No matter the platform, useful programming requirements get lost in translation from client meetings, to project managers and finally as a to-do ticket. Sucking all the joy out of the development process and reducing things down to daily sprints, with the hopes of launching on time. There has to be a better way! Together we’ll take a look at effective ways of getting everyone on the same page, minimizing scope creep and having less stress when it comes time for product launch as well as how this helps to create a stronger foundation for business growth.

1. The Art of Working
with Non-Developers
Finding Common Ground on the Road to Product Delivery
David Yarde
Sevenality

2. Thanks to Our
Sponsors
2018

3. A little about me…
David Yarde
Partner and Creative Director at Sevenality
Organizer for WiredThinking
Chief Curator for The Always Upward Project
Also referred to as Batman
Twitter: @dsmy
E-mail: david@sevenality.com

4. LEARN TO SAY
NO TO EGO.

5. What is the biggest barrier
companies/teams face in
effectively executing on
their roadmaps?

6. Communication

7. We aren’t as rational
as we think we are…

8. and we’re pretty horrible
at communicating.

9. Minimizing Communication Breakdowns
• Who needs information?
• What do they need?
• When do they need it?
• Who must provide it?
• How can it be optimally delivered?

10. Feedback is useless
without action

11. Improving the feedback loop
• Supply Chain: Identify weaknesses and
opportunities in how your product or service travels
to market.
• Is there an area trust is being lost in the process
when the customer is interacting with your brand?
• Do you have the right process or vendors in
place?

12. The leaders you choose for
your project can make or
break its success.

13. As leaders, we’re responsible
for the tone and energy
output during projects.

14. Responsibility starts at the
top. If your team lead is
bad, no amount of talented
team members will help.

15. Inclusion increases
engagement

16. Ideally, you want your team excited
about, bought into, and engaged with
the product or service being built.

17. Be conscious of your
ecosystem

18. Divide your project roadmap into
easily achievable goals and
milestones.
It’s good for morale.

19. A team who comes to work with no
passion or interest in what they’re
developing will not perform at its
highest possible level.

20. Prevention is better
than the cure.

21. Preparation protects
against confusion.

22. Have an escalation
strategy ready.

23. The problem with a single-minded focus on
processes and methodologies is that once
people are given procedures to follow,
compliance replaces results. Everybody is
concerned about how to do the job, not
about the outcome if the job is done well.

24. Key Takeaways
• Be realistic
• Make sure everyone (including senior management)
understands their role and responsibilities
• Make sure team members communicate with each
other
• Don't be afraid to communicate bad news -- and
adjust expectations

25. Thanks to Our
Sponsors
2018

26. Thanks! Questions?
David Yarde
Partner and Creative Director at Sevenality
Organizer for WiredThinking
Chief Curator for The Always Upward Project
Also referred to as Batman
Twitter: @dsmy
E-mail: david@sevenality.com