· Setbase GmbH · Project Management · 3 min read
Navigating Agile Project Management with Two Teams on one Product
An example on how to manage two agile Teams (Squads) working on the same Product.
Managing a product that spans both mobile and web platforms comes with unique challenges, especially when working with two agile teams. Each team focuses on its own touchpoint, but they must stay aligned to deliver a cohesive user experience. Here’s how project managers can address these challenges and implement solutions that ensure smooth collaboration and success.
Key Challenges in Managing Two Agile Teams
1. Siloed Teams and Misaligned Goals
When teams work on different platforms, such as a mobile app and a web application, it’s easy for goals and priorities to diverge. Teams may focus solely on their platform without considering how their work impacts the product as a whole.
2. Cross-Team Communication Gaps
Effective communication between teams can be a significant hurdle. Misunderstandings about shared APIs, design decisions, or feature dependencies can lead to delays and inconsistencies.
3. Inconsistent User Experience
With separate teams owning different parts of the product, maintaining a consistent look, feel, and functionality across platforms can be a challenge. Divergent approaches to design or features can frustrate users and dilute the product’s value.
4. Overlapping Sprints and Dependencies
When both teams run sprints independently, coordinating dependencies between mobile and web touchpoints can become chaotic, causing bottlenecks or rework.
Solutions for Effective Project Management
1. Establish a Unified Product Vision
Align both teams around a clear product vision and shared goals. Regularly reinforce this vision through joint planning meetings and product reviews to ensure both teams are moving in the same direction.
2. Implement a Shared Backlog
Use a shared backlog to track features, bugs, and dependencies across both platforms. This allows teams to understand cross-platform priorities and ensures that dependencies are accounted for during sprint planning.
3. Foster Open Communication
Encourage constant communication between teams. Weekly cross-team stand-ups or sync meetings can help address shared concerns, align timelines, and resolve roadblocks early.
4. Centralize API Ownership
Centralize API development and maintenance under a dedicated subgroup or shared responsibility to avoid misaligned implementations and ensure consistent performance across platforms.
5. Adopt a Design System
Introduce a unified design system that defines reusable components, design principles, and interaction patterns. This ensures that both mobile and web platforms deliver a cohesive user experience.
6. Plan for Cross-Team Testing
Coordinate testing efforts between teams to validate features across platforms. Shared QA resources or integrated test plans can catch inconsistencies early and improve overall product quality.
The Outcome: A Cohesive Product
By addressing these challenges with structured solutions, project managers can ensure that mobile and web teams work together seamlessly. The result is a product that not only meets user expectations but also reflects the team’s collaborative effort and shared vision.
Building a successful multi-touchpoint product requires more than technical expertise—it demands intentional, strategic project management. By fostering alignment, communication, and consistency, teams can overcome the complexities of agile development and deliver exceptional results.
Have you managed a project with multiple agile teams working on the same product? Share your experiences and solutions in the comments below!
