Shipping small changes might sound simple, but the impact it has on engineering productivity is huge. It is not just about moving faster; it is about reducing risk, improving quality, and helping teams focus on delivering value. On the Engineering Success Podcast, Nathan Harvey from Google DORA shared why this practice is such a game changer for engineering teams.

This blog dives into why shipping small changes works, the benefits it brings, and how it can transform the way your team works.

Why small changes matter

Nathan explained it in plain terms:

"Small changes move through the pipeline faster. They are easier to test. They are easier to review. And when something goes wrong, they are easier to roll back."

This way of working creates a positive cycle for teams. When you make small changes, you get feedback faster. That means less time spent fixing issues and more time spent on building new stuff.

Here is why small changes work so well:

1. Reduced complexity: Smaller changes mean fewer dependencies and less risk of introducing bugs.
2. Faster reviews: Reviewing small changes is quicker and more thorough, so there are fewer bottlenecks.
3. Quicker rollbacks: If something breaks, it is easy to figure out what went wrong and fix it without messing up other parts of the system.
4. Continuous feedback: When you ship small and often, you keep learning and improving with each change.

The technical benefits of small changes

Faster pipelines

When teams ship small changes, the pipeline speeds up. Tests and deployments flow smoothly. On the other hand, large changes clog up pipelines, making everything slower.

Nathan put it like this:

"Pipelines are like highways. If you push too much traffic through at once, everything slows down. Small changes are like keeping the highway clear and moving."

Better testing

Smaller changes make tests more effective. When the scope is smaller, it is easier to write focused tests that check specific functionality. If a test fails, you know exactly where the problem is.

Easier debugging

Debugging becomes way simpler when you are dealing with small changes. If something breaks, you have fewer variables to investigate. That clarity saves time, especially in complex systems.

More frequent deployments

DORA’s research shows high-performing teams deploy more often. Shipping small changes fits perfectly with this, helping teams deploy consistently without compromising quality.

How small changes improve team productivity

Less context switching

Small changes mean engineers can focus on one thing at a time. They do not have to keep jumping between different tasks, which helps them stay in the zone.

Higher morale

When engineers see their work go live more often, it boosts morale. Frequent deployments give them a sense of progress and accomplishment.

Rishi from DevDynamics shared his experience:

"When we switched to smaller changes, the vibe in the team changed completely. People felt like they were making progress every day instead of getting stuck on huge features for weeks."

Faster learning

Shipping small changes means you get feedback more often. This makes it easier for teams to learn what works and what doesn’t and adapt quickly.

Challenges of adopting small changes

Switching to small changes is not always easy, especially for teams used to big releases. Here are some common challenges and how to tackle them:

1. Breaking down work: It can be hard to split features into smaller pieces. Start by finding the smallest piece of functionality that delivers value and focus on that.
2. Cultural resistance: Some teams are set in their ways. Start small and prove the benefits with one project or team.
3. Pipeline issues: A messy pipeline can make frequent deployments feel impossible. Automate your CI CD pipeline to handle smaller, faster deployments smoothly.

Tips for shipping small changes

1. Make it a habit: Build a culture where small, frequent changes are normal. Talk about this during retrospectives and team meetings.
2. Automate what you can: Automation is key. Automate testing and deployments to make the process seamless.
3. Prioritize reviews: Keep code reviews short and focused so changes do not get stuck.
4. Track your progress: Use DORA metrics like deployment frequency and lead time for changes to see how small changes are making a difference.

Final thoughts

Shipping small changes is not just a technical practice. It is a mindset shift. It helps teams move faster, improve quality, and stay flexible in the face of challenges.

Nathan’s advice sums it up:

"Small changes are the foundation of high-performing teams. They keep everything moving and make it easier to learn and adapt. If you are not shipping small, you are making it harder on yourself."

For engineering leaders, adopting small changes can be one of the most effective ways to boost productivity and team morale. It is not about doing more work; it is about working smarter.

This blog is part of our DORA and You series, where we share key learnings from an insightful conversation on the Engineering Success Podcast with Nathan Harvey from Google DORA and Rishi from DevDynamics. These posts break down the practical takeaways from the podcast to help engineering leaders improve productivity, team morale, and delivery practices. Stay tuned as we dive into more actionable insights from this series!