Healthcare.gov was not built in an agile manner. Sure, some items that are labeled as artifacts of agile-based software development, i.e. user stories, may have been utilized, but that doesn't make for an agile process. Heck, even an agile process doesn't make one agile.
To say it failed "despite agile practices" misses the mark. It's like blaming a roof for leaking despite the use of hammers. Process is a tool, and if used properly, it may be a solution. But pixie dust, it is not.
To say it failed "despite agile practices" misses the mark. It's like blaming a roof for leaking despite the use of hammers. Process is a tool, and if used properly, it may be a solution. But pixie dust, it is not.