Maintainable

Topics DiscussedThe importance of changeability as a core characteristic of well-maintained software.How GitHub has approached accessibility as a business and legal imperative.The evolution of GitHub’s frontend system, spanning over 2,000 pages, and the concept of "frontend vintages."Primer: GitHub’s design system and the paradox of its success—consistency vs. changeability.The disproportionate maintenance costs of frontend systems compared to backend systems.Using tools like Axe and keyboard-only tests to identify and resolve accessibility issues.The philosophical balance between creativity and usability in software design.Practical advice for teams starting their accessibility journey with limited resources.How frontend complexity affects scalability, especially in app-like experiences.Joel’s advocacy for adopting off-the-shelf components to reduce complexity for smaller teams.Key Takeaways[00:01:12] What Defines Well-Maintained Software?Joel explains how changeability—the confidence to make and deploy chan