As I read Wired Magazine’s interview with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson of 37signals, as well as their response, I was struck by a line written by Wired writer Andrew Park:
“Complexity is a necessary byproduct of the modern age.” Wow, that’s completely wrong.
This idea comes from the erroneous notion that the tools of technology are complicated, and using them effectively even more so.
Plastic “In” and “Out” boxes gave way to file cabinets, then microfilm, then automation, databases and eventually, the bane of human existence, enterprise software! Business is big, fast and important; only complicated, intricate software can possibly aid the business world.
Wrong. All we’re talking about here is people. People talking to people. That’s it. Those people use tools, and there’s nothing they can’t do, from negotiating a billion-dollar deal to designing a better mouse trap, with the simplest tools of all – a piece of paper and a pen.
A blank sheet of paper is pure potential; Nothing is more flexible. David and Jason understand this, and that’s why their products – especially Backpack, Basecamp and Writeboards – look like a fresh sheet of paper. Write something down, move it around, cross things off, invite others to add their own scribblings. Any of their products are just as effective as software that costs thousands of dollars per installation. More so, even, because people will actually want to use them.
I’m not IBM or Coca-Cola, but I manage my entire life as a father, IT director, independent tech consultant, technology writer and husband in Backpack. Soup to nuts. I’ve tried a slew of other products and none of them did what I want more successfully than Backpack.
The word “technology” simply refers to machinery and equipment developed for a specific purpose. Some tools of technology are complicated, like atom smashers and the space shuttle. Most aren’t, like hammers and potato peelers. Somehow, “technology” became synonymous with “computer”, and computers are highly complex and mystical machines that only the most intelligent among us can operate, right? Wrong.
The tools we use to communicate and manage our lives aren’t restricted to an elite coven of über-nerds or business people.
Or, at least, they shouldn’t be.
Dave — great post, one typo, though:
> I’m not IBM or Coca-Cola, by I manage my
I think you mean “but” instead of “buy”.
Figures I misspelled your typo. Recursive irony for the loss.
Nicely said, Dave.
Cam: Thanks. Somehow, I feel a little better about my own typo now.
Brett: Thanks! Glad you liked it.
I love it, Dave. I couldn’t agree more with your point. I think it’s important to make even more sure to highlight the less complex systems and tools to avoid going nuts.
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