Should I Change My Dev Team in the Middle of a Project?

January 12, 2024 by Kosta Mitrofanskiy

Navigating the world of software development can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not technically inclined. Many product owners find themselves in a bind when it comes to changing a development team or company mid-project. It’s a common dilemma: figuring out the right time and way to make such a critical change.

Understanding the basics of the software development life cycle is essential. This knowledge not only helps bridge any gaps in development but also ensures you make informed decisions about selecting the best remote software development team.

Several red flags might indicate it’s time to consider a change. These include unclear project management and objectives, which can lead to delays, increased budgets, frustration, and stalled progress.

You may wonder, “Should I change my dev team in the middle of a project?” At IntelliSoft, we are here to solve this problem. With our guidance, you can navigate these changes smoothly and effectively, ensuring your project stays on track without unnecessary turmoil.

Table of Contents

Common reasons to change software developers

Even the best software developers can sometimes face the possibility of a client wanting to switch teams. This decision often stems from a variety of compelling reasons, chief among them being dissatisfaction with the current service. Common issues include delays in reaching important milestones and frequent miscommunications. These problems are particularly prevalent among clients who outsource their IT needs to software development companies. Additional factors to change dev team include the following.

Weak Plan

As you know, the best impromptu is a planned impromptu. Many project participants (including the owners) rush into a complex project without expertise and background. They’ve done similar projects but have never dealt with the specific nuances. For instance, a development team used to create brilliant e-stores using WordPress, but now they have to work with Weebly or Wix for some reason.

So, we have 20% agreement versus 80% uncertainty, which leads to obvious problems.

Blurred Requirements

Well-formed expectations can at least reduce the likelihood of failure by the middle of your project if you don’t cut it at all.

We often disagree on the details and expectations of the project with each other. The client formulated the desired product vision, and the developers carried out the order according to the algorithm. However, no one agreed on the details and wishes. No one stipulated possible problems and ways of solving them. This usually leads to severe problems.

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Savings on Performers

Let’s be honest: good work doesn’t come cheap. There are a lot of software companies and freelancers that offer cheap services, but such a saving has some pitfalls:

Insufficient qualifications
Loss of budget
Legal or regulatory problems
Vague client policies

One way or another, one or more of these factors become the same sticks in the throat that negate all your efforts to create a successful project.

How to Understand That It Is Time to Switch to Another Team

Someone will say that it’s time to change the software development company right away when you see that the current performers are not coping with it. Someone may advise not to rush and optimize the technical assignment, as well as instruct the team composition once again.

Finally, the main question is, “Is your problem a misunderstanding with the current performer? Or maybe, is it the absence of their ability to deal with your project or parts of it?” The second case can be the starting point in your team transformation or replacement.

Switching between teams requires the same thorough approach as preparing a project from scratch. It is even more complicated because you have to hire a new dedicated software development team to complete something for the already existing model and add new features, which could be a headache. Thus, change development teams smoothly and carefully in three steps.

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What to Know Before Changing Developers

Changing development teams is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a thorough understanding of your current team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as a clear vision of what you expect from the new team. Before making any changes, consider the following:

Identify the specific problems or challenges you are facing with your current team.
Evaluate the skillsets and expertise needed for the successful completion of the project.
Assess the impact on project continuity and knowledge transfer.
Consider the potential costs and time required for onboarding a new team.

Gaining a deep understanding of these factors will help inform your decision-making process and mitigate potential risks associated with changing developers.

Furthermore, it is crucial to communicate openly and transparently with both your current and prospective development teams. Clearly outlining the reasons for the change and setting expectations from the outset can help foster a smoother transition. This communication should include discussing project timelines, deliverables, and any specific requirements or preferences you have for the new team.

Step 1: Terminate the Development Partner

Many startups who have had experience with mid sprint switching took these three main points, which led them to success.

Current Features

Whatever one may say, keep on coordinating the completion of some small functions with your previous staff. This will save time for new developers (and your money, accordingly). In the end, you can always instruct a new performer to re-write some parts of the code if the old one turns out to be of poor quality.

Transmitting Documents

Instruct your current performers to write the transmitting document. This will help you set a clear target for your new members as soon as you recruit them. This could include:

Comments to the code
Description of solutions
Points of failure and bugs
Weak points that need special attention
Notes on architecture

It’s much better than conducting hours of research again and looking for hidden errors.

Step 2: Prepare for New Developers

Now, prepare the work area for your new hires. You have to explain to them the essence of the task and the project nuances. Make a layout or diagram where you will show:

The market and your business position in it
Your project’s current problems
Optimal solutions
Description of the business model

An indication of the general lines and main points will be enough. There is no need to go into details.

Next, you need to divide your work strategy into several main points:

Cons and mistakes that previous performers made
Information about upcoming tasks: what are you going to launch, change, etc.

Remember to focus on your project and start with the items that need immediate attention and action.

