The D&D Framework

Defend Attention Manage context switches.

While we can’t avoid task switching altogether, what we can do is fend for our focus. Managing interruptions by their urgency and worth to deliver quality work is the core of the D&D Framework. It is equipped with methods to help you intentionally stay ahead of all distractions — be it important or low priority to get your best work done everyday!

Smarter Lists To-do lists that accommodate interruptions.

Engineers can work more efficiently by creating to-do lists that account for interruptions. A smarter list includes tasks, context, next steps, and focus levels. This preparation helps handle disruptions effectively, ensuring high-priority tasks are completed even with frequent interruptions.

Focus Understand it as a spectrum, not binary.

Most of us think of focus in a binary manner i.e. either its there or completely amiss. That’s inaccurate because most of us can focus deeply GIVEN the right conditions. The framework helps you find what is right for you.

Team’s Role Involve team to support focused work.

At the end of the day, you are part of a team. Doing this solo will not cut it. You need your team’s support to best execute a distraction-free environment. Loop them into WHY and HOW you are doing this and WHAT they can do to assist you.

Interruption Map Differentiate important vs. unimportant interruptions.

Not all interruptions deserve your immediate attention. But knowing which ones do and don’t is a skill. Living in today’s age where everything seeks our attention, we need to train our brains on how to make these mini decisions. Eventually this creates a huge impact on our work.

Code:Collab Ratio Assess time allocation for each.

When meetings are inevitable, finding the ideal code-to-collaborate ratio becomes essential. To achieve this balance, we must understand the factors that influence an engineer's time split between coding and meetings. We identified three core factors that influence this division.