15 customisable OKR examples for Software Developer

What are Software Developer 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 Developer 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.

Building your own Software Developer OKRs with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.

Feel free to explore our tools:

Our customisable Software Developer OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Software Developer Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to enhance tactical and strategic leadership skills for software developer team lead

  • ObjectiveEnhance tactical and strategic leadership skills for software developer team lead
  • Key ResultMentor 2 team members to take on micro-leadership roles in the next project
  • TaskProvide regular feedback and coaching
  • TaskShare responsibilities and explain expectations clearly
  • TaskIdentify strengths and areas of growth for each team member
  • Key ResultImplement new strategies and witness a minimum 15% increase in team productivity
  • TaskDevelop and communicate new strategies for identified areas
  • TaskIdentify areas in team processes that require improvement
  • TaskMonitor and measure strategy-driven productivity increases
  • Key ResultCollaborate with HR to attend at least 3 leadership skill training or workshops
  • TaskContact HR to inquire about available leadership training opportunities
  • TaskParticipate actively in each workshop session
  • TaskSchedule times to attend three chosen sessions

2OKRs to establish a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC)

  • ObjectiveImplement secure software development process
  • Key ResultProvide secure coding training to development team
  • Key ResultConduct thorough security code review during development
  • Key ResultAchieve certification for secure software development process
  • Key ResultEstablish vulnerability management process for production systems

3OKRs to enhance the quality of software releases through manual testing

  • ObjectiveEnhance the quality of software releases through manual testing
  • Key ResultIncrease 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
  • Key ResultReduce 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
  • Key ResultRaise 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

4OKRs to successfully implement the "asdf" system

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully implement the "asdf" system
  • Key ResultAchieve 70% completion of "asdf" coding tasks by Week 9
  • TaskPrioritize most complex coding tasks to complete first
  • TaskRegularly assess weekly progress and adjust workload if necessary
  • TaskAllocate daily hours specifically for ASDF coding tasks
  • Key ResultConduct satisfactory testing and fix all major bugs by Week 12
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive test plans by Week 10
  • TaskDebug and fix major errors by Week 12
  • TaskCarry out rigorous testing by Week 11
  • Key ResultComplete system design documentation by end of Week 4
  • TaskReview, edit and finalize design documentation
  • TaskDraft the initial system design document
  • TaskOutline desired structure and content for design documentation

5OKRs to implement efficient test automation processes

  • ObjectiveImplement efficient test automation processes
  • Key ResultReduce manual testing work by 40% through customized automated scripts
  • TaskImplement and monitor the automated scripts’ efficacy regularly
  • TaskDevelop customized automated scripts for these processes
  • TaskIdentify repeated manual testing processes suitable for automation
  • Key ResultSuccessfully automate 70% of all repetitive tests while maintaining accuracy
  • TaskResearch suitable automation tools or software
  • TaskImplement, monitor, and adjust automated processes accordingly
  • TaskIdentify and catalog all existing repetitive tests
  • Key ResultAchieve a 30% decrease in software bugs and glitches through automated testing enhancement
  • TaskRegularly evaluate and refine our testing processes
  • TaskTrain developers in advanced automated testing
  • TaskImplement enhanced and rigorous automated testing protocols

6OKRs to become proficient in React.js

  • ObjectiveBecome proficient in React.js
  • Key ResultComplete 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
  • Key ResultRead 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
  • Key ResultBuild 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

7OKRs to enhance user experience for increased software engagement

  • ObjectiveEnhance user experience for increased software engagement
  • Key ResultDecrease software response time by 30%
  • TaskOptimize code to reduce complexity and redundant processes
  • TaskUpgrade server hardware to improve processing speed
  • TaskImplement effective caching strategies for data retrieval
  • Key ResultAchieve 90% customer satisfaction rate on usability of our software
  • TaskDevelop user-friendly interface providing intuitive navigation
  • TaskProvide swift, professional customer support and resolution
  • TaskImplement frequent, targeted user testing for regular improvements
  • Key ResultImplement 5 new user-requested features into software interface
  • TaskDevelop and code the selected features into software interface
  • TaskPrioritize top 5 user-requested features based on feasibility and impact
  • TaskTest and debug new features before final implementation

8OKRs to streamline SPX single membership SDLC process

  • ObjectiveStreamline SPX single membership SDLC process
  • Key ResultReduce the cycle time of SDLC stages by 20%
  • TaskImplement automation tools in testing and deployment stages
  • TaskStreamline communication channels between different teams
  • TaskAdopt agile methodologies in project management
  • Key ResultImplement a new tracking system to eliminate 30% of process errors
  • TaskTrain staff on implementing and using new system
  • TaskIdentify current errors and determine their root cause
  • TaskResearch and select appropriate tracking system
  • Key ResultEnhance team productivity by delivering 25% more modules within deadlines
  • TaskEncourage regular communication to swiftly resolve issues
  • TaskImplement efficient project management tools for better task tracking
  • TaskOffer training sessions to improve team's technical skills

9OKRs to implement runtime configurability of features

  • ObjectiveImplement runtime configurability of features
  • Key ResultTrain 90% of the team on configuring features at runtime to ensure efficient usage
  • TaskSchedule and conduct requisite training sessions
  • TaskIdentify team members needing training in runtime configuration
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training materials and exercises
  • Key ResultDevelop a viable prototype for a configurable environment by end of week 6
  • TaskConstruct initial prototype based on design specs
  • TaskTest and refine the prototype for viable usage
  • TaskCreate basic design specifications for the configurable environment
  • Key ResultTest and implement 75% of identified features for run time configurability
  • TaskImplement and verify tested features
  • TaskReview and list identified features for runtime configurability
  • TaskDevelop strategies for testing selected features

