The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods cover image

The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods

D2DO265: How Do We Measure Developer Experience?

Feb 19, 2025
Kristen Foster Marks, Head of Developer Experience at Depot, shares her insights on the complex nature of Developer Experience, or DevEx. She discusses the controversial idea of 'ghost engineering'—the notion that many engineers aren't meaningfully contributing. Kristen emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy in tech, critiques developer productivity claims, and explores the balance between quantifiable metrics and developer happiness. Plus, she highlights how communication and continuous feedback play integral roles in enhancing the developer experience.
40:18

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Quick takeaways

  • Developer experience (DevEx) is crucial for enhancing software engineers' satisfaction and productivity, ultimately benefiting tech organizations' success.
  • The controversial concept of ghost engineering underscores the importance of critically evaluating claims about developer contributions and performance.

Deep dives

The Importance of Developer Experience

Developer experience (DevEx) is essential for ensuring a productive and satisfying work environment for software engineers. It encompasses three main aspects: academic research, user experience, and the development of products aimed at enhancing these experiences. Each aspect contributes to understanding and improving how developers interact with the tools and processes they use. Prioritizing DevEx not only supports developers but can also impact the overall success of tech organizations by fostering better engagement and retention.

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