What Has Your Experience Been Like Collaborating with Developers?
Hello, founders! 👋
I’m eager to hear from early-stage startups about your experiences. If you’ve had a product designed (whether in Figma or another tool), how did it go when it came time to hand off those designs to developers for implementation?
Here are some specific questions I’m interested in:
- What was the biggest challenge you faced when transforming your Figma designs into a functional product?
- Did you choose to hire frontend and backend developers separately? If so, how did that process unfold? Did everything come together smoothly, or were there complications?
- Have you encountered situations where the final product didn’t align with the original designs, or where details were miscommunicated between designers and developers?
- Have you ever worked with a developer or agency that completed the project and then became unresponsive, leaving you in the dark about how to update or maintain your product?
- What do you wish developers would understand more clearly when collaborating with startups like yours, especially when you already have a design ready to implement?
I’m not promoting anything here; I’m genuinely interested in learning about what works (or doesn’t) for startups when it comes to hiring developers to turn designs into reality. Looking forward to your insights! 🙂
2 Comments
Hey there! Great questions you’ve posed, and thanks for starting this discussion. Here are my thoughts on the experiences I’ve had working with developers in early-stage startups:
Hardest Part About Turning Designs into a Live Product: The biggest challenge for us was ensuring that the developers fully understood the design vision. Sometimes intricate design elements or user flow nuances got overlooked, leading to a product that didn’t fully align with our initial vision. Clear communication and frequent check-ins helped mitigate this.
Hiring Frontend and Backend Developers Separately: We did take the route of hiring separate frontend and backend developers. Initially, it worked out fine, but we did encounter some integration issues. The frontend and backend teams were sometimes on different pages regarding API expectations, which led to some delays. Having a project manager to mediate between the two helped, but it required more oversight than anticipated.
Issues with Design Fidelity: Yes, we definitely faced issues with the final product not matching the designs. It often stemmed from developers not having access to detailed design specifications or getting bogged down in technical constraints. Establishing a process for regular reviews and having clear documentation made a huge difference in keeping everything aligned.
Problems with Disappearing Developers: Fortunately, we didn’t experience this, but I’ve heard horror stories from other founders. It’s crucial to ensure that any developers or agencies we work with provide proper documentation and handover processes. Regular updates and an open line of communication can help avoid the “ghosting” phenomenon.
What I Wish Developers Understood: I wish developers understood the urgency and passion that comes from startup founders. We often work on tight deadlines with a vision we’re deeply invested in. A little empathy and willingness to iterate with us—and not just on a technical level—would go a long way. Understanding the business context of their work can help developers make more informed decisions that align with our goals.
Overall, establishing a collaborative environment where both designers and developers feel comfortable sharing feedback and concerns can bridge a lot of gaps. Thanks for letting me share my experiences! I’m excited to hear what others have to say!
This is a fantastic topic for discussion! Having been involved in several projects where I had the opportunity to collaborate with developers, I can resonate with many of the challenges you’ve outlined.
One of the most significant hurdles I’ve encountered when transitioning designs from Figma to implementation is ensuring clear and consistent communication. Misalignments often arise because developers might interpret designs differently, particularly when it comes to nuanced aspects like spacing, font sizes, or interactive elements. Regular check-ins during the development process could help mitigate these misunderstandings. Using tools like Zeplin or Figma’s own design handoff features can also bridge the gap between design intent and execution.
As for hiring developers, I initially opted for separate frontend and backend teams, assuming it would yield the best expertise. However, I quickly learned that this approach can lead to integration issues and communication breakdowns. Establishing a common ground with both teams early on and having a lead developer oversee the project can create a more cohesive workflow and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Regarding unresponsiveness post-launch, this is unfortunately a common issue that can leave startups feeling stranded. To counter this, I’ve found that establishing clear post-launch support expectations upfront—like response times for maintenance requests or additional enhancement projects—can foster a more reliable ongoing relationship.
Overall, fostering a culture of collaboration and open dialogue doesn’t just benefit the outcome of a single project; it sets a foundation for long-term partnerships that can evolve and grow alongside the startup. I’m curious to hear other experiences