Good development work often results in fewer bugs, simpler systems, and less flashy code that may not be reflected in traditional productivity metrics.
The DORA framework offers a research-backed approach to measuring software delivery effectively by focusing on what truly matters.
Traditional productivity metrics can create an illusion of progress, leading teams to make short-sighted decisions and neglect necessary changes.
Productivity should be measured based on outcomes, such as delivering working software quickly, safely, and sustainably, rather than just speed.
DORA metrics, developed by the DevOps Research and Assessment team, emphasize important performance indicators like deployment frequency and lead time for changes.
DORA metrics focus on outcomes like speed, stability, and resilience, providing a balanced view of software delivery health.
It's crucial not to treat DORA metrics as a performance leaderboard, but as indicators of delivery health and areas for improvement.
Measuring team-level performance with DORA metrics highlights the importance of collaboration, clear processes, and shared ownership for successful delivery.
While DORA metrics are valuable for highlighting issues, they do not alone provide insights into the root causes, requiring a deeper analysis for understanding.
Real-life examples show how companies like Zoopla, John Lewis Partnership, and Socly.io improved efficiency and software quality by implementing DORA metrics.
DORA metrics help teams focus on outcomes, value stability, speed, and recovery, and can drive tangible improvements in both codebase and organizational culture.