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10 OKR examples for Software Development

What are Software Development OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Software Development to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

How to write your own Software Development OKRs

Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Software Development OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Software Development. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to enhance leadership abilities in developing new software functionalities

  • ObjectiveEnhance leadership abilities in developing new software functionalities
  • KRAchieve over 95% positive feedback in the team's quarterly performance review
  • TaskConsistently offer constructive feedback and support to team members
  • TaskImplement regular training and development sessions
  • TaskImprove team communication and collaboration regularly
  • KRComplete advanced leadership course in software development by quarter end
  • TaskDedicate a few hours each day for coursework and study
  • TaskEnroll in advanced leadership software development course
  • TaskFinish and submit all assignments before course deadline
  • KRLead a team to successfully deliver a new feature without delays
  • TaskEffectively delegate tasks according to team strengths
  • TaskEstablish regular check-ins to monitor task progress
  • TaskClearly define the feature requirements and scope of work

OKRs to become proficient in React.js

  • ObjectiveBecome proficient in React.js
  • KRComplete an online React.js course with a passing grade by end of quarter
  • TaskEnroll in an online React.js course
  • TaskDedicate consistent study hours each week
  • TaskComplete and pass all required assessments
  • KRRead and understand documentation for 5 React.js libraries
  • TaskThoroughly read the documentation for each library
  • TaskSummarize key functions and features of each library
  • TaskSelect 5 React.js libraries for review and understanding
  • KRBuild and deploy a small, functional web app using React.js
  • TaskTest the app locally to ensure full functionality
  • TaskDevelop a small React.js web app following online tutorials or guidelines
  • TaskDeploy the web app on a preferred hosting platform

OKRs to establish a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)

  • ObjectiveImplement secure software development process
  • KRProvide secure coding training to development team
  • KRConduct thorough security code review during development
  • KRAchieve certification for secure software development process
  • KREstablish vulnerability management process for production systems

OKRs to drive productivity and take the lead in software development initiatives

  • ObjectiveDrive productivity and take the lead in software development initiatives
  • KRIncrease team's coding capacity by mentoring two junior developers to full productivity
  • TaskDevelop individualized mentorship plans for each developer
  • TaskIdentify junior developers' strengths and areas for improvement
  • TaskSchedule regular, interactive coding training sessions
  • KRDeliver four complex coding projects with less than 5% defect rate
  • TaskDevelop a detailed project plan for each coding assignment
  • TaskImplement rigorous testing and quality control measures
  • TaskContinuously monitor and tweak coding for defects
  • KRDevelop and spearhead one software improvement initiative achieving 20% efficiency gains
  • TaskLead team in executing software improvement initiative
  • TaskCreate detailed implementation plan for chosen improvement
  • TaskIdentify potential software improvements for efficiency boost

OKRs to accelerate the frequency of software deployment

  • ObjectiveAccelerate the frequency of software deployment
  • KRImplement automated deployment tools to decrease average deployment time by 40%
  • TaskInstall selected automated tool on the deployment system
  • TaskResearch top tier automated deployment tools for implementation
  • TaskMonitor and adjust settings for an optimized 40% time reduction
  • KRTrain the development team on new deployment strategies to minimize deployment errors by 30%
  • TaskArrange training sessions on new deployment strategies for developers
  • TaskEvaluate current deployment methods & identify common errors
  • TaskImplement new strategies gradually, monitoring for improvement
  • KRIncrease weekly deployment rates from 2 to 4 successful deployments
  • TaskImprove automated testing and QA processes
  • TaskTrain team on advanced deployment strategies
  • TaskEstablish streamlined processes for efficient code deployment

