We help you create useful, robust sites. Our experience with projects across many technologies lets us help you ensure the success of your project.
Success for software projects can be elusive. Here are the key ideas we use to foster a successful project:
- seeing and understanding the big picture
- estimating and planning to an ideal level of detail
- carefully selecting tools and platform
- encouraging your team members - our colleagues
- fostering a work environment for maximum achievement
- enjoying the process
We expand on these ideas below.
Seeing and Understanding the Big Picture
if you want the kind of developer who codes disconnected from what is going on around him, we might be the wrong choice. We prefer to understand the landscape and the business dynamics driving development.
A Senior Manager at Milestone Group recently praised Steve for his ability to see the big picture and to understand that sometimes the small things contribute to the big picture.
Estimating and Planning to an Ideal Level of Detail
We have seen developers use estimations to impress. Short estimate means smart developer, right? We avoid falling prey to trying to impress with short estimates. Our experience has shown that doesn’t help anyone in the long run, and in fact can be devastating to a project both in terms of morale and success. Our approach to estimation is twofold:
- we plan the project to a sensible level of detail
- we use powerful estimation and planning tools such as OmniPlan
Carefully Selecting Tools and Platform
Over the years we've developed an instinct for choosing the simplest, friendliest options. The skill of tool selection must be honed with time. Reading and research skills help too.
For example our selection of the lesser-known Meteor framework for Eva allowed rapid development of the full stack and reactivity for the front end. We also buck the trend by using WebStorm and other JetBrains IDEs rather than more-popular free tools.
Encouraging Your Team Members - Our Colleagues
Team psychology and dynamic contribute greatly to project success. We prefer to be open about our development activity, share knowledge and have some fun. We leave a trail of enjoyment and fulfilment from project to project.
Fostering a Work Environment for Maximum Achievement
We vigorously protect and defend our daily productive output. We are careful to avoid time-wasting activities and take steps to avoid unnecessary interruptions. We make it clear that, while we enjoy meetings as much as anyone, we see them as temptations which can sideline real work. We also help those around us understand the high cost of interrupting a developer at peak performance times.
Enjoying the Process
Some might feel we enjoy our work too much. We can understand that. But we are forthright about our enjoyment of development and confess we hope it's contagious. It's no secret that developers who
- enjoy their work
- are fulfilled by it
- have the opportunity for personal mastery of their craft
can produce more and better - for longer.