22: Technique before Tools

I find that tools exist to simplify something. Either to make it easier in some fashion, or speed it up. Electronic Story Trackers make it easier to do a number of things, including modify when not physically present. Refactoring tools let us do what we know we want to do…

21: Different Languages for Different Phases

I don't like the "Langauge", but I understand it's a term we still use to refer to our different representations. As we progress in our design and implementation, we need many different representations to help us understand the system, and varying levels. Sequence, Use…

20: Record your assumptions

I think recording our assumptions is hard. If it's an assumption, how do we know we're making it? I assume stuff all the time without consciously doing it. I'm not sure we can effectively record our assumptions. Often we'll make assumptions around…

19: Every Complex Problem has a solution

OK... I doubt this means the cynefin framework type of Complex. That's what I use though. If it's a complex problem it's one that must use an emergent approach. We can not define the solution up front. Is there a solution - yes. That&…

17: If possible, buy instead of build

Interstingly, I just went through this. We had to replace an collection of bought solutions that were duct-taped together. I was part of the team proposing that we build it. Competing with some vendors of SaaS tools and a couple outside consulting teams that would go from either a full…

16: Change during development is Inevitable

Yep. Change happens. We NEVER know everything up front. Even if we THINK we do - Things change over time. The priorities change over time. UX Changes over time. Everything is open for change. Trying to pretend otherwise is to reject the reality of the world. We have to prepare…

15: The More Seen, the More Needed

... I'm not even sure what this one means. I gotta jump straight to the book... OK - Users want more. Keep your documentation. Plan your configuration Procedures. I agree with the intent of this. It shows it's age though. With the bandwidth and web centric nature…