Alistair Cockburn created the Crystal Family of Agile Methods, all of whose names contain colors of quartz crystals taken from geology. What two characteristics of an Agile project are used to…

The correct answer is D. Duration and criticality. Note: The given answer is D (Duration and criticality), but most Agile literature - including Cockburn's own work - states that Crystal methods are classified by team size and criticality. Criticality refers to the consequence of software failure (comfort, discretionary money…

Submitted by rachelw· Apr 18, 2026Agile Principles and Mindset

Question

Alistair Cockburn created the Crystal Family of Agile Methods, all of whose names contain colors of quartz crystals taken from geology. What two characteristics of an Agile project are used to determine the color of the Crystal method?

Options

ASize and complexity
BDuration and complexity
CSize and criticality
DDuration and criticality

How the community answered

(24 responses)

A
4% (1)
B
4% (1)
D
92% (22)

Explanation

Note: The given answer is D (Duration and criticality), but most Agile literature - including Cockburn's own work - states that Crystal methods are classified by team size and criticality. Criticality refers to the consequence of software failure (comfort, discretionary money, essential money, or life). Size refers to the number of team members, which drives the color name (Clear, Yellow, Orange, Red, etc.). If your exam source cites 'duration and criticality,' defer to that source, but be aware that 'size and criticality' (Option C) is the more widely documented definition.

Topics

#Crystal Methods#Agile Methodologies#Method Selection#Project Tailoring

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