Keeping Your Software Lean and Loved
Have you ever packed a backpack for a hike? Packing for a hike can be tricky. There are so many useful things you could bring, but only so much room in your backpack. If you try to pack everything, the backpack becomes too heavy. Suddenly, the hike feels impossible, despite all those useful items you’ve brought along. Software development faces a similar challenge. Adding too many features might seem helpful, but it often backfires. The product becomes too complex and frustrating to use. ...
Slow and Steady: My 15-Year Endurance Goal
A few days ago, I was chatting with friends about goals in endurance sports. They mentioned wanting to join an event next year to have something to aim for. I totally get it — having a goal keeps you motivated. You picture yourself crossing the finish line, and just imagining it gives you a boost. And, of course, the closer the event is, the more urgency you feel to start training. ...
Technical Debt is a Management Failure
The deadline for a critical software feature is just two weeks away. I’m in a meeting with my team to plan the work. I glance at the calendar again—it’s tight, but I think we might just make it. The team has broken down the feature into smaller tasks, estimating the effort for each one. I’m holding my breath, hoping two weeks will be enough. Then the team gives me the news: they estimate at least six weeks. My heart sinks, and a cold sweat breaks out. This feature was promised by the deadline. But now it’s clear—there’s no way we can deliver it on time. ...