Where's the reality? was, Re: [Sigia-l] Off Topic Posts

[Stewart Dean]

>From: "Leisa Reichelt" <leisa.reichelt at gmail.com>
>To: SIGIA-L <sigia-l at asis.org>
>Subject: Re: Where's the reality? was, Re: [Sigia-l] Off Topic Posts
>Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 19:14:43 +1100

<snip>


>In the 37 Signals environment, this simply isn't an issue they need to
>deal with, so its relatively easy for them to ditch documentation like
>signed off wireframes and functional specifications. Where there's
>ongoing client expectation management required - documentation can be
>very helpful!

I agree. When you're working effectively for yourself then there is no need 
for sign off and no need to have everything set in stone before you start 
build.  A good close team needs less up front planning than a disperate team 
made up of folks in different places but it is more opaque to someone paying 
for their time. In one consulting role I had about 80% of my time was spent 
on client communication and in all roles since thankfully that figure has 
been far lower but it's still a vital part and not present in the 37 signals 
approach.

The 37 signal team sounds much like a rock group who know each other well 
enough to jam and produce good stuff, each knows what needs to be done and 
when and things can be done when they need to be done.  The opposite end is 
when the score has to be created in fine detail for the musicians (that is 
the implimentation team) to perform. I call this 'throwing it over the wall' 
and requires increadibly detailed wireframes and documentation for it to 
work.

In my view there will be limits built into what the 37 team can achive. I've 
never used their products but I've heard good things, I think their attempt 
to apply their working model to different projects is deeply flawed as their 
approach is good at produce a certain type of project. You can't expect a 
rock and roll band to produce good swing music.

Stewart Dean