Mike Elsmore

The ABC of DX

What if your docs, tools, and support actually helped developers get things done? Learn the four pillars of true developer experience.

The ABC of DX
#1about 5 minutes

What developer experience is and why it matters

Developer experience (DX) is defined as user experience (UX) for developers, encompassing the tools, processes, and support that enable them to solve problems effectively.

#2about 2 minutes

Introducing the four pillars of developer experience

A framework for developer experience is presented, based on the four key pillars of documentation, tooling, support, and company culture.

#3about 5 minutes

Why documentation is the most critical DX pillar

Good documentation goes beyond a simple README or API reference by treating docs as code and catering to all developer skill levels.

#4about 2 minutes

Creating effective developer tooling and SDKs

Effective developer tools, such as SDKs and CLIs, are well-maintained, easy to use, and link directly to relevant documentation.

#5about 2 minutes

Providing multi-channel and open developer support

Meet developers where they are by offering both asynchronous support like GitHub issues and synchronous channels like Discord, while keeping feedback loops open.

#6about 2 minutes

How company culture and empathy impact DX

A positive developer experience is fostered by a company culture that prioritizes empathy and problem-solving over treating DX as a sales pipeline.

#7about 3 minutes

Q&A on tooling, support, and empathy in tech

The discussion covers favorite developer tools, how to encourage developers to use documentation, and the importance of empathy in the tech industry.

Related jobs
Jobs that call for the skills explored in this talk.

Featured Partners

Related Articles

View all articles
DC
Daniel Cranney
Why developer experience matters
With technology embedded in almost every aspect of life, and with developers building and maintaining these tools, it’s ensuring that developers operate in the digital world with speed and efficiency, if we are to see these same benefits in the offli...
Why developer experience matters
BR
Benjamin Ruschin
What Developers Really Need to Create Great Code Demos
Every developer on earth has, at some point, had another developer to thank for a breakthrough, a success, an aha moment they wouldn’t have had without coming across that blog post, that open-source contribution, that reply on socials or that humble ...
What Developers Really Need to Create Great Code Demos
CH
Chris Heilmann
With AIs wide open - WeAreDevelopers at All Things Open 2025
Last week our VP of Developer Relations, Chris Heilmann, flew to Raleigh, North Carolina to present at All Things Open . An excellent event he had spoken at a few times in the past and this being the “Lucky 13” edition, he didn’t hesitate to come and...
With AIs wide open - WeAreDevelopers at All Things Open 2025

From learning to earning

Jobs that call for the skills explored in this talk.

Desktop Support Engineer

Desktop Support Engineer

DXC Technology
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Azure
VMware
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Active Directory