How to choose a development team and not to ruin the project at the start?
Hi! My name is Vlad Konovalov. I'm the founder of Cherrypick Agency.
We all know that any project starts with an idea, but it's very important to find a good team so that it doesn't end there. A mistake at this stage of work can be costly, so today I'll share my tips on how to find ‘the right’ team, work with which will go without problems and disruption of deadlines (and nerves), and the result will definitely justify expectations.
Key steps to minimise risk
Even the most promising ideas can stall without a clear plan. Here are five steps to help you avoid mistakes and get your process on track.
Step 1: Clear terms of reference
The Terms of Reference is your GPS unit. It should be detailed, clear and cover all key aspects from functionality to design. Don't use phrases like ‘user-friendly interface’ or ‘modern design’. Always be specific.
Step 2: Check out the contractor
Be sure to research reviews, case studies, and conduct interviews. It's important to understand how the company handles similar projects.
Step 3: Clarify terms of work
Draw up a contract that spells out all milestones, deadlines, and responsibilities of the parties. Discuss what is included and what may incur additional costs.
Step 4: Using monitoring tools
Use systems like Jira, Trello or Asana to track progress. This will help avoid confusion and identify problems in time.
Step 5: Test the team.
Before you start working on a big project, try doing a small test order with your chosen team. This will help you understand their level and approach to work.
What is important to consider when selecting developers
When selecting developers for your project, it is important to be guided by your goals and objectives, as well as understand the difference between types of employees.
- Strategic employees
Optimal if you plan to work on the product long-term. Employees in the office will help you adapt to changes faster and work on the development of the project. But it is worth considering that it is expensive and takes time to recruit.
- Outsourcing.
Outsourcing companies offer experts in different technologies. You save time on hiring, get professionals while avoiding unnecessary employee costs. But it's crucial to choose your contractor carefully. Check portfolios, reviews and discuss communication details.
- Freelancers.
If the project is small and requires highly specialised skills, freelancing can be a worthwhile solution. However, as in our client's story, there is a risk of losing control of the process.
Approach the choice of a team consciously, assessing not only the cost, but also the stability of the work. More often than not, it will cost more to completely redo a project.
How team selection determines project success
One of our clients approached us with the idea of launching a mobile application. Before us, he had already tried to implement the project, but on a freelance basis. The budget was limited, deadlines were tight, and the idea was promising. So the client quickly found developers. But after a couple of months it became clear: the work had stalled. The developers constantly postponed deadlines, and the finished materials did not meet expectations.
In the end, the client decided to change their strategy in time and turned to us with their project. Our developers sorted out the chaos in the code, helped optimise the process, and we were able to bring the product to release.
This situation won't necessarily happen for you, freelance work can be done well too. The main point is to choose your developers carefully, whether freelance or in-house.
Closure
These are the most basic steps, but I'll go into more detail about other project steps, subtleties and challenges in the next articles in the series.
Now you know how to choose the right development team, prepare TOR and minimise risks. Give preference to professionalism, detailed planning and transparent processes. Remember: a successful start is not only an idea, but also the team that implements it.