The first Law of Ecology: you can never merely do one thing. Actions have side-effects. In this session, we'll explore how changes in software design can have unexpected, profound impacts. In this story-based session, I'll reference both popular and little-known "laws" of computing and life. I'll show how to use these laws to write better software. This session will give you new mental models for thinking about the tradeoffs we make in software...and life.

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Mike Lehan at 09:54 on 24 Oct 2025

Thanks a lot Cory, really insightful and plenty to think about!

Joe Ferguson at 09:54 on 24 Oct 2025

Great talk, with excellent insights into software laws and the trade-offs involved.

Inspiring talk!

Great talk! I'm definitely downloading those slides and go over 'em again.

READ, WRITE, THINK. Love it!

Eric Poe at 10:22 on 24 Oct 2025

A good keynote talk and give the audience plenty to think about.

One recommendation for improvement is to change the layout of the "X's Law" slides to have the text above the image -- this makes it easier to see by audience members who's view of the bottom of the screen is obstructed by other audience members.

Great talk with thought provoking perspectives. Good to hear both sides of arguments and dive into a variety of helpful laws.

Cory Stine at 10:32 on 24 Oct 2025

Loved the talk! Applicable in life and in tech. Great to see another Cory on the talk stage!

Cori Lint at 12:32 on 24 Oct 2025

Engaging and full of easily applicable concepts!

A really insightful talk, served with a good bit of humor and several book recommendations to boot. An excellent start to the main portion of the conference!

Matthew J at 13:29 on 24 Oct 2025

Great presentation. Really good things to think about, great speaker.

Thank you for the talk. It was fun to think about how these different rules and laws affect us.

Mike Moran at 10:00 on 25 Oct 2025

Very engaging presentation. I appreciated the humor and mindfulness that went into discussing these laws and the tradeoffs they represent.

Keith Davis at 13:30 on 25 Oct 2025

Wonderful points made. My favorite part was about pain avoidance. It’s something I talk about regularly with my team.

Michael Miles at 14:54 on 25 Oct 2025

Great talk

Well structured and well delivered.

Joseph Leedy at 11:50 on 27 Oct 2025

Great talk, thanks!

Two key insights: go big on 1-2 things & stop trying to do it all. A great talk, I need to make flash cards to keep the names straight on all those Laws.