Hiring the right Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development team often feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. You must juggle budget limits, deadlines, and pressure to make the right calls for your future solution. 

We prepared this guide with you and your problems in mind. It offers actionable advice to help you identify core team roles, structure your team, and hire confidently. Follow the tips provided below to create your perfect MVP development team.

Set the Roles of Team Members

An effective MVP team requires a clear understanding of what every member has to do. That’s why you need to set the roles for your team members to ensure they know their responsibilities to minimize overlaps and enhance cooperation.

Product Owner

The PO is the key decision-maker for an MVP project. A good PO focuses on aligning the MVP with business objectives and user needs. This requires a clear vision of the product’s goals. They make strategic decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term objectives.

Let’s consider a scenario where a team has to develop a marketplace MVP. The PO might prioritize features like user registration and product listings while omitting complex additions like advanced analytics for later iterations. This adaptability to priorities based on received information ensures the product evolves effectively.

Project Manager (PM)

The PM is the backbone of the MVP development team. They act as a central hub, connecting team efforts with project goals while proactively addressing challenges to prevent disruptions. 

A good PM might organize daily stand-ups and two-week sprints in a Scrum framework. Findings show that organizations prioritizing project management meet project objectives 92% of the time, compared to 32% for those that don't. This information easily outlines the importance of effective PMs for MVP projects.

Software Engineers (Frontend, Backend, Full-Stack)

Frontend developers create the UI, focusing on making an intuitive and engaging UX. Backend developers manage server-side logic, database interactions, and app performance. Full-stack developers offer versatility in handling various development aspects by engaging in both domains. 

For example, in an e-commerce MVP, backend engineers might integrate payment gateways, while frontend developers design a seamless shopping interface. Their combined efforts ensure the MVP operates effectively, providing users with a reliable and satisfying experience.

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

QA specialists’ work is about ensuring the product functions correctly and meets user expectations. They identify defects early and send this valuable feedback to developers to reduce the risk of launching an incomplete or imperfect solution. 

A QA engineer might conduct usability testing to ensure an intuitive UX, which is crucial for user retention. Companies using QA metrics experience a 30% reduction in software defects, resulting in higher product quality and customer satisfaction. This is a clear indicator of the importance of the QA role in an MVP development team, where user acceptance is crucial.

UI/UX Designer

The designer balances aesthetics and functionality to create an MVP's UX and visual appeal. These specialists translate user needs and business goals into designs that serve as a blueprint for the development team.

For example, a UI/UX Designer might streamline a mobile app’s onboarding process. This focus ensures users can easily navigate and complete key actions, which boosts user retention and satisfaction.

Additional Roles

DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineer streamlines the deployment pipeline and integrates development and operations for MVP projects. They are experts in automating workflows and maintaining robust infrastructure to support rapid iterations.

For example, this specialist might set up automated testing and deployment pipelines, allowing for swift feedback and reducing time-to-market. Companies that adopt DevOps practices experience 200 times faster lead times for changes, highlighting the critical impact of a competent DevOps Engineer on the success of MVP development.

Data Analyst

The data analyst works with raw data to transform it into actionable insights. This information guides product decisions and validates assumptions for an MVP project. Data specialists analyze user behavior, market trends, and performance metrics, which help prioritize features and identify areas for improvement. 

A data analyst can assess user engagement data to determine which features early adopters favor, enabling the team to focus on high-impact areas. The importance of this role for an MVP is hard to overestimate, as companies using data analysis are 23x more likely to acquire customers, with user retention and profitability being impressive as well.

How Do You Create an MVP Development Team? DBBS Example

To successfully create a proper development team, you need a clear understanding of the goals required to achieve during the project. It’s all about information gathering, preparation, and adaptability. Here’s an example of how DBB Software assembled an MVP team for a recent project:

• Initial engagement – we started with a 40-hour discovery phase, during which team leads gathered all necessary information to prepare a detailed technical plan. They met with the client’s existing team to understand their current processes, technical environment, and the project's desired outcome.

• Solution planning – after gathering information, we created a Software Design Document (SDD) with multiple solutions and our recommendations regarding technical aspects of the future solution.

After approving the technical plan, team leads divided the project into several phases to ensure efficient execution:

• Preparation and design.

  • Team Composition – 1 Front-End Developer, 1 Back-End Developer, 1 UX Designer, and a Tech Lead (20% involvement).

  • Activities – setting up the environment and creating design assets.

• MVP development.

  • Team Composition – 1 Front-End Developer, 1 Back-End Developer, a UX Designer (20% involvement), and a Tech Lead (20% involvement).

  • Activities – building the MVP version of the product.

• Post-MVP development and support. 

  • Following a successful MVP release and client demo, we expanded the product’s features and provided long-term support.

Our leads determined the team's composition at each stage based on the client’s deadlines, available resources, and the complexity of the implementation. This flexible approach ensured we met the client’s objectives effectively and efficiently.

