Start Smart: A Designer’s Guide to Startup Product Teams Structure

Being a product designer at a startup means understanding that design is integral to every product creation phase. Different startups adopt various team structures, each with its advantages and challenges. This article will explore what product designers should know about these team structures and how they can adapt.

1. Functional teams

In a functional organizational structure, the company is segmented into distinct functions or departments, with a top-tier individual, usually the CEO, overseeing the entire operation. For example, Apple uses a functional organization company structure. This means the company has been organized around areas of expertise rather than individual products. Individuals from different areas of expertise then work on the products. The divisions enjoy enough autonomy to enable them to perform at their very best, leading Apple to create some truly market-leading products over the years that Tim Cook has always been proud of.

Tips:

• Create designs that are modular and adaptable.
• Establish and adhere to design standards and guidelines that ensur consistency across the product
• Create designs that are modular and adaptable.
• Be ready for bureaucracy.

2. Cross-functional teams

The cross-functional team is one of the most common product team structures in start-ups. These teams consist of individuals with diverse skill sets, including product managers, designers, engineers, and marketers. The primary advantage of cross-functional teams is their ability to work collaboratively, making rapid decisions and iterations. For instance, Spotify has Squads, small cross-functional teams with less than eight members. The team members have end-to-end responsibilities and work together towards their long-term mission. Squads don’t work on the entire product. Instead, they focus on a specific functional area. Designers in such teams must be prepared to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds.

Tips:

• Embrace collaboration and open communication.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of team members. Small teams can sometimes get caught in a conflict of interest.
• Be adaptable and ready to iterate quickly based on feedback.

3. Structure by product or individual features of a product

If the company has a suite of products — or one product with several complex features that need individual attention — this structure aligns teams around specific product features or modules rather than functional roles. The effectiveness of this structure lies in consistent validation and communication, so product iterations are followed with customer feedback for effective development and goal achievement.

Tips:

• Because each product/feature is assigned a dedicated product designer, there’s more scope for creativity, innovation, and efficiency in functionality.
• You’ll need to understand your product or feature’s user needs and pain points.
• Embrace ownership and use your specialized knowledge to drive innovation within your area.
• Do not focus only on delivery, completely overlooking the importance of customer validation and feedback.

4. Matrix organizational structures

A matrix structure is an organizational structure where employees are grouped concurrently by two different operational dimensions. In a matrix organization, team members (remote or in-house) report to a project manager and their department head. This management structure can help companies create new products and services without realigning teams. In a matrix structure, designers may report to both a design manager and a product manager simultaneously. This can be challenging but offers the opportunity to work on various projects and develop a well-rounded skill set.

Tips:

• Manage your time and priorities effectively.
• Develop strong working relationships with both design and product managers.
• Be adaptable and ready to switch between projects and teams as needed.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the significance of understanding various product team structures within start-ups from a product designer’s perspective. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that start-ups are dynamic environments, and alternative team arrangements might evolve to meet specific needs.

Embrace change, collaborate well, and always prioritize the user’s experience. With these skills, you can create amazing products and lead start-ups to success.

In the upcoming article, I’ll share my journey working with cross-functional teams at Merge Development, revealing strategies, collaborations, and key lessons that have shaped my role as a product designer and contributed to the success of innovative products. Stay tuned.