The benefits of software are often one or more steps removed from the software developers who actually do the work. Here are a few examples from my career as a software developer.
- While in school, I wrote Fortran programs to run calculations to make sense of the data generated by experiments like the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) and the Large Electron Positron Collider (LEP) at CERN. Who benefited from this work? Humanity. But that’s too abstract. Scientists who wrote research papers about possible deviations from the Standard Model of Particle Physics saw a more direct impact.
- At Aerojet, Raytheon, and Tyvak, I wrote code to control satellites and satellite payloads. Who benefited from this work? The USS Government. Perhaps. Indirectly, it may have benefited regular, although oblivious, citizens.
- At LEGO, I wrote code to implement a Massive Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) called LEGO Universe. Who benefited from this work? Young and older players (Adult Fans of LEGO, or AFOL’s) who enjoyed going on adventures and creating virtual experiences. When we were rolling out the initial version of the game, I actually got to present our work to many kids at various conventions. That was a GREAT experience!
- At Quest Integrity, I wrote code to assist engineers in analyzing weak spots in pipelines. Our customers paid for the service to prevent leaks. Every three months or so, I met with our internal users. This was a great way to improve the software!
- At Terumo BCT, I wrote code to collect plasma and to separate blood into its component parts. Who benefited from this work? Patients! The company hosted several events where patients would talk about how our devices improved their lives.
Why does this matter? Software developers feel good about their work when it is well designed. This is an intrinsic motivator. That being said, they might feel better about their work when they can see how much end users appreciate it!
There’s a case to be made for connecting software developers to end users. Some of the features that software developers care about are just not that important to end users. Some features are more important.
Many careers exist that allow a more direct connection to end users. Teachers work with their students daily. Nurses work with their patients daily. Lawyers work directly with their clients every day.
I’m not saying these jobs are “better” than software development jobs. They just have a more direct connection to their end users.
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