The optimal software engineering, consisting of methods, tools, and processes, from research to development, is still an open topic. Agile processes and principles dominate current development projects. Research requires fast prototype iterations as proof of concept, and safety standards mostly require following the V-Model. How does all this fit together?

This question is addressed in a joint study by Honda Research Institute Europe GmbH and SIListra Systems GmbH, a TraceTronic company. Together, they analyzed the state of the art and derived a software engineering process, which starts with a research prototype and leads to a software application, both safety and non-safety critical. The resulting process unites the V-Model and support processes with the agile Scrum approach. Innovators, researchers, and project managers can now identify the methods, tools and expertise required for high-quality or even safety critical software innovation.