Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Before embarking on a new database, or any new system, learn what it is we want and need.

“Let’s create a database to track this,” said an eager and well-meaning person.

“But,” interjected another well-meaning person, “do we know what we need or want or anything?”

My livelihood has been technology. Of course I will look to a technology to solve a problem. I, however, urge the use of time. Hence, I propose

The Longer than Necessary Law

Before building a database or other system “to help us keep track of things,” use a pencil and a clipboard to keep track of such things for a period of time that seems longer than necessary.

That period of time may be three months, six months, or even a year. Long pause (I have heard such many times). Really folks. If we don’t work at this for a long while, we won’t really understand what we need.

Who knows, maybe we can save a lot of precious resources by moving slowly.