive plans or theoretical models. By relying on experiences gained through iterative processes, teams can adapt and make informed decisions that lead to improved project outcomes.

This empirical foundation allows teams to observe and react to changes in their environment, customer feedback, and actual results from their work. As such, teams engage in continuous learning and adaptation. This way, agile practices encourage experimentation and give teams the flexibility to adjust their methods and objectives based on what they discover during the project rather than strictly adhering to predetermined paths.

The other options provided do not align with the core idea of an empirical approach. While references to research or minimizing waste may relate to certain aspects of agile, they do not capture the essence of making decisions based on hands-on experience and iterative feedback, which is central to the agile mindset.