2023:Program/Submissions/What does a product team actually do (according to Seddon) - WETTKL

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Title: What does a product team actually do (according to Seddon)

Speakers:

Seddon

Currently an Engineering Manager for the Mobile Apps Engineering team. Within the Wikimedia Foundation I was previously a software engineer for the Structure Data team, Community Relations specialist for Wikimedia Enterprise and the Advancement department. As a volunteer I am currently an admin on the English Wikipedia, and a CentralNotice administrator on MetaWiki. Previously a Director and Trustee of Wikimedia UK from 2009-2011 & 2013-2015. As a volunteer editor I have written about hurricanes, current affairs and the space launch industry.

Pretalx link

Etherpad link

Room:

Start time:

End time:

Type: Lecture

Track: Technology

Submission state: submitted

Duration: 30 minutes

Do not record: false

Presentation language: en

Abstract & description

Abstract

An ambitious and hopefully lighthearted attempt at removing some of the mystery of how a Wikimedia Foundation product team operates, both in an ideal world and in reality.

Description

Navigating the Wikimedia Foundation can be a frustrating experience but even and a team level, it can be a frustrating experience for many volunteers, especially as the majority will not have deep knowledge on how a software engineering team operates. This talk aims to demystify how product teams operate and provide a guide to the roles and people that make up teams. What is a product manager? Who should I talk to? Who actually makes the decisions? What does an engineering manager actually do?

This session is a lighthearted attempt at trying to removing some of the mystery of how a Wikimedia Foundation product team operates, both in an ideal world and in reality.

Further details

Qn. How does your session relate to the event themes: Diversity, Collaboration Future?

The building of features and experiences for editors and readers and in service of the 2030 strategy requires a deep collaborative working relationship between the Wikimedia Foundation and the communities. This collaborative relationship is one that is fundamentally built on trust; a trust that can only exist when it is built on understanding of how we all work, how teams and communities operate.

This talk aims to help future collaboration by increasing awareness and understanding about how teams operate and why they are structured in the way they are.

Qn. What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Qn. What is the most appropriate format for this session?

• Onsite in Singapore
• Remote online participation, livestreamed
• Remote from a satellite event
• Hybrid with some participants in Singapore and others dialing in remotely
• Pre-recorded and available on demand