Design is political. Here are some fundamental principles I (try to)
follow when designing and building software.
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Be honest
Be honest about what you can accomplish, be
honest about intentions, be honest about shortcomings.
-
Simple is better than complex
When there is a simple
solution to a problem, use it. Complexity is never something to be
proud of.
-
Aim of openness
You won’t think of everything. Open
solutions allow others to add what you missed.
-
Have opinions
If you try to make things everyone likes,
no one will love them. Have an opinion, take a stand, even if that
means someone will be unhappy.
-
Make it last
Your creating should last. Make sure to use
solutions which are sustainable and don’t rely on others who have
different objectives.
-
Don’t follow trends
Just because everyone else is doing
it, doesn’t mean it’s right.
-
Ship only when it’s ready
Only release the product when
it’s fully baked. The world has to deal with enough mediocrity
already.
-
Stay independent
Don’t become dependent on frameworks,
platforms, or investors.
-
Think of everyone
Good design is accessible design.
Think about others, think globally.
-
Creativity is human
Machines and software are tools for
us to express ourselves. They can never be allowed to substitute
human creativity for algorithms..
