The Practical Implications of Conway’s Law
Conway’s law is a principle that states that the structure of a software system reflects the structure of the organization that created it. It suggests how a company is organized and communicates will influence the software’s design. This can lead to “unnecessary complexity” in the software, as the organization’s structure may not be optimized for creating efficient and effective software.
The practical implications of Conway’s law are that it is crucial to consider the organizational structure and communication patterns when designing software. By aligning the organization’s structure with the needs of the software, it may be possible to reduce complexity and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the software. It is also essential to be aware of Conway’s law’s potential impact and actively work to mitigate its effects. This may involve reorganizing the team or improving organizational communication and collaboration.
While overcoming Conway’s law may not be possible, understanding its implications and addressing them can help create more effective and efficient software.