Build with, not for

The only way to make good software is to build it WITH (not FOR) the people who have to use it.

When you build WITH:

• Users realize that software is changeable and that their voice matters
• Users become actual humans, with names and stories
• Humans become people that you care about and want to help
• People say the software is getting better
• Makers spend more time listening than talking
• Folks who first used the product feel like they can point to part of it they made
• Everyone experiences joy, smiles, and laughs

When you build FOR:

• Salespeople/CEO/execs dictate product shape and roadmap
• Makers are given features to build
• Users are given software to use
• Software get made and shipped, process is VERY important
• No one really cares or asks why