Squad-Based Agile Development – Model Structure and Benefits for Your Team

Methods and approaches to software development are evolving at an incredible pace. Previously, the workflow was built around different teams that interacted heavily with each other, which complicated and delayed development. It has been replaced by a more efficient and flexible model – Squad-based Agile development. This method involves creating a small multifunctional group for end-to-end product delivery. 

In this article, we’ll look at the structure of a Squad-based Agile team, list the advantages and disadvantages of this model, and figure out how to implement this approach in your tasks.

What Is a Squad Agile Model?

The Agile Squad model comes from the Spotify culture, a giant among streaming platforms. By its very nature, a squad is a small, flexible, and autonomous group (usually 6–12 people). It focuses on some aspects of development and fully manages it. This way, each band has a specific task and chooses strategies and tactics to implement it. A product owner heads such a team, often there is also a product manager. The specialist sets the vector of movement and controls the quality.

This model ensures transparent, flexible, and, most importantly, highly effective cooperation. It works in such a way that all processes are coordinated at once due to the small number of people involved. Therefore, you have no problems with misalignment and gaps in different stages in the future. As a result, you develop software quickly and with the highest possible quality. 

In large companies, there may be several squads. In this case, they are united into Tribes, which collaborate closely together. We can also distinguish Chapters and Guilds – groups of specialists united by common skills. They share their experience and create communities by interest. 

To sum up, the structure of the Squad-based Agile development model looks like this.

Agile Squad Members

The squads are structured in such a way that each department has specialists in different fields. Thus, each group can handle any stage of project development and implement any task. Due to the diversity of experts, departments are independent. Of course, they are working towards a common goal with a common plan, but each can choose its management method and strategy.  

In general, in software development, squads consist of the following specialists: 

• Product Owner. A specialist defines the strategy and key steps to implement it. They ensure the crew works on the right priorities and its full capacity.
• Developers. Responsible for writing code, designing, and implementing features. In simple words, they turn requirements into functional software.
• Testers (QA). Quality Assurance experts identify and fix bugs before release. They run various tests, including technical and performance testing, to ensure the production meets quality standards.
• UX/UI Designer. Focuses on creating a user-friendly and visually appealing interface. They design how the software will look and feel in close collaboration with front-end developers.
• Business Analyst (optional). Business Analysts work closely with the Product Owner to clarify key requirements and small steps to achieve results. 

Squad-Based Agile Development Benefits

Dealing with the model has many advantages. Foremost, companies prefer this option because of its flexibility and high efficiency. In addition, we can highlight the following benefits you get with the correctly assembled crew.

Industry-Specific Expertise 

One of the most significant advantages is full awareness of every aspect. It allows for easy knowledge transfer within the department and even the tribe, and avoids silos. Moreover, since all members are in close interaction, they understand each other’s roles, can freely share ideas, and use the “common mind” for the benefit of the project. This way, your production will stay on track even if one of the members leaves the unit.

Fast Development Process

The most popular development model is famous for its increased speed. It is possible for two reasons: 

• First, squads utilize the potential of each employee to the fullest. In addition, they deal with tasks together, which means they solve problems together. They don’t have communication problems, so all decisions are made quickly and errors are corrected at the earliest stages. 
• Secondly, each department is an autonomous and complete unit without third-party approval or help. So, to release a feature, they don’t need to wait for an interface from designers or confirmation from QAs. All these specialists are within the team and complete tasks much faster. 

Robust Strategy

A flexible methodology is the next point that significantly improves operations in the company. Each group creates its workflow depending on the team’s capabilities. Thus, employees do not have to follow ineffective tactics. On the contrary, they choose the system that will work for them.

Better Risk Management

A well-coordinated crew copes with any risks. Thanks to face-to-face cooperation, specialists quickly overcome misunderstandings and find solutions to problems. In addition, they instantly respond to changes and are ready to adjust their direction based on user feedback or the goals of the entire project.

How to Create a Successful Squad?

Before dealing with Agile technology, you should assemble a flexible and dedicated team that will work to its full potential. Here are some basic steps.

Choose a Product Owner

The first step is to hire a specialist who will manage the operations. This person should be more than just a manager: he or she should feel each crew member, know their strengths and weaknesses, and unleash the potential of all employees. In addition, the expert must have leadership skills and keep the staff highly motivated to complete tasks. 

Select the Staff

Next, look for other members: programmers, designers, testers, etc. We recommend hiring specialists with T-shaped skills. This means that they understand related processes in addition to a thorough knowledge of their field. Thus, if necessary, one professional may replace another. 

Choose a Common Time Zone

Keep in mind that the newly formed team must work in real-time. Experts should be in the same time zone, even if you choose remote cooperation. It allows to collaborate in a coordinated manner, organize regular meetings, and respond quickly to any problems. 

Maintain Spirit

The effectiveness depends on the coordination of all employees. This effect may be achieved by holding regular meetings, retrospectives, and roundtables. Another tip is to keep your members the same whenever possible. The longer the specialists are together, the better they will be able to overcome challenges.

If you want to get a carefully selected and high-quality Squad-based Agile development team, we are here to help. We offer relevant candidates for various positions and assist with the hiring process.

How to Track Performance in Agile?

It is not enough to create a skilled crew, it needs support and monitoring. Even though the departments are quite autonomous, you should set rules that will help you track performance and make sure everything goes according to plan. Here are some measures that are relevant in this case:

• Establish clear timelines. Even though squads are self-managed, it’s important to set interim and final deadlines for tasks. This way, your employees will choose a strategy to meet the deadline, and you will be able to monitor the execution of the task regularly. 
• Use the daily Scrums practice. Schedule short meetings where employees report on their progress, tasks, or problems. Here, the manager should answer all the questions of his colleagues and ensure the smooth execution of the work. 
• Plan software reviews at different stages. Regular code reviews allow you to identify bugs or make changes before they cause critical failures. This approach avoids downtime and makes creation as efficient as possible.
• Summarize the results. Use a hindsight approach to analyze the team’s performance, analyze specific cases, and avoid common mistakes. Such activities are relevant both within the squad and among the entire tribe.

Wrapping Up

As a result, Squad-based Agile development is an innovative approach to software construction. It offers maximum flexibility, avoids common mistakes of traditional methods, and delivers fast and high-quality results. The main secret to achieving results using this methodology is to have the right specialists who are motivated and committed to the result. 

If you are looking for devs, product managers, designers, or others to complement your team, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have an extensive database of professionals for various positions and are ready to find the best fit. Build your flexible and efficient crew right now!