This week, we discuss the distinction between 'Shape up' and Sprint methodologies, how to manage projects without scrum, and why we need fresh perspectives to overcome myopia. We also take a critical look at product waste, the ever-important topic of finding research subjects (for free versus for a fee), and examine an engineer's true purpose.
Enabling the Team
Why we Transitioned from Sprints to Basecamp’s “Shape Up” Methodology by Cory Torres Bishop
The VP of Safesite explains why sprints stopped working for them. And what they did instead.
How Big Tech Runs Tech Projects and the Curious Absence of Scrum by Gergely Orosz
A deep dive look at the methodologies used in top tech companies as well as employee satisfaction and recommendations.
Product Direction
Myopia that Kills Your Company by Alexis and Adrienne
The real competition is other companies that are fulfilling the same desires your customers are going to your product for. Here's how to beat them.
Product Waste and The ROI of Discovery by Rich Mironov
Product waste is pernicious: development work delivered on time and within budget that doesn’t drive business improvement. Here's why to keep it top of mind.
Continuous Discovery
Automating Recruitment for User-Research Panels by Peter Veto
Automate the recruitment process as much as possible to keep your costs down and ensure that the process is self-propelled.
Finding UX Research Participants Free of Charge by Peter Veto
Having a user panel is absolutely essential for companies who are conducting collaborative and continuous research.
Continuous Design
Translating theory into real experiences and embracing other types of design are clear signs of your evolution as a designer.
Design Principles: Why a Design Works by Miklos Philips
Cognitive ease happens when there is no cognitive strain. When a design works, people experience cognitive ease.
Continuous Delivery
Liberty Mutual's Transition To Serverless by By David Anderson, with Mark McCann and Micheal O’Reilly
This article explores why a software engineer should be hired to solve problems and create value for the business, instead of writing code.
Engineering Levels at Honeycomb: Avoiding the Scope Trap by Ben Darfler
At first glance “area of scope” does seem to make sense. Yet, there's a ladder that only rewards engineers who work on large projects. This doesn’t seem fair...
Design has moved from a supporting role to one that is a driving force of business direction. Executives have seen the value design brings; they are listening and while designers have a seat at the table, there is an existential question on what’s next, and how should we use our newfound positions. Is there truly a way to balance business and customer needs. During one of our many indeth talks at APAC this year, we’ll sit down with FoodPanda’s Director of Product Design, Shiran Bloch to discuss this.
Do you have a great case study that highlights how you have adopted a new practice, tool or technique?
Do you want to share the challenges as well as the successes?
Hiring
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