Developer Insights - S1E4 - From Connected Vehicles to Connected Software and People (James Simon)

Developer Insights

Summary

The conversation explores the experiences of working in the EV connected vehicle space and the challenges and differences in software development in the automotive industry. It discusses the shift towards software-defined vehicles and the ability to make changes in the cloud. The importance of developer experience and the ability to deliver work quickly is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the challenges of autonomy in larger organizations and the need for executable governance and domain-driven design. The resistance to adopting new disciplines in software development is also discussed. The conversation covers various topics related to industrial development, domain design, working directly with the business, and the challenges of implementing change in different organizations. They discuss the importance of taking time for domain design and the need for continuous improvement. They also touch on the concept of tech debt and the challenges of managing it in the automotive industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of psychological safety and the need for investment in creating a positive work environment.

Keywords

EV connected vehicle, software development, automotive industry, software-defined vehicles, developer experience, autonomy, executable governance, domain-driven design, industrial development, domain design, working with the business, change management, tech debt, psychological safety

Takeaways

• Working in the EV connected vehicle space presents unique challenges and differences in software development compared to other industries.
• The shift towards software-defined vehicles allows for more flexibility and the ability to make changes in the cloud.
• Developer experience is crucial in delivering work quickly and efficiently.
• Autonomy in larger organizations requires executable governance and domain-driven design.
• Resistance to adopting new disciplines in software development can hinder progress and innovation. Taking time for domain design is crucial for successful industrial development.
• Working directly with the business helps in understanding their needs and delivering value.
• Implementing change requires breaking old habits and challenging the status quo.
• Tech debt is a constant challenge in the automotive industry and needs to be managed effectively.
• Creating a psychologically safe work environment is essential for team productivity and well-being.

Titles

• Overcoming Resistance to New Disciplines in Software Development
• The Importance of Developer Experience in Delivering Work Quickly Managing Tech Debt in the Automotive Industry
• Working Directly with the Business for Better Results

Sound Bites

• "Creating features for people, right, on the fly."
• "Why can't we deliver today's work today?"
• "Every company that has invested in autonomy has reaped the benefits."
• "I think as you move from shop to shop to shop, let's go out there and state that I don't think anyone's got any bad intentions."
• "Being able to take these things down to the smallest possible level that can be moved around."
• "Effectively starts breaking a few eggs and actually trying to break and smash the system in some way, shape or form."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:00
Working in the EV Connected Vehicle Space

07:05
The Importance of Developer Experience

09:10
Achieving Autonomy and Delivering Work Quickly

12:01
The Role of Traditional IT and Migration/Modernization

14:18
Executable Governance and Discipline

16:07
Resistance to New Disciplines in Software Development

19:18
Working Directly with the Business

20:28
Challenges of Implementing Change

22:14
Managing Tech Debt in the Automotive Industry

29:27
The Significance of Psychological Safety