How to improve collaboration in product teams?

Most of us - people associated with IT - have experienced a situation when a product on which a group of talented developers and designers worked did not meet its goal.

Perhaps you are facing such a situation now as a designer, developer or product/project manager. How is it possible that a team that puts its whole heart into the work will not achieve a satisfactory result?

There may be thousands of reasons. In this article I will focus on one of the key factors - cooperation and communication. The process of creating digital products is extremely complex, it consists of many stages (more in this article - we can write about one of them), and at least several people are involved in the process.

While working on this article I’ve talked with other designers about their experience with misalignments between design and dev team. This is one of the story I heard:


„We created a new function in the product, the design was ready, presented to the business and approved. Unfortunately, no developer was present at the meetings, or not enough to analyse all the new functionality (...) Fortunately, we found out quickly and it didn't go too far. Now I try to somehow convey the design and either describe it well or organize a meeting and make sure that everyone sees what it is about and we work together. Describe better how individual components should work, e.g. the name in the table 'Target' does not always say what exactly it is about, but it makes a big difference in programming, as in psychology everyone can associate it with something else. Simply presenting the feature to the team will do the trick.”

This example sounds like a mix of all stories I’ve heard and experienced.

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How to improve collaboration in team?

To enhance collaboration and communication between designers and developers within IT teams, it is essential to implement a multifaceted approach. Consider the following strategies:

1. Estabilish transparent channels of communication

Foster an environment where designers and developers feel empowered to communicate openly and honestly. Encourage regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project retrospectives to facilitate dialogue and ensure alignment.

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2. Embrace cross-functional collaboration:

Break down organizational silos by promoting cross-functional collaboration between design and development teams. Encourage team members to work closely together, share insights, and collaborate on problem-solving to drive innovation and efficiency.

“The little secret in product is that engineers are typically the best single source of innovation; yet, they are not even invited to the party in this process.”

Marty Cagan, INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love

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3. Leverage collaboration tools

Embrace the power of collaboration tools such as Figma, InVision, and Slack to facilitate seamless communication and project management. These tools enable designers and developers to share designs, provide feedback, and track progress in real-time, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

I would like to highlight the importance of proper Figma set up. 
In the collaborative landscape of design and development, a well-structured Figma file serves as the definitive "source of truth" for both teams. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for seamless collaboration and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle. Within Figma, a properly organized file structure provides clarity and coherence, ensuring that all team members are aligned on the project's vision and objectives. By establishing clear naming conventions, groupings, and hierarchy within the file, designers and developers can navigate complex designs with ease, minimizing confusion and maximizing productivity. To sum up:

The proper organization of a Figma file empowers teams to work cohesively towards a shared goal, driving innovation and excellence in product development.

Have you thought about design system?

The topic of system design is so extensive that it deserves a separate article. In my experience, this is the highest form of technical cooperation between designers and developers.
Working on the component library, appropriate semantics - it was a game changer when it comes to understanding the developers' way of thinking.

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4. Cultivate empathy and understanding

Encourage designers and developers to cultivate empathy and understanding for each other's roles and perspectives. By acknowledging the unique challenges and constraints faced by both disciplines, teams can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that fuels collaboration and creativity.


Sounds like banal but empathy is the key.

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5. Invest in continuous learning and development

Prioritize professional development opportunities for both designers and developers to expand their skill sets and deepen their understanding of each other's domains. By investing in ongoing learning and growth, teams can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies.


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Takeaways

In his influential book Inspired, Marty Cagan emphasizes the key role of collaboration in product development, arguing that product quality is a direct reflection of the quality of team collaboration. By fostering clear communication, embracing cross-functional collaboration, and developing empathy and understanding, teams can take their products to new levels of success. As we navigate the constantly changing technology landscape, remember that synergy between designers and programmers is the foundation on which innovation develops.

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“If the first time your developers see an idea at sprint planning, you have failed. We need to ensure that feasibility before we decide to build, not after. 
Not only does this end up saving a lof of waster time, but it really turns out that getting the engineer’s perspective earlier also tends to improve the solution itselft, and it’s critical for shared learning.”

Marty Cagan, INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love

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