Team Topologies is a structured approach to organizing software teams for optimal flow and efficiency, especially in complex technological environments. The framework is based on four fundamental team types and three core interaction modes, designed to enable organizations to achieve faster value delivery while managing team cognitive load effectively.
The approach emphasizes a dynamic, adaptive organizational model where team structures and interactions evolve as needed, avoiding rigid or static organizational charts. It also integrates concepts like Conway’s Law, ensuring that team designs align with the architecture needed to deliver business value efficiently.
1.1. Four Team Types
Components and Features
Stream-Aligned Teams
These teams focus on a specific flow of work, such as a product or service, ensuring they manage all aspects from development to operations.
Enabling Teams
Comprised of experts in specific areas, these teams support stream-aligned teams by helping them develop missing capabilities, such as in automation or architectural design.
Complicated Subsystem Teams
These handle highly specialized systems requiring deep expertise that is not feasible for stream-aligned teams to manage.
Platform Teams
These provide internal products or services that enhance the developer experience and support stream-aligned teams in their work.
1.2. Three Interaction Modes
Components and Features
Collaboration
Temporary joint efforts between teams to explore or innovate.
X-as-a-Service
One team provides a service that another team consumes.
Facilitation
One team assists another by sharing expertise or offering guidance.
Team Topologies
Team Topologies is a structured approach to organizing software teams for optimal flow and efficiency, especially in complex technological environments. The framework is based on four fundamental team types and three core interaction modes, designed to enable organizations to achieve faster value delivery while managing team cognitive load effectively.
1. Category
The approach emphasizes a dynamic, adaptive organizational model where team structures and interactions evolve as needed, avoiding rigid or static organizational charts. It also integrates concepts like Conway’s Law, ensuring that team designs align with the architecture needed to deliver business value efficiently.
1.1. Four Team Types
Components and Features
Stream-Aligned Teams
Enabling Teams
Complicated Subsystem Teams
Platform Teams
1.2. Three Interaction Modes
Components and Features
Collaboration
X-as-a-Service
Facilitation
2. References