Measuring True Engineering Velocity With Time To First Review
April 12, 2024
I think we can all agree that peer review is a fantastic addition to any process when it comes to individuals collaborating on a code base.
With that being said; one of the most critical metrics that often feels overlooked in the hustle of daily tasks is the time in which it takes for a the first review to arrive. I like to think of this metric as being Time To First Review.
This isn't just a number on a performance review; it's a fundamental aspect the development process that can dramatically influence project outcomes as well as an indicator into team health. From my experience, a shorter Time To First Review not only speeds up the development cycle but also significantly boosts the team's morale by fostering a culture of immediate feedback and continuous improvement.
It helps engineers feel like there’s value in the work that they’re producing and helps to keep us motivated while reducing the frustration that often comes from waiting for feedback.
This level of responsiveness often reflects a healthy team dynamic where members are committed to supporting each other and enforces their commitment to pushing the project forward collectively.