The WD-40 project aimed to reduce friction in browsing the Netflix app by improving navigation and minimizing pogo-sticking.
Imposter syndrome is common in software engineering, but finding mentors and seeking support can help overcome it.
Collaboration, continuous improvement, and a culture of feedback are key in software engineering at Netflix.
Deep dives
Improving navigation and user experience for browsing
The podcast discusses the development of a project called WD-40, which aimed to reduce friction in browsing the Netflix app. The project focused on tackling the issue of pogo-sticking, where users often had to go back and forth between different titles while browsing. The team wanted to create a smoother navigation experience, allowing users to seamlessly move from one title to another without exiting the display page. They used a UI collection view and optimized their code to ensure smooth scrolling and efficient data fetching. While the project didn't pass the A/B test, it provided valuable insights and learnings for future improvements.
Dealing with imposter syndrome and embracing challenges
The episode delves into the topic of imposter syndrome, with the software engineers admitting that they often feel unsure and inexperienced. However, they have learned to embrace the feeling and use it as a motivation to dive into new challenges. They emphasize the importance of finding mentors and seeking support from colleagues, as it helps in overcoming imposter syndrome and fosters continuous learning. They also highlight the culture of feedback at Netflix, where honest feedback is encouraged and appreciated for personal and professional growth.
Importance of collaboration and continuous improvement
The podcast emphasizes the value of collaboration and the willingness to continuously improve in the software engineering field. The engineers highlight the collaborative nature of their work, where they learn from each other and tackle complex projects together. They discuss the iterative nature of software development and the need to adapt and make compromises while balancing engineering practices and business requirements. Additionally, they stress the importance of approaching problems with honesty, seeking mentorship, and finding joy in learning and exploring new technologies.
Consideration of Swift as a programming language
The podcast discusses the team's consideration of adopting Swift as a programming language for their iOS app. They have regular meetings to discuss the pros and cons of using Swift and evaluate whether it would be worth the cost in terms of build infrastructure and distribution. They highlight the need to ensure that introducing Swift won't negatively impact their build times or overall performance.
Collaborative decision-making and freedom/responsibility culture
The podcast explores the collaborative decision-making process at Netflix and how individuals have the freedom and responsibility to make decisions within their teams. The interviewees emphasize that decisions around programming language or infrastructure changes are driven by individual contributors presenting their case and gathering support within the team. They also discuss the unique culture of freedom and responsibility at Netflix, including the open documentation and accessibility to information, the lack of strict mandates, and the ability to work remotely based on individual productivity and responsibility.
Senior Software Engineers Jessica Berglund and Jordanna Kwok speak about working on the Netflix iOS App, what ABTests are like, about their team, and more about working at Netflix.
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