Coordinate timelines
Timeline coordination hinges on identifying and communicating dependencies early. When the design team requires two weeks for user research, this affects when developers can start implementation. Similarly, QA testing needs both development and content creation to be completed before thorough testing can begin. Document these dependencies in a shared project timeline that highlights critical paths and potential bottlenecks for a smooth handoff.
Regular timeline reviews can help teams adjust their pace and resources as needed. Weekly cross-team sync meetings allow for discussion of progress, risks, and necessary timeline adjustments. Each team should maintain their detailed timeline while contributing to a master schedule that shows key handoffs, shared milestones, and buffer periods for unexpected challenges.
Pro Tip: Use swimlane diagrams to visualize parallel workstreams and dependencies, making it easier to spot potential timeline conflicts.
