So, you want to build your MVP, launch it, and get users and feedback so you can start iterating. But you don't have the skills to build it yourself. So all you need is a developer to help you build it, right? Not quite. Building a good product, even an MVP, requires multiple skillsets. Here we list out some of the experts you need and why.
Finding the Right People
Here are the main roles you may need to successfully shape your MVP:
Product Manager
The Product Manager asks the why and how. They understand your customers, and the company's overall strategy and goals. They bring cross-functional experience, handle product planning and marketing, and know how to define a solid roadmap. You can find one through recruiters, hire one as a contractor, or lure them in as a permanent employee.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
The CTO is your token "tech guy" and then some. They are either your co-founder or your hired right-hand person. They might be a front-end developer, back-end developer, mobile developer, or part-time dev ops person. Either way, they have hands-on technical experience plus the vision and drive to lead the charge for your perfect MVP. Find a fitting one through recruiters, on AngelList, Founders Nation, or via trusted peers.
UX Designer/Researcher
The UX Designer, or Researcher, uncovers user behaviors and needs to better guide a product's user experience and design. They collect data, present insights, and impact strategy to improve product definition and drive business goals. Browse through Dribbble or Behance to find one that fits your needs.
UI Designer
The UI Designer takes into account the UX Researcher's findings to determine user requirements and design graphic elements, such as wireframes, storyboards, and user flows. They work with Product Managers and Engineers to create a visually-pleasing and user-friendly product. Dribbble and Behance are great resources for filling this role too.
Software Engineers
The Software Engineer is responsible for building the technical architecture of the product. They bring in-depth knowledge of programming languages, software development frameworks, and tools. They work closely with the CTO and other team members to ensure the technical feasibility of the product.
QA Testers
To ensure your product is fit for release, you'll need to hire a Software Tester. Their mission is to click on every button, perform every task, and test every process to ensure your MVP works flawlessly. They are your one-person Quality Control team, and the final line to mitigating your implementation risk.
Project Manager
The Project Manager asks the what and the when. They ensure tasks are optimally assigned so that everyone is kept busy and motivated, and things are delivered on time and on budget. They are a jack-of-all-trades and exhibit great creativity when finding solutions. Similarly to the Product Manager, you can hire a Project Manager through recruiters, either as contractors or full-time employees.
Ideal resourcing
When it comes to the ideal composition of the team, different roles require different levels of involvement:
- UX/UI Designer: Needed for a short period at the start of the project, 2-4 weeks.
- QA Tester: Needed for the last month of the project.
- Project Manager: Needed part-time throughout the project.
- Software Engineer: Needed throughout the project.
- CTO: Needed part-time overlooking the project and more time at the beginning to make architectural decisions.
- Product Manager: Needed throughout the project.
One-stop-shop
The need to hire all these roles to cover your back can be overwhelming. If you didn’t have these roles then you risk not delivering on the project.
That’s where Thought&Function comes in. We can provide an entire delivery team of seasoned professionals with a shared passion for building awesome products. We have never failed to deliver a project, whether it’s a loyalty app for Coco Tea, a talent platform for Hillgate, web and mobile apps for DoctorLink, or Kano's retail demo apps. Our track record completely mitigates your implementation risk.
Beyond execution, we genuinely love bouncing ideas and sharing insights from both a technical and business perspective. Our founders are commercially-aware, product-focused entrepreneurs who have first-hand experience building a company. Delivering your ideal MVP to propel you into the next stage of your business is our pleasure and privilege.
