Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The Heart of Continuous Feedback
At the heart of continuous feedback is reducing the time between
when a defect is introduced, discovered, and fixed.
CI is extremely effective in helping get the right information to the
right people at the right time. Using a CI server such as CruiseControl
enables the dissemination of information as soon as a build fails or
succeeds, along with an available wealth of detailed information that
contributes to that and other issues.
The Right Way
A CI system also provides the opportunity for sending information the
right way.
The right way is choosing the most appropriate communica-
tion mechanism, how to present this information, and to whom. There
are various mechanisms to enable continuous feedback, such as
e-mail, sound, visual devices, and text messages.
Certain communication feedback mechanisms inform better than
others. Sometimes hanging poster paper on the wall that indicates the
number of current defects is an effective communication device. How-
ever, this is a perfect example of information that very quickly can
become dated, so this chapter focuses on using automation to commu-
nicate information in real time. The feedback typically dictates some
type of action, so of course it is done in the right way to the right peo-
ple, but they might have different preferences or needs for feedback.
Just as you wouldn't use a hammer for every home improvement
project, you won't use the same continuous feedback mechanism for
every communication. This section introduces you to a variety of
mechanisms that can provide continuous feedback: e-mail, text mes-
saging, Ambient Orbs/X10 devices, Windows taskbar monitor, sounds,
and others. It also discusses the use of wide-screen monitors.
