Product development is a complex process that requires the collaboration of many different profiles, such as software engineers, designers, product managers, marketing specialists, sales and more, and each of these profiles has an important responsibility within the project.
Engineers are responsible for creating the architecture and code for the product. Designers are responsible for creating the user interface and user experience of the product. Product managers are responsible for defining the product vision and ensuring that customer needs are met. Along with this, there is the reality of many companies: the lack of qualified personnel to carry out all of the above.
3 reasons why a dedicated development team can be a valuable tool
This is why hiring dedicated development teams has been critical to the growth and evolution of many businesses. A dedicated development team can be a valuable tool for product development by providing expertise, resources, and support.
- Experience: A dedicated development team has experience in product development, which can save you time and money. They can help companies avoid common pitfalls and make sure their product is built right.
- Resources: Another of the great attractions of dedicated development teams is that through them organizations can have access to resources that they do not have internally, such as equipment, software, tools and specialists. All of this speeds up product development and improves quality.
- Support: A dedicated development team can provide support throughout the product development process, from design to implementation. This can help companies stay on track and ensure their product meets their stated requirements from day 1 of work.
Key strategies and practices for developing a product with a dedicated development team
Define the vision and objectives of the project
Before engaging the dedicated development team, it is essential to have a clear vision of the product and the goals it is intended to achieve. A strong definition will provide a solid foundation for the entire process and ensure that all team members are aligned on the direction of the project.
"These measurable objectives help determine what features, improvements, and capabilities the product needs to achieve them," they stated in an article on the Product Plan portal.
Open and transparent communication
Establishing clear and open channels of communication is crucial to the success of the work between the dedicated development team and the company that hires them. Fostering a culture of transparency where each member feels comfortable expressing ideas, doubts or problems will promote a healthy and productive work environment.
“The more efficient the communication within an organization, the stronger the business result will be. Both employees and stakeholders benefit greatly from a company whose culture prioritizes constant communication", they emphasized in a Forbes article.
Selection and formation of the team
Choosing dedicated development team members is a crucial task. Looking for professionals with complementary skills and relevant experience will ensure a strong and efficient team. In addition, offering training and development opportunities will improve technical skills and increase team effectiveness.
Set realistic goals and deadlines
Defining achievable goals and realistic deadlines is essential to keep the motivation and focus of the dedicated development team. Avoiding assigning impossible tasks or setting unreasonable deadlines will help prevent burnout and missing targets.
Use agile methodologies
The adoption of agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, will allow more efficient project management and greater flexibility to adapt to changes. These methodologies encourage collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement, which is especially beneficial for dedicated development teams.
Monitoring and follow-up
Constantly monitoring the progress of the project is essential to ensure that everything is in line with the established objectives. Monitoring tools and key metrics can provide valuable information for decision making and early detection of problems.
Recognize and reward achievements
It is important to recognize and reward the achievements of the dedicated development team. Celebrating milestones achieved and a job well done will foster a positive and stimulating work environment.
Evaluate and learn from experience
At the end of the project, carrying out a complete evaluation will identify areas for improvement and learn from the experience. Using this feedback for future projects will contribute to the continued growth and development of the team.
Tips for finding the ideal dedicated development team for your company
Keep in mind that finding a good dedicated development team can take a bit of time, as there are many variables that need to be evaluated before hiring to ensure that the working relationship will work as expected. Here we will talk about some aspects to take into account when you are looking for this equipment:
- Their experience and skills should be related to your type of project
In the technology industry there are thousands of dedicated development teams that you can hire, but we recommend that you evaluate profiles that have specific experience and skills related to your industry and your type of project. Review their past project history, request examples of work completed, and verify their technical competencies.
- Check their previous jobs and references
Ask the provider of this dedicated development team for their portfolio of work and past projects, to take a close look at the products they have developed and whether they align with what you are looking for. Also, don't hesitate to ask for references from past clients to get an opinion on their performance and professionalism.
- Make sure you share culture and values with the dedicated development team
It is essential that the development team shares the same values and culture as your company. Collaboration and effective communication are critical to the success of the project, so it's important that both teams work well together.
- Establish a contract with clear terms
Before formalizing the collaboration, be sure to establish a clear contract that details the terms and conditions of the work. This includes deadlines, costs, intellectual property rights and any other relevant clause to protect the interests of both parties.
- Try small projects
If possible, start with small projects or pilots to assess the capacity of the development team before embarking on larger and more complex projects.
Do you need a dedicated development team for your next project? At Rootstack, we have +12 years of experience supporting companies in their digital transformation. Contact us!