OKRs to achieve promotion to software engineer 3

  • ObjectiveAchieve promotion to software engineer 3
  • KRComplete advanced software development certification
  • KRMentor and provide guidance to junior software engineers
  • TaskSchedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and career goals
  • TaskOffer constructive feedback and actionable suggestions for improvement on their code
  • TaskActively involve them in meaningful projects to gain real-world experience and build confidence
  • TaskProvide resources and recommend learning opportunities to enhance their technical skills
  • KRReceive positive performance reviews from team members and supervisors
  • TaskRegularly check in with team members and supervisors to receive feedback and updates
  • TaskActively listen to team members and supervisors, and address any concerns or suggestions
  • TaskSet clear and measurable goals with team members and supervisors
  • TaskContinuously improve skills and knowledge through training and professional development opportunities
  • KRDeliver three high-impact software projects successfully
  • TaskImplement effective project management methodologies to ensure efficient coordination and communication
  • TaskDefine clear project goals, timelines, and deliverables for each software project
  • TaskAssemble a skilled and dedicated team with the necessary expertise for each project
  • TaskRegularly monitor and evaluate progress, making adjustments as needed to meet project objectives

OKRs to enhance technical proficiency and efficiency in software development

  • ObjectiveEnhance technical proficiency and efficiency in software development
  • KRImprove code efficiency by reducing average debugging time by 25%
  • TaskImplement regular peer code reviews to catch errors early
  • TaskProvide training on more advanced debugging tools
  • TaskAdopt test-driven development practices
  • KRComplete four advanced programming courses relevant to job role
  • TaskEnroll in the identified courses
  • TaskIdentify four advanced programming courses relevant to job role
  • TaskConsistently engage in coursework until completion
  • KRImplement at least three new features in the ongoing project, positively impacting user experience
  • TaskIdentify three potential enhancements based on user feedback
  • TaskCode and test the new features thoroughly
  • TaskDeploy updates and collect user feedback

OKRs to foster rapid and secure high-quality code development

  • ObjectiveFoster rapid and secure high-quality code development
  • KRIncrease code reviews to ensure 100% implementation of security protocols
  • TaskImplement automated code review tools for security compliance
  • TaskSchedule regular code review sessions with team members
  • TaskProvide training on security protocol standards during code reviews
  • KRImplement a standardized coding style guide across all projects by quarter end
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive coding style guide
  • TaskEnforce guide compliance in project reviews
  • TaskCommunicate the guide to all developers
  • KRDecrease the development cycle by 30% through effective work methodologies
  • TaskRegularly update and optimize software tools for improved efficiency
  • TaskAdopt test-driven development to reduce debugging time
  • TaskImplement agile project management for quicker iteration cycles

OKRs to enhance the quality of software releases through manual testing

  • ObjectiveEnhance the quality of software releases through manual testing
  • KRIncrease manual test case effectiveness by 25%
  • TaskProvide continuous training for manual testing techniques
  • TaskImplement peer reviews for manual test case validation
  • TaskDevelop exhaustive, realistic use-cases scenarios for better test coverage
  • KRReduce critical bugs in live software by 15%
  • TaskImplement rigorous testing procedures before software deployment
  • TaskRegularly update and debug software code base
  • TaskTrain developers in best practices for bug prevention
  • KRRaise manual test coverage for each release to at least 95%
  • TaskIdentify areas of software currently lacking full manual testing
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive manual test plans for those areas
  • TaskTrain team to execute new test plans efficiently

OKRs to improve testing efficiency through AI integration

  • ObjectiveImprove testing efficiency through AI integration
  • KRReduce software bugs by 25% with AI algorithms
  • TaskTrain AI algorithms to identify and fix recurring software bugs
  • TaskInvest in AI-based debugging tools for code review and error detection
  • TaskIntegrate AI algorithms into the software development and testing process
  • KRDecrease manual testing hours by 30%
  • TaskImplement automated testing protocols for recurrent tests
  • TaskTrain staff in automation tools usage
  • TaskPrioritize test cases for automation
  • KRImplement AI testing tools in 60% of ongoing projects
  • TaskProcure and install AI testing tools in identified projects
  • TaskTrain project teams on using AI testing tools
  • TaskIdentify projects suitable for AI testing tool integration

Software Development OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Software Development OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Software Development OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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