When front-end and back-end developers clash on web app scope, how do you navigate client expectations?

In a recent project, our front-end and back-end developers clashed over the scope of a new feature. The front-end team wanted dynamic, user-friendly elements, while the back-end team was concerned about technical feasibility. I facilitated a meeting where both sides could voice their concerns. By focusing on the project's objectives and client expectations, we found common ground. The front-end agreed to simplify some elements, and the back-end provided scalable solutions. This collaboration not only met client needs but also fostered a stronger team dynamic, highlighting the importance of open communication and shared goals.

In a recent interaction with the app team, me being a Java backend developer using AEM, faced some challenges delivering an API that required some enhanced response re-structuring. The decision to do that re-structuring happened after a lot of meetings with the app team and my team. Gaps were bridged and a middle ground was discovered when it comes to feasibility.

Es importante establecer prioridades y metas realistas, objetivos alcanzables que impulsen el desarrollo del proyecto y eviten posibles estancamientos. La comunicación entre los desarrolladores de BackEnd y FrontEnd debe alinearse con la usabilidad y el diseño del producto final, buscando la satisfacción del cliente y soluciones estables.

Plan meetings for both front-end and back-end teams to openly discuss concerns and ideas, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected. Understand technical challenges from the back-end, like server capabilities, and listen to front-end priorities on user experience and features. Keep project goals central, aligning with client expectations and end-user needs to unify team efforts. That balances technical feasibility and user experience, like optimizing server performance alongside a smooth user interface. Outline specific actions for each team member, defining responsibilities with realistic deadlines to maintain progress. Schedule regular check-ins to review progress, address issues promptly, achieving their goals efficiently.

In a recent project, I organized a joint workshop where both teams presented their perspectives. This exercise helped each side appreciate the other's challenges, leading to a more collaborative approach and a solution that met both technical and user experience goals.

To manage expectations, hold collaborative meetings with front-end and back-end teams to align priorities. Develop a clear, prioritized feature list focusing on the client's key needs. Maintain transparent communication and regularly update stakeholders to ensure alignment and avoid overpromising.

Prioritize core functionalities, set realistic timelines, and be transparent about potential roadblocks and alternative solutions.

During a web app development, we faced conflicting visions. By prioritizing must-have features and deferring nice-to-have elements, we managed to deliver a functional product on time, satisfying both the client's key requirements and our technical limitations.

Finding a middle ground is important. Web applications generally tend to have complicated features both on frontend and backend. Optimizations and CWV concerns are an added headache to deal with. When both teams agree on a middle ground, things generally tend to work out equally well for either side.

it’s not always that the backend team focus on performance and frontend team focus on UI/UX, performance is always the most important thing and it does not matter if it’s frontend or backend. “how an application is going to be used” should always be the key factor.

In one project, the client wanted real-time data updates, which posed significant technical challenges. By explaining the complexities and offering a phased approach to implementation, we maintained client trust and achieved a practical solution that evolved over time.

Some clients and even developers working on projects tend to answer questions without certainty regarding feasibility, performance, security concerns of the feature being built. It is very important to communicate the un-surety of the feature's aspects before moving forward with discussions. Being unsure is part of the process but effective communication can bridge gaps and close issues smoothly.

A comunicação clara com os clientes é essencial, especialmente em momentos de discordância sobre o desenvolvimento. É importante mantê-los atualizados sobre desafios técnicos e como isso pode afetar a experiência do usuário. Oferecer explicações simples e alternativas viáveis, evitando o uso de jargões técnicos complicados, ajuda os clientes a compreender o processo de desenvolvimento web e a alinhar suas expectativas sobre o que é viável dentro dos prazos e custos estabelecidos. Essa transparência fortalece a confiança entre ambas as partes e ajuda a construir relacionamentos duradouros com os clientes.

When our front-end and back-end teams clashed over data synchronization methods, we held mediation sessions where each side presented their case. This process led to a hybrid solution that met performance needs without compromising the user experience.

In a recent project, I had to call out a compromise we had to make on a feature we were building because of the feasibility of that feature and the time it would take would surpass the delivery date. Things went under discussion and instead of breaking the rules, we bent it. The feature got delivered on time with some changes to the original requirement.

Fomentar uma cultura de comprometimento é fundamental quando há discordâncias entre os desenvolvedores front-end e back-end. Incentive ambas as equipes a considerarem os pontos de vista uma da outra como válidos e essenciais para o sucesso do projeto. Ao promover um ambiente colaborativo, é possível facilitar soluções que equilibrem a viabilidade técnica com o design centrado no usuário. Isso pode requerer concessões de ambos os lados, mas resultará em uma aplicação web mais coesa e completa. A comunicação aberta e a valorização das diferentes perspectivas podem levar a resultados mais eficazes e satisfatórios para todos os envolvidos no desenvolvimento do projeto.

or a complex e-commerce site, we adopted an iterative approach. The initial phase included essential shopping cart functionality, followed by phases that added advanced features like personalized recommendations. This approach kept the project on track and aligned with client expectations.

that’s true but I highly recommend you have a clear vision of what might go wrong, there should always be room for a plan B if you stick to best practices

In a recent project, continuous feedback from both teams and the client ensured we addressed emerging issues promptly. By the end, we delivered a product that exceeded client expectations in functionality and performance.

Post-launch, our team held regular check-ins to address any issues and plan for future updates. This proactive approach ensured that the web application remained robust and adaptable, keeping both the client and end-users satisfied.