• A Probe by Any Other Name

  In complexity (new stuff is complex) we prefer to probe; which means to try something out that’s safe-to-fail. Knowing things are failing or succeeding relies on feedback loops; but who do we get feedback from? And what do we do with it? There are a few different terms for different kinds of probes in the industry, so I’m writing down my thoughts here about each kind, from the PoV of someone in the development team. These aren’t hard-and-fast rules; if you have different naming conventions that’s probably OK. Spike – demonstrates to us (the team) that something is possible. Prototype – demonstrates to someone else that something is possible. Alpha – gets feedback from real users / customers on value. Fix showstoppers; keep track of other bugs. Beta – gets feedback on readiness to release. Fix bugs. Release – provides value, even if in a limited context. Fix bugs urgently. One of the most common problems I see is a mismatch between what the team, the PO, the business and other stakeholders all think people are working on. Chris Matts explained a phenomenon to me called “signalling intent”. It’s what happens when you intend to explore or open up an option, but instead you accidentally communicate a commitment. For instance, let’s say you work in a very casual office. Shorts and flip-flops are the norm. You get a call from an engineer at Avogadro Corp (side-note: read this book; it’s really good). It seems like it might be a fun conversation; even[…]

  20.11.2019 | 3:15 קרא עוד...

• Software bugs affecting lives – 20/11

  Up to 300,000 heart patients may have been given wrong drugs or advice due to major NHS IT blunder “ At least 300,000 heart patients may have been given the wrong drugs or advice because of a computer blunder in the NHS. An IT system used in GPs’ surgeries has been miscalculating patients’ risk of ... [Read more...] The post Software bugs affecting lives – 20/11 appeared first on The Life Of One Man.

  20.11.2019 | 2:53 קרא עוד...

• Test Tool Maintenance

  When the test tooling finally runs the first time, it won’t find anything. And runs after that, that might find something. Those runs aren’t free either, as the system will keep changing, the tooling will need maintenance. Done well, this will allow you to release software more frequently with less risk. Done poorly, this costs […] The post Test Tool Maintenance appeared first on Excelon Development.

  20.11.2019 | 9:36 קרא עוד...

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