Step 3: Hire a New Team

You realized your mistakes, created a new plan, defined new ways of development — it’s time to hire qualified performers. Of course, you don’t want to get burned again, which means it’s time to change your approach to hiring developers and, perhaps, some approaches to managing teams.

Technology Stack Is a Top Priority

It is also often the main problem when switching between teams. You need specialists who work in your technology stack. Such a development team helps you save time, avoid transferring your project to another language and handle other possible problems.

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When dealing with an outsourcing company, check this factor on its website or with the contractor during the interview.

Exploration and Selection

If your goal is to change the development team to the descent, honest developers who will never cheat and do their best to deliver the project on time, a few simple tips will help you:

Scan the potential performers. Find their social media accounts, talk to former clients (if possible), explore previous cases and portfolios, and search for more info on reputable review sites.
Discuss their business model. Any credible company always has a transparent scheme of work, prices, and payment procedures.
Request a contract. Official agencies and performers can always provide an agreement with clear conditions.

Take a Closer Look and Evaluate Situation

Starting to change your project with small tasks assigned is the best strategy. It will help you check the quality of work, estimate the amount of time required, as well as the volume. Do not forget to consult with your future team: this will prevent you from difficulties in the future, especially with large volumes.

Let your new contributors examine the source code and make small changes if needed. They will examine the code to understand your project. You, in turn, will be able to evaluate their work.

Meet New Changes

Now that you have already assembled a new dev team to change your approach and generated an updated strategy, you only need to control the process to create a new successful scenario. Just follow your intuition, common sense, and a few simple rules:

Watch for updates
Contact the developer
Track the changes
Block access for previous employees
Request or conduct a code review on your own

Routine diagnostics will give you a better chance of a successful product release. On the other hand, you can fully rely on the assigned project manager.

What Team is the Best Software Development Team?

To ensure the smooth development of your business software, it’s crucial to choose the right software development company wisely. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect team for your project:

Alignment with Business Goals

It’s essential to hire software developers who not only understand your project’s technical requirements but also grasp the broader business objectives. This ensures that every feature and functionality built aligns with the ultimate goal of the software, whether it’s to improve operational efficiency, increase user engagement, or drive sales.

Expert Team Composition

The composition of your software development team should include experts who specialize in the relevant domains and technology stacks required for your project. This includes professionals well-versed in specific programming languages, platforms, and frameworks that are crucial for your software. Having such experts on board enhances the quality and efficiency of the developed software.

Technical Expertise

Experience in software development can significantly impact the project’s success. Experienced developers are likely to foresee potential issues and tackle them proactively, ensuring a smoother development process. They can leverage their past learnings and best practices to navigate complex project requirements and deliver high-quality solutions.

Strong Communication and Portfolio

Effective communication is critical in software development. Ensuring that your team communicates clearly and regularly can prevent misunderstandings and keep the project aligned with its goals. Additionally, reviewing the team’s portfolio gives insights into their capability and the quality of work they can deliver. A strong portfolio often indicates a proven track record of handling diverse projects successfully.

Curiosity and Enthusiasm

Developers who are curious and eager to learn tend to bring innovative solutions to the table. A team that asks questions and shows enthusiasm for your project is more likely to be engaged and committed. This attitude not only helps in building a better product but also fosters a proactive problem-solving environment.

Scalability

The ability to scale the development team according to the project’s evolving requirements is crucial. Whether you need to ramp up the team size to meet aggressive timelines or scale down to optimize costs, the flexibility to adjust the team dynamically can greatly influence the project’s adaptability and cost-efficiency. Make sure the development company can accommodate these changes without compromising on the quality or pace of work.

Verdict

Deciding to switch developers mid-project is never easy, but knowing when to move on is crucial. If your current development team doesn’t meet your expectations and affects your app’s potential, it might be time to consider a change.

Are you dealing with a developer who’s gone silent, or perhaps you’re ready to kickstart a brand-new app idea? We’re eager to hear from you and explore how we can help bring your vision to life. IntelliSoft has a massive staff of web developers, designers, and IT specialists in all niches that will pull your project at any stage.

It’s not that hard to find real pros to change the development team. Start new cooperation and face positive changes with your project with us!

FAQ

Should I change my development team in the middle of a project?

Changing your development team mid-project can bring various benefits and resolve issues that may arise during the development lifecycle. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding. Here are a few reasons why you might consider changing your development team:The current team is struggling to meet project objectives and deadlines. You believe a new team with different skillsets and expertise can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. You have identified significant gaps in communication and collaboration within the current team. The original team has encountered unexpected challenges or constraints, and a change is necessary to overcome them.

Why we should change development team?