10OKRs to successfully build a simple React app

  • ObjectiveSuccessfully build a simple React app
  • Key ResultComplete a comprehensive React video course in its entirety
  • TaskChoose a comprehensive React video course
  • TaskActively follow and complete course assignments
  • TaskDedicate daily time for studying the course material
  • Key ResultApply learned knowledge to construct a working React application
  • TaskCode application in React using learned knowledge
  • TaskOutline desired functionality and user interface of the React application
  • TaskTest, debug and refine React application
  • Key ResultDetect and handle at least three software bugs in the developed React application
  • TaskDebug and fix identified software issues
  • TaskTest the application for functionality after the changes
  • TaskIdentify and document problematic areas in the React application

11OKRs to achieve production readiness for MassBalancer ISCC EU feature

  • ObjectiveAchieve production readiness for MassBalancer ISCC EU feature
  • Key ResultEnsure 100% documentation of the MassBalancer ISCC EU feature for user reference
  • TaskIdentify gaps in the current documentation
  • TaskReview existing documentation on the MassBalancer ISCC EU feature
  • TaskUpdate or create necessary documents to fill in gaps
  • Key ResultComplete all necessary development tasks associated with the MassBalancer ISCC EU feature
  • TaskFinalize the code for the MassBalancer ISCC EU feature
  • TaskTest the feature for efficiency and bug fixes
  • TaskRelease and integrate the feature into the main software platform
  • Key ResultSuccessfully conduct beta testing for MassBalancer ISCC EU with zero critical issues
  • TaskSet up and distribute MassBalancer ISCC EU to selected beta testers
  • TaskIdentify and resolve any critical issues immediately
  • TaskRegularly monitor and collect feedback from beta testers

12OKRs to elevate overall test coverage across all features

  • ObjectiveElevate overall test coverage across all features
  • Key ResultImplement a process for monitoring and increasing test coverage on an ongoing basis
  • TaskImplement a continuous test coverage monitoring system
  • TaskDevelop strategies to continuously improve test coverage
  • TaskIdentify existing areas lacking sufficient test coverage
  • Key ResultIdentify and address 30% of areas with low test coverage across existing features
  • TaskPrioritize these features based on importance
  • TaskIdentify features with less than 70% test coverage
  • TaskDevelop and implement tests to increase coverage
  • Key ResultAchieve 70% code coverage for all new features developed in the next quarter
  • TaskConduct reviews and refactoring sessions to improve coverage
  • TaskImplement mandatory unit tests for all newly developed features
  • TaskMonitor code coverage regularly using suitable tools

13OKRs to minimize technical debt across all 100 crawlers

  • ObjectiveMinimize technical debt across all 100 crawlers
  • Key ResultReduce the number of crippling bugs by 60% across all active crawlers
  • TaskAllocate more resources for extensive crawler bug testing
  • TaskRoll out regular updates to eliminate known issues
  • TaskImplement rigorous code review before deployment
  • Key ResultDevelop and implement robust refactoring plans for 75% of identified issues
  • TaskImplement refactoring plans across 75% of identified areas
  • TaskIdentify key areas requiring refactoring within the system
  • TaskCreate comprehensive, efficient refactoring plans for these areas
  • Key ResultIdentify and document technical debt in 100% of the crawlers
  • TaskReview all crawler codes to identify technical debt
  • TaskLog debt detail in a central tracking system
  • TaskPrepare a comprehensive technical debt report

14OKRs to externalize authorization models from monolith

  • ObjectiveExternalize authorization models from monolith
  • Key ResultIdentify and list all authorization models by Week 2
  • TaskFinalize and submit the list by Week 2
  • TaskResearch various types of authorization models
  • TaskCatalogue each identified authorization model in a list
  • Key ResultSuccessfully migrate at least 90% of authorization models to the external component by Week 10
  • TaskMap current authorization models to the external component
  • TaskDevelop a detailed migration plan
  • TaskExecute migration and verify success rate
  • Key ResultDesign and develop a separate external component for authorization models by Week 6
  • TaskIdentify necessary features for authorization component
  • TaskDesign a prototype of the authorization component
  • TaskDevelop and test the authorization component

15OKRs to implement automation in data analysis and visualization

  • ObjectiveImplement automation in data analysis and visualization
  • Key ResultCreate an automated data visualization tool generating 3 visually impacting reports weekly
  • TaskIdentify key data points for weekly visualization
  • TaskDesign three types of impactful report templates
  • TaskProgram automation for weekly report generation
  • Key ResultSuccessfully automate 50% of routine data analysis tasks to increase efficiency
  • TaskImplement and test chosen automation tools
  • TaskIdentify routine data analysis tasks suitable for automation
  • TaskResearch and select relevant automation software
  • Key ResultDevelop a robust data cleaning and pre-processing automation script by the end of Q1
  • TaskDesign algorithm for automation script
  • TaskImplement and test the automation script
  • TaskIdentify necessary data cleaning and preprocessing steps

Software Developer OKR best practices to boost success

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

The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the 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.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

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

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

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 turn your Software Developer OKRs in a strategy map

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

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 Developer OKR templates

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

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.

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