How I learned that ‘building shared understanding is hard’

How many times have you experienced this? The project is underway. You're past 'discovery' and are well into 'build' or 'execution' (or whatever your team calls these). Your team started together. You did inception workshops, or kick-off meetings (or whatever your team calls these). You talked through the problem to be solved, worked up the … Continue reading How I learned that ‘building shared understanding is hard’ →

Not every problem is a technology problem

We live in a digital age where algorithms, artificial intelligence and connectivity are driving a proliferation of new services and solutions - for problems big, small and non-existent. Businesses, services and platforms are understandably keen to take advantage, to enhance their capabilities, keep ahead of the competition, and solve problems. But technical solutions are not the appropriate … Continue reading Not every problem is a technology problem →

Thoughts on the #FyreFestival fiasco

First, if you are not familiar, read this. Then, watch the Netflix documentary (I haven't seen the other one yet). Thoughts: ONE: An excellent example of product vs project. The Fyre app was built as a product - and by the sounds of it that part was working fairly well - whereas the Fyre Festival … Continue reading Thoughts on the #FyreFestival fiasco →

“Why do we have to test in production?”

...is a question your management team or others may ask, and it is understandable. Most people older than 35 worked for many years under the golden rule 'never test in production', and they have an expectation of a 'full end-to-end test environment'. In fact, 'end-to-end testing' has in some cases always involved a mix of … Continue reading “Why do we have to test in production?” →

Projects and non-projects

The traditional definition of a 'project' is an initiative that achieves an agreed objective and is temporary, with an identifiable beginning and end. The term 'project' also conjures up for many people the dreaded 'waterfall' with gates, milestones, dependencies, Gantt charts, resource allocations, work breakdown schedules, and the rest. But 'projects' don't have to work … Continue reading Projects and non-projects →