Developing Measurements with Cat Hicks

Cat Hicks draws on decades of psychological research and applied studies with software teams to explain how culture, measurement, and human factors shape engineering outcomes. The book presents evidence-based concepts like psychological safety, learning culture, and developer agency, and shows how these mechanisms affect productivity and innovation. Hicks challenges common myths about productivity metrics and offers operationalizable measures and interventions that leaders can use. She combines qualitative stories, empirical findings, and actionable guidance to help managers and engineers create environments where people thrive and teams perform. The work aims to be accessible to practitioners while grounded in rigorous social-science evidence.

Accelerate presents the findings from four years of research, including data from the State of DevOps reports, to identify key capabilities that drive high performance in software delivery. The book focuses on 24 practices grouped into five categories: Continuous Delivery, Architecture, Product and Process, Lean Management and Monitoring, and Cultural. It provides practical guidance on how to apply these practices to improve team performance, reduce deployment pain, and enhance overall business value. The book is ideal for management at every level involved in digital transformation and software development.