Art or Science?

I'm a big fan of 37Signals. I love their applications and I think their approach to developing software is unique and innovative. Their book titled "Getting Real" is their approach to developing software.

They use their forums to collect information about what their customers are talking about. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don't. Periodically, you will see them tell their customers "No". Yet, most of their customers are raving fans. They don't release documents that talk about what's going to be in the next release. They just release it (see below). They don't schedule software updates. They just release them when they're ready (see below). I use BackPack, BaseCamp, and Highrise on a regular basis and I can tell you that there is always something new every month.

Another thing I like about 37Signals is that they develop software through inspiration.

We realized project management isn't about charts, graphs, reports and statistics — it's about communication. It also isn't about a project manager sitting up high and broadcasting a project plan. It's about everyone taking responsibility together to make the project work.

Our enemy was the Project Management Dictators and the tools they used to crack the whip. We wanted to democratize project management — make it something everyone was a part of (including the client). Projects turn out better when everyone takes collective ownership of the process.

37Signals

I've never liked the fact that in the software industry you have engineers, analysts, and programmers. I've said this on many occasions, I believe the approach to developing software should be similar to how an artist paints a picture, an author writes a book or an actor prepares for a part. It should be more about art than science. I don't write functional specifications; never have and I never will. I believe in just developing from the heart. I know that sounds cheesy but its what I believe. The best stuff comes from the heart. Companies like 37Signals are proof of this.