How can Software Developers work with Designers and Product Managers seamlessly?

As a software developer, you will often work with designers and product managers; this can sometimes be challenging, especially when one group does not consider things from a development point of view.

Before we dive into how to deal with some of these things, let's first understand the role of a developer in a team of product development.

Software developers design computer programs or applications. To achieve these functionalities, software developers must thoroughly analyse and identify problems with applications or programs, report defects, and develop fixes.

Understanding the shared goals.

To work effectively in an organisation, you need to understand what the shared goals are.

Even before the project gets started, clearly seek to understand the expected result of the project. What are the things you all have in common, and what you are all trying to do here?

In a real sense, the idea is getting that excellent product outside the door and making everyone out there like and use them.

Over the years, designers and product managers have gained reputations for not being difficult to work with. But unfortunately, software developers are the sets of people perceived as challenging to work with.

And the significant challenges here can be traced back to communication. People are not aware of the status of the project. What things are going wrong, or where everything is currently is.

With all these in mind, to effectively have shared responsibilities in projects, make share you have a clear goal in mind. Have the rest of your team in mind, and be honest about your communication.

If you have a product manager who is bugging you each day about what is not working for you? You can say something like, "I will get you this early, but I don't work with this concept. It slows the whole process."

"How about setting up specific times to check in on what is being done so we are all on the same page. Then, I can do my work and knock it out."

The most important thing here is, to be honest, keep your communication straight, and always try to meet expectations.

Meeting up with expectations.

If you want designers and product managers to love you, consistently deliver some good.

Deliver a floorless site or application to whatever is being given to you. Don't just deliver something good. Deliver it ahead of time and let everybody know that they view, test and let you know if there are areas that need adjustments.

It is not as if you are trying to prove that you are fast; this is more like you display your professionality to work ethics.

The truth is, people will love you if you get the things done early or at least stick to the project timelines.

Anticipating questions

In an actual sense, it is not as if product managers or designers are trying to witchhunt you in any way. Instead, everyone is just concerned about the outcome.

Anticipating their worries and questions will go a long way. At the beginning of the check-in meeting, you could clarify areas that the reviews should be based on and that you would do some specific things as the project progresses.

That way, people will not be asking why is border-box not aligned rather than checking the logical structure of the application.

In wrapping things up, clear expectations and communication will help keep everyone in sync, and these will go a long way in helping you get things done faster and efficiently.

Remember, your mental health matters; do everything you can to ensure you get a positive work culture with colleagues.

I hope this article gives you tips to collaborate more as a software developer. Leave a comment if you have any tip that wasn't included.

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Source: [Syntax (2022). Potluck - Working on a Team × Dealing with Imposter Syndrome × Animating on the Web × Icon Libraries × Demanding Clients](https://syntax.fm/show/450/potluck-working-on-a-team-dealing-with-imposter-syndrome-animating-on-the-web-icon-libraries-demanding-clients)