Cooperation in Software development from otto.com

Hanno: I am a software developer and jointly responsible for the further development and conception of existing and new features in the context of search and navigation at OTTO.

Hanno: That works well with digital tools like Miro, and Microsoft Teams. We always rotate the moderation so that everyone has a chance to take both perspectives.

Hanno: For regular appointments, the tools we use work well, but for us developers it's difficult when pairing because of the time delay. Since every team adapts differently to the situation, there is no one perfect solution for everyone yet. There are teams that are happy with Microsoft Teams, while others prefer to communicate with other online tools. However, the way it works always depends on the Internet connection. This is the critical factor for all applications.
All in all, however, a combination of screen sharing (e.g. via teams) and a lightweight way of exchanging code (e.g. mob) combined with the "strong style navigation" method is the most popular.
Time will tell which solution will prevail: Until then, it's trial and error and evolve bit by bit, for example with Code Together.

Hanno: For me, the Scrum Master serves as a synchronization point. Since we as developers are not always aware of everything that is happening in other teams - or even in our own team - the role of the Scrum Master is essential for me to share knowledge. We are now in a whole new situation where it was necessary to adapt our processes without losing anyone along the way. This is where a Scrum Master can try out new ideas so that the team can get as much as possible out of deadlines and continue to be productive.

"Digital team time cannot replace personal contact."-Hanno

Hanno: What I miss most is the exchange with other teams. That's something I'm really looking forward to when the time comes again and we work together on campus.

Hanno: Think for yourself about what you can do to make the situation easier and don't wait for others to tell you what to do. Be proactive. Use the tools you now have at your disposal to think in new ways and solve problems even more effectively than before. Be creative and break new ground. Of course, not everything will work perfectly right away. But now, in this discovery phase, is the time to accept that. None of us has found the perfect solution yet. Maybe you can.