Paved versus golden paths in Platform Engineering

In Platform Engineering, the concepts of paved paths and golden paths represent different approaches to designing user experiences, drawing parallels with city park planning. Paved paths emerge organically based on user habits, offering practical solutions without strict guidance, similar to early software source control systems that evolved from manual processes. In contrast, golden paths are meticulously designed, aiming to optimize user experience by reducing burdens and aligning workflows, akin to Brisbane's Grand Arbor walk, which attracts users through thoughtful design rather than enforcement. In software, golden paths create an ideal balance between flexibility and standardization by providing developers with superior, easy-to-adopt workflows that alleviate cognitive load, thus encouraging voluntary adoption. Platform engineers are tasked with identifying and addressing developer pain points, balancing when to standardize and when to allow autonomy, ultimately striving to reduce overall cognitive load and enhance user satisfaction.