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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