Autohome Product Development (APD): Framework, Models, and Practice Overview
The article introduces Autohome's Product Development (APD) methodology, detailing its framework, core principles, three development models—flow, iteration, and train—and how it integrates lean‑agile practices to double team capacity and halve delivery cycles.
In March 2019, Autohome launched its Product Development methodology (APD) and the marketing activity team shared their APD practice case at Autohome University.
After applying the APD stream‑based development model for a period, the team solved several pain points of agile transformation, doubled its productivity, and reduced demand delivery cycles by more than half.
APD (Autohome Product Development) is Autohome's proprietary agile product development methodology, systematized from the Project Management Department's process‑improvement experiences across business units.
Similar to other internet companies that have their own methods (e.g., Baidu+, Alibaba, Tencent), APD adapts lean‑agile principles to Autohome's specific business and technical characteristics.
The APD framework consists of three core ideas: focus on value, agile execution, and rapid delivery, reflecting the industry's leading lean‑agile mindset.
APD is divided into three theoretical modules: management practice, engineering practice, and supporting methods & tools, providing a lightweight, extensible structure for both management and technical skill transformation.
Supporting tools such as the Lean Cloud system and agile metrics are used to implement the management and engineering practices.
To fit different team scenarios, APD defines three development models:
Flow model – based on lean Kanban, guiding small teams to deliver demand on‑demand.
Iteration model – based on Scrum, guiding small teams to deliver iterative releases.
Train model – based on scaled SAFe, guiding multiple projects and teams to achieve large‑scale coordinated agile delivery.
These models are not direct copies of existing industry methods but are tailored by integrating Autohome's own best practices.
APD’s value is demonstrated through real‑world impact, and future articles will continue to share practical case studies.
Upcoming: On March 28 afternoon, an APD practical case sharing session will be held at Autohome – stay tuned for registration details!
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