Variability drives software’s challenges and possibilities. Learn how to understand, embrace and work with it to build better systems.
Speaker
Andrew Harmel-Law
Agenda
6:00pm - Networking in BCS London over refreshments
6:30pm - Presentation begins, questions and answers either ad hoc or at the end
8:00pm - Networking in BCS London (pizza & refreshments)
8:45pm - At the latest: everyone off the premises - adjourn to The Old Doctor Butler's Head
Synopsis
Variability is everywhere in both software and systems architecture. It causes unpredictability - the bane of our lives. But variability is also the source of software’s power, because we can make software do anything.
So what can we do? We need to understand and work with variability.
This talk will start by examining how variability manifests in the delivery of our software systems, and the pain it causes us. It will also consider how it also offers access to the greatest possibilities software offers.
I’ll then consider how to live and work with rather than against variability. Lots of these measures will sound counterintuitive at first, but they will provide you with a holistic view of software and a means to enjoy working with it.
Who doesn’t want that? (Oh, and what’s the hardest problem in Systems Architecture? People. The hardest thing is always the people.)
About the speaker
Andrew Harmel-Law
A Tech Principal at Thoughtworks, Andrew specialises in domain-driven design, org design, software and systems architecture, agile delivery, build tools and automation. Andrew is also an author and trainer for O'Reilly. They've written one book about facilitating software architecture and one chapter about implementing the Accelerate/DORA four key metrics.
They also run regular online training sessions in Domain-Driven Design (First Steps) and Architecture Decision Making by Example. Experienced across the software development lifecycle and in many sectors, what motivates them is the humane delivery and sustainable evolution of large-scale software solutions that fulfil complex user needs. They understand that people, architecture, process and tooling all have key roles to play in achieving this.
Andrew has been involved with OSS to a greater or lesser extent since their career began; as a user, contributor, expert group member, or paid advocate - most notably as one of the Jenkins JobDSL originators. Andrew enjoys sharing their experience as much as possible. This sharing is not only seen in their formal consulting engagements and writing, but also informally through mentoring, blog posts, conferences (keynoting, speaking and organising), and open-sourcing their code.
A Tech Principal at Thoughtworks, Andrew specialises in domain-driven design, org design, software and systems architecture, agile delivery, build tools and automation. Andrew is also an author and trainer for O'Reilly. They've written one book about facilitating software architecture and one chapter about implementing the Accelerate/DORA four key metrics.
They also run regular online training sessions in Domain-Driven Design (First Steps) and Architecture Decision Making by Example. Experienced across the software development lifecycle and in many sectors, what motivates them is the humane delivery and sustainable evolution of large-scale software solutions that fulfil complex user needs. They understand that people, architecture, process and tooling all have key roles to play in achieving this.
Andrew has been involved with OSS to a greater or lesser extent since their career began; as a user, contributor, expert group member, or paid advocate - most notably as one of the Jenkins JobDSL originators. Andrew enjoys sharing their experience as much as possible. This sharing is not only seen in their formal consulting engagements and writing, but also informally through mentoring, blog posts, conferences (keynoting, speaking and organising), and open-sourcing their code.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
If you are attending in person, please familiarise yourself with the Visitor Instructions for the BCS London Office.
Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via groups@bcs.uk, and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.
BCS privacy notice: your data will be processed by BCS in accordance with our data privacy notice.
Photography: by attending this event, you may be photographed or filmed. Please speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to be included.
For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.
This event is brought to you by: Software Practice Advancement (SPA) SG
