At IBM, Conway's work on dynamic instruction scheduling revolutionized how processors handled instructions, allowing for out-of-order execution and dramatically improving performance. This concept became a cornerstone of modern CPU design.

The Mead & Conway methodology significantly lowered the barrier to entry for chip design. By simplifying the design process and providing a standardized framework, they enabled a new generation of engineers to create complex integrated circuits. This spurred innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry.

Conway's work on dynamic scheduling and VLSI design continues to influence the architecture of modern computers. Virtually every high-performance processor today incorporates techniques that were pioneered by Conway and her colleagues. Her contributions have shaped the landscape of computing as we know it.