The decision to change a development team should not be taken lightly. However, there are situations where it becomes necessary to ensure project success. Some common reasons to change the development team include:Lack of technical expertise or compatibility with the project requirements. Poor communication and collaboration among team members. Inadequate progress on deliverables and missed deadlines. Perceived lack of commitment or dedication from the current team.Changing the development team can introduce new perspectives, expertise, and energy into the project, leading to better outcomes and increased overall performance.Another important factor to consider when contemplating changing a development team is the cultural fit. A team that aligns with the company's values, work ethic, and vision is more likely to produce high-quality work and foster a positive work environment. If the current team does not resonate with the organization's culture, it may be beneficial to explore new team members who better embody the company's ethos.

How to change a development team?

Changing a development team requires careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some steps to consider:Perform a comprehensive analysis of the project status and specific reasons necessitating the change. Clearly define the skillsets, experience, and expertise required for the new team. Conduct extensive research and evaluation to identify potential replacement teams. Thoroughly vet each potential new team through interviews, portfolio reviews, and reference checks. Facilitate proper knowledge transfer from the previous team to the new team. Develop a robust transition plan, including an onboarding process for the new team. Communicate the change to stakeholders, outlining the reasons and expected benefits. Maintain open and transparent communication channels throughout the transition process.Following these steps can help minimize disruptions and ensure a successful transition to the new development team.

When to switch to another team?

Knowing when to switch to another development team is a crucial aspect of project management. Here are some indicators that may signal the need for a change:Persistent issues with quality control and bug fixing. Consistent missed or delayed milestones. Communication breakdowns resulting in misunderstandings and rework. Lack of innovative solutions and creative problem-solving. Continual clashes or conflicts within the team.By recognizing these signs, you can proactively address the challenges and minimize the negative impact on your project.It is important to note that switching to another team should not be a decision taken lightly. Before making the switch, consider conducting a thorough analysis of the current team's performance and identifying specific areas of improvement. Engage in open and honest communication with the team members to address any underlying issues and explore potential solutions together.

What is the process for initiating a change in the dev team's project scope?

Initiating a change in the development team's project scope requires careful planning, coordination, and stakeholder alignment. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:Identify the specific changes required in the project scope. Perform a detailed impact analysis to assess the feasibility and potential consequences. Communicate the proposed changes to all relevant stakeholders, including the current and potential new development teams. Facilitate discussions and negotiations to reach a consensus on the revised project scope. Update project documentation, contracts, and agreements to reflect the changes.Ensure proper transition and handover from the previous scope to the new one.Moreover, conducting a thorough risk assessment as part of the impact analysis can help identify potential roadblocks or challenges that may arise during the transition to the new project scope. By proactively identifying and addressing risks, you can develop contingency plans to mitigate their impact and keep the project on track.

How to evaluate when it's time to change our dev team's strategy?

Evaluating the need to change your development team's strategy involves critically assessing project progress, team dynamics, and alignment with current business objectives. Here are some factors to consider when conducting this evaluation:Regularly review and analyze project milestones and outcomes. Assess the team's ability to adapt to changing requirements and technologies. Monitor team and individual performance metrics. Observe the team's engagement, motivation, and satisfaction levels. Continuously gather feedback from key stakeholders.By regularly evaluating these factors, you can identify areas where changes in the development team's strategy may be beneficial and make informed decisions to drive project success.Furthermore, it is essential to consider the current market trends and technological advancements that may impact the effectiveness of your development team's strategy. Staying abreast of industry best practices and emerging tools can provide valuable insights into potential areas for improvement or optimization within your team's approach.Another crucial aspect to evaluate is the level of collaboration and communication within the development team. Effective teamwork and open lines of communication are vital for fostering innovation and problem-solving. Assessing how well team members work together, share ideas, and resolve conflicts can help determine if adjustments to the team's strategy are necessary to enhance overall productivity and efficiency.

What are the potential impacts on project timelines if the dev team is changed?

Changing the development team can have significant implications for project timelines. It is essential to consider the potential impacts before proceeding. Some of the possible effects include:Temporary slowdown during the transition period as the new team familiarizes themselves with the project. Potential delays in delivering project milestones as the new team ramps up their productivity. Additional time required for knowledge transfer and onboarding activities. Potential need for rework or code refactoring due to differences in coding styles or development approaches.By analyzing these potential impacts and developing an effective transition plan, you can mitigate disruptions and ensure minimal impact on project timelines.Moreover, changing the development team can also bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the project. Different team members may approach challenges in unique ways, leading to innovative solutions that were not previously considered. This diversity in thought can ultimately enhance the quality of the project deliverables and improve overall outcomes.

AboutKosta Mitrofanskiy

I have 25 years of hands-on experience in the IT and software development industry. During this period, I helped 50+ companies to gain a technological edge across different industries. I can help you with dedicated teams, hiring stand-alone developers, developing a product design and MVP for your healthcare, logistics, or IoT projects. If you have questions concerning our cooperation or need an NDA to sign, contact info@intellisoftware.net.