When to Design for Emergence

So but how do we build software that can be anything without falling into the Zombocom trap? I believe that Bezos interview shows us exactly how.

1. You start from a systems-level insight ( the internet is growing rapidly )


2. Then work backwards to a first best customer who has a burning need ( can’t find book ) that is related to your superpower ( intern

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Above all, people need agency. They need to feel in control. Sometimes, that means designing for subversive behavior. I mean, isn't the most fun often had when you're breaking rules? But this is enormously difficult in software, where you must design almost everythingfrom scratch. Unlike life, you don't get a common repertoire of actions for free –... See more

My friend Kasey Klimes wrote a fantastic piece called “

When to Design for Emergence

” on the design dynamics of large-scale software after working on Google Maps.

https://newsletter.rhizomerd.com/p/when-to-design-for-emergence

He points out that our current approach is designed to only solve the most common needs of the most number of users.

Anything b... See more