STACK 2024 – SPACE in the Age of AI: Measuring What Matters for Developer

  • Brian Houck, Microsoft

Synopsis:
In the rapidly evolving world of AI, measuring developer productivity and experience requires more than just tracking output—it demands a holistic approach that captures the multifaceted nature of engineering work while keeping the focus on the driving force behind it all: the developers themselves. Enter the SPACE framework, a comprehensive model designed to assess developer productivity across multiple key dimensions. In this session, we’ll revisit the SPACE framework and explore how its principles remain not only relevant but essential in this new AI-driven era. We’ll discuss how AI is reshaping traditional workflows, influencing developer experience and why understanding these impacts through SPACE is more critical than ever. At its core, the framework ensures that the well-being of developers—the people behind the code—remains central to the conversation about productivity. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to apply the SPACE framework to measure and improve your team's developer experience, while also navigating the opportunities and challenges brought by AI. Whether you're looking to optimize your team's focus time, gauge the effectiveness of AI-enhanced tools, or ensure collaboration and well-being in hybrid work environments, this talk will offer actionable strategies to help your developers thrive.

00:21 – Introduction on Supercharging Engineer Productivity for internal Microsoft Developers
05:29 – There is no single measure of productivity
06:00 – Introducing the SPACE Framework
13:54 – How to use SPACE within your organizations
17:13 – SPACE in the Age of AI
20:34 – Key Takeaways
21:10 – Q&A

Speaker:
Mr Brian HOUCK
Senior Principal Applied Scientist, Microsoft

As an Applied Scientist at Microsoft, Brian specializes in improving both the wellbeing and productivity of our internal engineering teams. His mission goes beyond just metrics; it’s about humanizing the workplace. Researching tooling, processes, and cultural dynamics, Brian has successfully implemented strategies that not only boost efficiency, but also foster a collaborative and satisfying work environment. Brian's approach is human-centered, focusing on empowering each developer to realize their full potential. This philosophy has led to multiple company-wide initiatives and policies that have measurably enhanced team dynamics and productivity. His passion lies in continually exploring innovative ways to improve our work culture, ensuring that every individual feels valued and motivated.

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