Summary
We believe cross-functional team collaboration delivers value faster for users and organizations. However, it’s not always obvious what exactly cross-functional collaboration actually looks like. What practices are necessary to the team’s success? How do you measure team performance? As a developer and a designer, we have direct experience working together and leading teams on truly cross-functional product design and delivery. In our talk, we’ll provide specific examples of what that kind of collaboration can look like, while sharing some of the values and principles that have motivated us.
Key Insights
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The importance of understanding user needs among all team roles.
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Implementing visual aids can help connect individual efforts to larger goals.
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Team morale improves significantly when a shared understanding is established.
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Empathy for colleagues is just as important as empathy for users.
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Collaboration is both a tactical and strategic exercise within teams.
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Encouraging a culture of feedback fosters growth and understanding.
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Pairing can be an effective method for sharing knowledge and skills.
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Recognizing and addressing personal needs can enhance team dynamics.
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Creating opportunities for collaboration drives innovation.
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Designing as a team means all members contribute to the process, enhancing product outcomes.
Notable Quotes
"One of the biggest issues we faced was a disconnect between developers and product strategists."
"It's essential for everyone to see how their work moves the needle toward user outcomes."
"The assembly line approach created unmet needs and dysfunction within our team."
"We realized that everyone had valuable context that could inform the entire team."
"Pairing is about building trust and empathy through shared experiences."
"Designing as a team means we actively participate in the design process together."
"There’s no rule book for cross-functional collaboration – it’s about exploration and adaptation."
"When we pair, we amplify each other's expertise and break down hierarchies."
"Addressing unmet needs early can significantly improve work satisfaction."
"The success of our collaborations was rooted in understanding each other's roles and contributions."
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