The proposed notion is to split the project into small team-sized chunks, with an eye on optimizing communication between the groups.
Here is a diagram of the team structure he proposes:
While Brooks' surgical team model still works perfectly well for large, offline software projects, it must be modified in order to be used by the modern web development firms. For example, while there is little need for a program clerk in a web design shop (does HTML & CSS really need a full-time commenter?), there is a much greater demand for a search engine optimization specialist or an online copywriter.
So in the spirit of building upon one of the great computer science books of all time, I present the new, web 2.0 (and XHTML valid no less), surgical team:
The project manager-
As you can see above, the project manager is intimately connected with all aspects of the business. The manager is the business hub, while the specialists form the technical spokes.
The project manager handles the money, people, space and machines. They also take care of various paperwork, taxes, forms, quotes, invoices, estimates and all other administrative functions.
However, their main role is to establish open communication. The PM communicates with the technical folks to ensure everyone is prepared to deliver on-time and to alleviate any roadblocks toward delivery. A good project manager also communicates with the client to ensure they're happy and comfortable throughout the development process.
The web designer-
The web designer is a specialist in graphic design, usability and interface design. They've read Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think at least a dozen times.
The web designer should also be brand conscious and stick to the corporate style whenever possible (using consistent logos, colors, fonts, themes, etc).
The web designer develops the initial concepts and sends them out to the developer to be transferred into code. Since the designer's input is necessary for all the other specialists to perform their roles, it is critical they are able to deliver on-time.
The web developer-
The web developer is a specialist for site implementation. This includes choosing the right content management system, programming language, web server and database. Of course, the web developer should be well-versed in W3C standards. They are responsible for implementing the designer's compositions exactly as they appear on-screen.
The online copywriter / blogger-
The online copywriter is a word specialist. They work closely with the web designer to develop the marketing text and brand message of the site. They are also the public face of the website, responsible for updating the blog with company news and industry information. A qualified online copywriter understands the delicate balance between word economy and keyword density.
The search engine optimizer-
Unfortunately, a beautiful site without traffic is like a eunuch in the Playboy mansion -- mostly worthless. The job of the search engine optimizer is to drive traffic to the site by obtaining in-bound links from relevant sites, as well as by optimizing the "on-page" keywords, metadata, titles and links. The search engine optimizer works closely with the copywriter to ensure the most effective keywords are being spread evenly throughout the site.
The cross-platform / cross-browser testers-
The tester's job is to ensure the website looks pretty in all browsers and in all platforms. Even the dreaded Internet Explorer 5.5 for Mac should be consulted during a full-on test (even just to laugh at). The tester works closely with the developer (bugs), the copywriter (typos), and the designer to ensure everything looks 100% perfect before the final hand-off to the client.
Some very useful testing resources available on the web:
Firebug - Must have Firefox extension.
YSlow - Ditto the above.
BrowserShots - Find out what your site really looks like at your own peril.
The system admin-
The system admin's job is to set up the domains, e-mail address and servers. They ensure all software is up-to-date and all potentially vulnerable services are either disabled or locked-down.
The system admin also sets up website statistics tracking (like Google Analytics) and submits a sitemap to the major search engines (via Google Webmaster Tools and others).
The admin works closely with the developer to make certain that all required web services are activated.
Note: It is possible for one person to fulfill two or more of these functions if they're capable. However, it is best, especially for large projects, for each part of the surgical team to be one, talented specialist, rather than a good generalist just 'getting it done' in a familiar field. The value of good professionals can never be understated.
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