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Team Management Tips

How to manage MVP development team? This process requires a balance of productivity, communication, and adaptability to ensure the product meets its objectives within time and budget constraints.

Set Clear Objectives and Priorities

Start by creating a detailed MVP roadmap that outlines specific, measurable goals and key deliverables for the project. For example, if your MVP is a ride-sharing app, a clear objective could be “Implement a functional ride-booking system with user and driver profiles by the first sprint.” Focused wording enables the team to understand the immediate focus.

To prevent scope creep, define what’s in and out of scope early on. Prioritize building core features like real-time tracking over less critical ones, such as custom avatars for user profiles. 

Use popular prioritization frameworks to make decisions effectively:

• MoSCoW (Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, Won’t-haves) – categorize features based on necessity.

• RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) – assess and prioritize features with the greatest ROI.

• Value vs. Effort Matrix – focus on high-value, low-effort features first.

Foster Open Communication

Remember that communication is the backbone of effective team management for any project, and MVP is no exception. You can achieve high-quality communication by scheduling regular check-ins like daily stand-ups to keep the team aligned and address any roadblocks.

For example, the DBBS team effectively uses Slack for instant updates and pairs these with structured weekly meetings to discuss progress and upcoming tasks via Google Meet. These tools allow us to maintain clear, frequent communication to reduce misunderstandings and keep projects on track.

Monitor Progress Without Micromanaging

You want to establish measurable metrics to track the team’s progress. Remember to give team members enough freedom to determine how best to achieve their objectives. To achieve this, consider using KPIs to deliver goals to team members.

For example, the SMART framework is excellent for defining actionable KPIs. This goal-setting approach is based on defining goals that are:

• Specific;

• Measurable;

• Attainable;

• Relevant;

• Time-bound.

You can identify KPIs for your MVP project based on the SMART approach. Consider the following metrics to measure your team’s performance:

• Sprint velocity – the total number of story points a development team completes during one sprint.

• Defect resolution rate – the percentage of reported defects the team successfully resolves during a set timeframe.

• Feature completion rate – the percentage of planned features completed during a set period.

• Team engagement – the level of satisfaction and involvement among team members.

• Cycle time – the total time required to complete a task from start to finish.

• Team capacity use – the percentage of available work hours the team uses for productive tasks.

The following table features industry-recognized target indicators for each metric and recommended review frequency. This table is a good starting point to identify your team’s trends and discuss any potential roadblocks without excessive micromanagement.

Additionally, you can use tools like Burndown Charts to visualize progress. They can show how many story points remain versus the time left in the sprint. Here’s an example of a Sprint Burndown Chart.

The key takeaway is to trust your team to manage their day-to-day work while providing high-level guidance based on set metrics. This balance promotes accountability, creativity, and effective problem-solving.

Prepare for Challenges

Factors like resource shortages or timeline delays are common in MVP development. To stay on track, prepare contingency plans. You can start by identifying key risks early, like team member availability or feature complexity, and then establishing mitigation strategies.

For example, if your lead developer is critical to the project and becomes unavailable, pre-vet a pool of backup freelancers or establish a partnership with a reliable development agency that can step in without disrupting progress. 

Similarly, if a feature proves more complex than anticipated, prioritize tasks and allocate additional resources to ensure its completion without compromising the launch timeline. Regularly reassess risks during stand-ups or sprint reviews to keep the team aligned and ready to pivot when needed.

Select a Core Team Structure 

Building a successful MVP requires a focused team. The core structure of an MVP team should balance technical expertise with strategic oversight. This way, you can ensure that the product meets user needs and business objectives. 

Waterfall vs. Agile Approach for MVP Development

Choosing a proper project management methodology is crucial if you want to know how to manage MVP development team. There are two mainstream software development methodologies: 

• The Waterfall model – a linear approach where the team completes each project phase before beginning the next one;

• Agile methodology – an iterative approach where the team breaks down a project into phases and follows a cycle-like plan of planning, executing, and evaluating.

Agile is especially suitable for MVP development due to its flexibility. Teams following this approach can break projects into small sprints to rapidly implement and test features. This way, they can spot issues, correct them early in the development cycle, and gather feedback. Agile methodology is all about quickly responding to the environment and reducing risks.

After all, studies show that Agile projects are 28% more successful than traditional Waterfall ones. Everything’s because the Agile approach is perfectly tailored to support adaptability, collaboration, and satisfaction of user needs.

An easy way to understand how Agile works is through an example. Let’s imagine a startup that develops a new app. The team can release a basic version to early adopters, gather feedback, and iteratively enhance the product. This process ensures that the final product aligns closely with user expectations, increasing the likelihood of success in the market.

The following table illustrates the key differences between Waterfall and Agile approaches, and you will see why the latter is more suitable for software and MVP development.

Define How the Team Will Work

The staple mark approach to project management is based on sprints. They typically last 1-4 weeks and allow teams to cover each aspect of the project while covering potential issues. MVP projects benefit from a sprint-based approach as well, and team members can focus on specified deliverables and iterate based on feedback from stakeholders. 

