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Incrementalism
By Brick | May 26, 2008
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The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
- Lao Tzu
Here’s my definition of incrementalism: One step at a time. One problem at a time. Working and producing in small batches. Here’s another definition and some examples (from Wikipedia):
Incrementalism is a method of working by adding to a project using many small (often unplanned) changes instead of a few (extensively planned) large jumps. Wikipedia, for example, illustrates the concept by building an encyclopedia bit by bit, continually adding to it. In a similar vein, it is said that Virgil wrote the Aeneid in an incremental process, averaging one line per day.
To me, incrementalism is the opposite of gold plating: adding an excessive amount of features or attributes to a given endeavor because they are possible, or cool. In a direct way, incrementalism is the negation of my post on perfection and why it’s a productivity killer.
One thing that has always amazed me about software development is that once you have a small core set of functionality, you can incrementally add new features here and there over time. Before you know it you have an amazing feature set and the software often starts to take on a life of its own.
Same goes for blogs: You put in some time setting it up, writing some pillar content to get it going, try to market it, etc. After a while, you are mostly just adding a post here and there. Before you know it, it takes on a life of its own and you have a huge amount of material, and hopefully readers!
Here’s an example I have often reflected on: I notice that Google often releases very simple software, or at least software that could easily have many more features than it initially has. But instead of releasing a gazzillion features all at once, they get the simple stuff right and add to it over time, with equally small upgrades. Sometimes the pace is almost frustrating, but the software is always good.
So what fundamental assumption are we questioning here? How about these:
- Go big or go home.
- If you are going to do something, go big.
- Start with a splash.
- It’s all or nothing.
- You have to have "critical mass".
How about this instead: you can start very simple, and incrementally build on it. Time is on your side, have patience. I would say, wanting everything up front in and of itself is enough to dissuade you from starting anything. Something is better than nothing!
Photo Credit: Shyald
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Topics: Incrementalism |
May 26th, 2008 at 11:59 am
What a fun and timely post!
As much as I love to plan the big picture, I make better progress and avoid overwhelm when working the small increments that lead to the larger goal.
A great book on incrementalism is One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer. One of his clients gave up sugar in her tea one grain at a time
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Reminds me of “if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing poorly at first.”
In my experience, most things are better done utilizing incrementalism, except those that require leaping, like going to college, or quitting a job, or getting married.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:32 am
In an earlier life I used to give my employees the “small victories” speech, that is, to move their careers forward with little successful nuggets of work and accomplishment.
The one who listened… did just that.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Brick,
I really enjoyed this post, it would be wonderful to approach my life with the calmness you suggest.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:58 am
You may like my post on kaizen:
http://beplayful.org/change-your-life-with-kaizen/