Optimizing for value: fight failure demand with bottlenecks

Willem van Den Ende

⏱ 45 minute session
beginner
intermediate
16:45-17:30, Tuesday, 1st April 2025
In software development, addressing bottlenecks - places in software that are perceived to perform poorly - often involves scaling hardware or optimizing services to handle increased load. However, a deeper look reveals that many performance issues stem from redundant or value-less requests upstream. This talk explores how combining the Theory of Constraints with the concept of Failure Demand can help us see and improve. We can enhance system efficiency, improve user satisfaction, and drive genuine business value, while having fun doing it.
🏷 theory of constraints
🏷 systems thinking
🏷 failure demand

Willem van Den Ende

Polyglot in natural and programming languages. Always looking for better ways. Sees all code as accidental complexity, but when we need that complexity, prefers to deal wisely with it, involving everyone needed to get a sustainable outcome. Currently working on green software workshops, contracting on valuable legacy systems and teaching better ways of development, e.g. TDD, Hexagonal Architecure and DDD.