DBB Software also uses sprints as the main framework for our projects. A detailed breakdown of our usual sprints is in the infographic below. 

How to Hire an MVP Development Team

Decide Between an In-House Team and Outsourcing

This is one of the hardest decisions – go for an in-house team, hire freelancers, or work with a software development company. Each option has its benefits and specifics.

In-House Hiring

Such a team consists of dedicated people who will align with your culture and long-term goals. However, hiring them is time-consuming and expensive. For example, the average salary for a software engineer is about $133,000 per year. When you consider recruitment and onboarding costs (often 20% more), things add up fast.

Freelancers

Freelancers are especially great for short-term projects and are the cheapest option. For example, web developers charge $15-30 per hour on platforms like Upwork, which is quite affordable for most startups. However, problems like miscommunication are a common issue when working with freelancers.

Software Development Companies

These agencies are a top choice if you need speed and efficiency. They offer experienced teams, which often leads to faster project completion. The cost of their services can range from $35,000 to $120,000, depending on location and expertise. Software companies are effective for small and large-scale projects due to their cost-effectiveness and delivery quality.

Select Tools and Platforms for Efficient Hiring

There are numerous tools and platforms for you to select from when hiring MVP team members. They can simplify the hiring process and ensure you pick the top talent for your needs.

Outsource Agencies

To hire agencies or development partners, research Clutch.co or GoodFirms for reviews and case studies.

In-House Hiring

Platforms like LinkedIn and AngelList are excellent for finding professionals with specific expertise. Indeed and Glassdoor can also help post jobs and screen candidates.

Freelancers

Platforms like Upwork or Toptal offer access to skilled professionals worldwide through transparent reviews and ratings.

Look for Diverse Skill Sets

When building an MVP development team, prioritize candidates with diverse skill sets to ensure flexibility and efficiency. MVP projects often demand rapid iterations, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving under tight timelines. Hiring individuals with varied expertise allows the team to adapt to evolving requirements.

For example, a software engineer proficient in front and backend development (full-stack) can bridge gaps between design and functionality. Similarly, a UI/UX designer with user research experience can contribute to feature prioritization based on customer insights.

Screen for MVP-Specific Expertise

MVPs are about moving fast, staying flexible, and focusing on the essentials. That is why you need people who align with these specifics of MVP development.

Here’s what to look for:

• Agile development experience – a candidate should be comfortable with agile processes.

• User-centered thinking – a potential employee should know how to design and build features that directly address user pain points.

• Relevant MVP Experience –  a future team member should possess skills specific to MVP development. For example, a software engineer who’s worked on MVPs for startups should know how to balance speed with scalability. A QA engineer experienced in automation can ensure testing doesn’t slow the project.

During interviews, ask candidates about past MVP projects. Request specifics on how they prioritized features, handled pivots, and adapted to feedback. Additionally, evaluate their problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments. This ensures your team is MVP-ready.

Collaboration and Workflow Tips

The following tips are based on DBB Software’s decade-long experience working on various projects, including MVPs. 

Create Effective Communication Channels

We use the following tools to maintain communication:

• Slack – an excellent platform for instant updates and team discussions that enables quick decision-making.

• GitLab – a tool that serves as a centralized space for task management and version control, where team members can track progress, assign responsibilities, and review code collaboratively.

The DBB Software teams use dedicated Slack for sprint discussions, real-time troubleshooting, and coordination with designers and QA engineers. They combine it with GitLab, as its issue-tracking feature allows for detailed documentation of tasks, bugs, and feature requests, minimizing ambiguity and ensuring accountability. 

This combination of tools reduces miscommunication, streamlines workflow, and fosters a transparent and efficient work environment. Regular check-ins and status updates through these platforms further enhance team alignment and project success.

Set Feedback Loops and Iterations

Feedback is an essential component of an effective MVP development process and our team members collect feedback during every stage of a project:

• Before the release, the team actively gathers feedback from the PM and POs, who provide insights based on project requirements and business goals. 

• Post-release, the sales team interacts with clients to collect feedback and identify areas for improvement.

• After each release, the team conducts demo sessions for the entire company, creating an open platform for employees across departments to share their perspectives and suggestions.

Monitor and Optimize Workflows

Remember to regularly review workflows for bottlenecks or inefficiencies. At DBB Software, we actively use the following techniques:

• Retrospective meetings after each sprint to reflect on the sprint's successes and challenges, identifying actionable steps for enhancement

• One-on-one meetings with the CTO once a month, where team members can discuss individual productivity, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.

• Quarterly meetings with the CEO to address broader topics related to workflow and process improvements.

Conclusion

To build a successful MVP, assembling and managing the right development team is critical. By focusing on key roles, fostering collaboration, and implementing efficient workflows, you can navigate challenges and deliver a product that meets user needs and drives business value. 

Whether creating your first MVP or scaling to the next stage, having an expert team makes all the difference. Need help assembling or managing your MVP team? Contact us for industry-leading expertise in MVP development and team management.

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