Integrating Lean Processes and Engineering Discipline into Work Culture Over 20 Years: An Experience Report

The paper presents an experience report for Don't Panic Labs (DPL), a software and consulting company, outlining the cultural shift in building software using lean processes and engineering principles over 20 years. The shift was intentional due to failures of prior projects. Challenges are identified along with opportunities to address them. An evolution of the company culture is explained via themes that were incorporated chronologically over time, which resulted in reducing errors in judgment, leading to reliable and predictable successes. Two factors, namely, the percentage of rework and co-creation sessions for efficient iteration of requirements, stand out as significantly impacting project success. Lessons learned with discussion and impact to the profession and education are presented.