Architecture and Collaboration: The Cornerstones of Continuous Delivery

Once you've been on a continuously-delivered project, there's no way back. The combination of rapid feedback, high levels of collaboration, and great software quality produces a effective delivery cycle.
However, existing delivery models and product portfolios may not allow for straightforward adoption of CD. Technical and organisational debt accumulates inexorably over time and can make continuous delivery difficult or even impossible.

In this session, I draw on extensive project experience to demonstrate some of the software architecture patterns that enable continuous delivery. We will look at related anti-patterns; and some strategies for getting a codebase into a shape such that it can be continuously delivered. I'll use examples of both successful and unsuccessful projects to show some of the rewards and pitfalls of following these strategies.

As the structure of a software product changes, the organisation of the teams building and supporting it will need to go through concomitant changes. Using more real project examples, I'll discuss what drives these organisational changes, how they can be managed, and how to base a delivery team around collaboration rather than conflict.

About Rachel Laycock

Rachel Laycock is Chief Technology Officer of Thoughtworks, responsible for shaping and communicating the company’s global technology strategy. Over more than a decade at Thoughtworks, she has partnered with clients worldwide to modernize their technology estates, build resilient digital platforms, and unlock new avenues for growth.

In recent years, Rachel has led Thoughtworks’ efforts to help both the organization and its clients develop and execute successful AI strategies—bridging technology innovation with real business impact. Her work has focused on embedding responsible AI practices, accelerating AI adoption through modern data and platform capabilities, and ensuring organizations can realize measurable value from AI investments.

Prior to becoming CTO, she led the global Enterprise Modernization, Platforms, and Cloud business, helping organizations accelerate time to market, reduce costs, and embed cultures of continuous improvement. Rachel began her career at Thoughtworks as a developer and brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise, commercial focus, and executive leadership to her role.

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