Embracing Good Enough: The Path to True Software Validation
You’ll Never Know Until You Let Them Try It
The bar for new software is set remarkably high.
Innovation is not just celebrated but expected, and users are quick to judge and compare. And there’s often a perception that products looking anything less than Apple-levels of polish and smoothness are not going to succeed.
This pressure can be daunting for developers and entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.
However, this should not be a deterrent. The pursuit of perfection can often lead to paralysis, where fear of falling short prevents progress altogether.
The key is not to let the high standards intimidate you out of action.
Instead, embrace the concept of Good Enough. This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity; it means focusing on the core value your software promises to deliver.
Narrow down the scope of what you’re building. What is the primary problem it solves? How does it improve the user’s life or workflow? Identify these elements and polish them until they shine.
Once you’ve honed in on the essential features, make them Good Enough—functional, reliable, and user-friendly—and ship your product. The real test of your software’s value comes from the users themselves. Their engagement, feedback, and satisfaction are the truest forms of validation.
Software development is an iterative process. Your first release is just the beginning. With each user interaction, you’ll gain insights that will guide your enhancements and innovations. So, build with courage, ship with pride, and let the market validate your efforts.
Don’t wait for perfection. Ship your Good Enough product and let it evolve.
After all, the greatest of today’s software giants were once humble startups with nothing but a Good Enough version of their now-famous products.