Agile Software Development at a glance: Role-Playing in Agile
Updated: Jan 25, 2022
In an Agile team, everyone contributes to the team goal, doing whatever it takes to deliver a high-quality product successfully. The nice thing in agile is that team members are not bound by their job title. for example, A programmer is expected to write code, but it is common to test it. Also, a tester might be responsible for testing the product tracking team KPIs and more.
Agile Projects and teams are often comprised of the following key roles and responsibilities:
Customer:
Helps define the product, Share feedback and collaborate to define the high-level requirements (Epics, Features, and User Stories) and maintain them throughout the project.
Team coordinator:
Team coordinators such as managers, Support, and project managers buffers the team from outside interference and distraction. They focus on project schedules customer issues, handle incoming requests, and smooth interpersonal problems.
Agile Coach:
Guiding the Agile transformation, Train Agile teams on the Agile methodology, and overseeing the different Agile KPIs o ensure effective outcomes for the business. The best coaches will make the team master their roles, responsibilities, and delivery pace when it no longer needs them.
Programmer:
Programmers and any other technical roles (e.g., Tech leads, Architects, etc.) are responsible for the product's internal design, construction, and overall maintenance of the product post-release.
As you may know, Scrum is the most frequently used Agile framework. So it's worth mentioning its core roles:
Product Owner:
A product owner (PO) is primarily focused on delivering value to the customer through collaboration and an effective product development process. Also, he is responsible for managing the Scrum product backlog, Release management, and ensuring that product development translates into value for the stakeholders.
In addition, the product owner should have the necessary soft skills to communicate the requirements to the product development team, Set priority, and share feedback with the team to ensure the quality of the work.
Scrum Master:
A Scrum Master (SM) supports the team by using the proper scrum practices and Agile spirit. He ensures team coordination with the PO and external stakeholders to ensure tasks are performed accordingly. In addition, the role usually involves:
Helping Product Owners optimize the backlog planning for optimum performance
Facilitation of the scrum meetings.
Remove impediments holding back the team.
Increase transparency across the Scrum Team.
Coaching team members in both Agile and Scrum to increase team results.
Scrum Development Team:
The team members within the Development Team are comprised of individuals with responsibilities including but not limited to product development. They must have the right capabilities, knowledge, and experience in the technical domain to transform an idea into a tangible product for the customers.
The required skills might be wrapped up in one or more dev team members:
Software Tester.
Software Architect.
Technical Writers.
UX specialist.
DBA.
Product Designer.