Just like you need the right ingredients to make a cake, you need the right people to build your app. Developing a web or mobile app requires a coordinated effort from inception to launch. So what does a successful app development team look like? There are 7 essential roles to build your MVP. Let's talk about them.

7 Essential App Development Team Roles

Let’s discuss the app development team structure and the duties of each role:

1. Frontend Developers

Frontend developers bring the visual components of your project to life through coding. Depending on the size of your project and if it's a hybrid or cross-platform development project, you may need dedicated iOS and Android developers for your project. 

Frontend developers' primary duties include:

• Rendering mockups and wireframes into functional coded elements

• Select development tools for your project, such as Git management systems

• Defining and creating the coding standards

• Fixing bugs or issues with your application

• Elevating the performance and functionality of your app project

2. Backend Developers

The backend of an app consists of the server-side part of the application. A backend developer manages the central database of the application to ensure there is proper function between users and the server. They work closely with frontend developers to ensure their code integrates effectively with backend elements. 

Backend developers primary responsibilities include:

Optimizing applications for scalability, functionality, and speedBuilding reusable code to use for the applicationDesigning, implementing and optimizing data storage and protectionManaging payment systems to securely handle transactions and store dataComposing frameworks and app architecture

3. Technical Project Manager

A technical project manager (TPM) coordinates efforts between the development team and the client. A TPM updates clients on app development progress and relays client direction to the dev team. They also work with app developers to ensure projects are on track and budget. If any issues or concerns arise, TPMs help find a practical solution. 

A technical project manager’s primary duties include:

Communicate client feedback, notes, and direction to app developmentMeet and update clients on project progressMaintaining project assignments, coordinating sprints, and delineating tasksMaintaining quality control for app dev projects, adhering to deadlines, and managing costsMaster at technical project management interfaces, such as Jira, Asana, or Confluence

4. UI/UX Designer

The user interface (UI) is what users interact with on your app, including what they see and touch. The user experience (UX) is how optimal, functional and satisfactory it is for a user to interact with your application.

A UI/UX Designer ensures your application is optimal for a satisfying user experience. They select colors, fonts and organize page elements to align with brand identity and improve how people interact with applications. 

A UI/UX designer’s primary responsibilities include:

Create mockups of application interfacesTest, troubleshoot, and fix user experience issuesCreate interactive app elements such as menus, call-to-action-buttons, and tabs so users can intuitively navigate applicationsImplement design elements that align with branding

5. Business Analyst

A business analyst (BA) helps clients understand what technical requirements are necessary to build their app. Those requirements are then put into a scope of work (SOW)

The BA starts with the discovery phase using surveys, Q&A sessions and research to identify MVP features, later phase additions, technical challenges and more. They will delineate their research and translate objectives into action items for the client and dev team. BAs also analyze project and budget costs to map out how to spend client dollars effectively. 

A Business analyst’s primary responsibilities include:

Technical requirements gathering for SOWDefine metrics, KPIs, and benchmarks for successIdentify project gaps and ways to speed up app developmentIntegrate research and client objectives into the application development strategyOversee the business development cycle and develop an in-depth roadmap

6. Development Manager

A development manager works with frontend and backend developers to access the key features and requirements for a mobile or web app project. They investigate coding protocols and find ways to improve the operation efficiency and troubleshoot any issues. They’ll use data modeling to conduct audits on existing systems to find ways to improve overall performance. 

A development manager's primary duties include:

Check app coding structures to ensure operational efficiencyProvide system-wide support and maintenance for application developmentWrite and document development process and life-cycle testingHelp drive risk assessment by developing, implementing, and evaluating system design strategies, specifications and models

7. Quality Assurance Engineer

A quality assurance (QA) engineer works with the development team to ensure the application aligns with design and software requirements. They will find, test and fix bugs and perform numerous investigations into how the app is developed. 

A quality assurance engineer’s primary responsibilities include:

Execute performance tests and document issuesFix bugs and find solutions to potential challenges hurting the app development processDevelop quality assurance and standards for the app development team to follow

The App Development Process

The typical app development process consists of a 7-step process:

1. Planning

2. Business and Market Analysis

3. Design

4. Development

5. Testing and Integration

6. Launch

7. Maintenance

During the planning stage, the business analyst and technical project manager discuss client requirements, expectations, budgets, and timelines for the project. From there, UI/UX designers work with the development team to create workflows and information architecture for your project. 

Frontend and backend developers coordinate with technical project managers to create your app. Quality assurance engineers perform testing and integration to ensure your application is working correctly and perform ongoing maintenance. 

Once the app project is ready to launch, the marketing team will plan, launch and optimize ad campaigns to convert users and reach target audiences. 

What is the Right App Development Team Size?

The right app development team largely depends on:

- If you are developing custom software and if you are deploying it across multiple platforms

- The complexity of the application and specialty features needed for the project

- Budget for the project

- Project deadlines

How To Choose The Right App Development Team?

Comparing app agencies can seem daunting. But if you follow these guidelines, the choice will be easier:

- Check reviews

- Compare years in business

- Look at previous client work

- And of course, ask about their team structure!

Above all, trust your instincts. If something is nagging at you, be upfront and ask questions. Good app development teams are there to work with you so if you feel left in the dark, the search must go on! And we can help.