In the digital age, speed is often valued over stability, leading to a ‘move fast and break things’ mentality. This ethos, famously championed by Facebook, encourages rapid innovation at the expense of potential mishaps. Yet, a counter-trend is emerging, advocating for a ‘move slowly and don’t break things’ approach. This philosophy recognises the importance of stability, reliability, and longevity in digital systems.
The internet’s infrastructure, for example, is built on ‘boring’ technologies that prioritise robustness and durability over speed and novelty. These systems, such as COBOL and Fortran, may be antiquated, but they remain the backbone of crucial sectors like finance and healthcare.
The ‘slow’ approach also supports the idea of ‘maintenance engineering’ – prioritising the care and upkeep of existing systems over the creation of new ones. This is critical in a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, where system failures can have catastrophic consequences.
The ‘move slow’ philosophy also aligns with sustainability goals. It promotes long-lasting, durable products over disposable ones, reducing waste and environmental impact. Furthermore, it encourages thoughtful design, reducing the likelihood of unintended consequences and fostering a more responsible approach to innovation.
In essence, the ‘move slowly and don’t break things’ approach champions stability, longevity, and responsibility in technology and design, offering a counterpoint to the breakneck speed of digital innovation.
Go to source article: https://medium.com/future-crunch/move-slowly-and-dont-break-things-693f00601b19