Scrappy, not crappy

We strive to get maximum value by being as lean as possible in everything we do. But we are not afraid to spend the time and effort required to make sure our work is fit for purpose. We understand that tension and constantly refine our work to be everything it needs to be, and nothing more.

Porridge Beta

Back to the universal principles

Calibration

Under, just right, over.

SituationUnderJust RightOver
A cheap version that does not workShips the lean version and leaves the user with a result that is not fit for the job.Spends what the job actually requires, and nothing past that.Rebuilds it lavishly because the first version was embarrassing, past the point of fit.
Gold platingAdds finish the job does not need because the lean version feels exposed.Stops when it is fit for purpose and writes down what you refused to add.Calls every finish waste, including the one a user needs to complete the task.
Naming the tensionPicks lean or polished and does not say what you gave up.Says what fit for purpose requires here, and what you are leaving out on purpose.Debates the philosophy and does not decide the scope.
Refining past enoughKeeps refining after it already does the job and nothing more is needed.Does one more pass only for a gap a real user would hit, then stops.Stops at the first draft and calls the gaps a style.
Lean that breaks the userSaves the effort and hands the user the sharp edge.Spends the effort on the edge the user touches, and stays lean everywhere else.Pads every edge and the work is no longer lean or late.
Fit for this purposeReuses a scrappy shortcut in a place where the purpose is unforgiving.Matches the effort to this purpose, which may mean more care than the last job needed.Applies the most careful standard from the last job to a throwaway experiment.

Further reading

Sources and essays on this principle.

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