Problem validation for synchronous merge request collaboration
Problem Statement
As an author of merge request, if any of the assigned reviewers have or are looking my merge request, so that I can feel a sense of progress. If they are looking at it, I might just stand up and get a coffee, and come back to see what their feedback is, but if no one has or is looking at it I might pick up a different task.
As a reviewer of a merge request, because I don't know when the author will see my feedback, I might simply suggest a change or say something is wrong rather than start a discussion. If I know the author is online and looking at the merge request I might ask more open questions have a conversation about the change rather than focusing on the outcome and not wanting unduly slow the code review process down.
As a team we discuss merge requests outside of GitLab because we want to have a conversation rather than creating email notifications. We use Slack and then jump into a Zoom call if it's too complicated.