Hammock Driven Development - Rich Hickey

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of deep, uninterrupted thinking in problem-solving, particularly in software development. They advocate for allocating time to truly understand and analyze problems before seeking solutions, and stress the value of a methodical approach that includes writing down ideas, considering multiple solutions, and being open to change. The speaker also highlights the role of sleep and relaxation in fostering creativity and the ability to make strategic decisions, ultimately leading to better problem-solving outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The importance of dedicating time to deep, uninterrupted thinking on a problem is emphasized, as it can lead to valuable insights and solutions.
• 🛠️ Software development should focus on solving problems rather than just building features, as features are attributes and not the purpose.
• 🔍 Understanding the problem is crucial; it involves identifying the problem, assessing proposed solutions, and recognizing the difference between features and actual problem-solving.
• 📚 The speaker recommends George Polya's book 'How to Solve It' for learning problem-solving techniques, although it's math-focused, the principles are applicable to software development.
• 🔎 Researching existing solutions to similar problems can provide a solid foundation and accelerate the learning process in software development.
• ✍️ Writing down ideas, requirements, and potential solutions is important for clarity and to aid the problem-solving process.
• 🧠 The speaker discusses the dual nature of the mind, with the waking mind being analytical and the background mind being strategic and good at synthesizing information.
• 💤 Sleep plays a significant role in processing information and sorting out ideas, which is beneficial for problem-solving.
• 📈 The speaker suggests working on multiple projects to avoid getting stuck on one and to allow the brain to process different problems simultaneously.
• 🔄 Being open to changing your mind and adapting solutions when new facts or requirements arise is part of the iterative nature of problem-solving.
• 🚫 The speaker encourages not being afraid of being wrong, as it's a natural part of the learning and problem-solving process.

Q & A

What is the speaker emphasizing about the importance of thinking deeply about a problem?

The speaker emphasizes that deep, uninterrupted thinking about a problem is crucial for solving it effectively. They mention the value of dedicating time to contemplate a problem for an extended period without distractions, which can lead to better solutions and insights.

Why does the speaker consider the ability to think about something for an entire hour or a whole day valuable?

The speaker considers this ability valuable because it allows for focused, deep thinking, which is less common in today's fast-paced world. This kind of focused thinking can lead to breakthroughs and a better understanding of complex problems.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of analysis and design in software development?

The speaker believes that analysis and design are essential steps in software development that are often overlooked. They argue that these steps help in identifying the problem and assessing the proposed solution, which is more important than just building features.

How does the speaker address the issue of misconceptions in software development?

The speaker points out that misconceptions often arise from not having a clear understanding of the problem before starting the development process. They suggest that problems of misconception are not typically addressed by testing or other defect-correction methods, and instead, require a better initial understanding of the problem.

What is the speaker's advice for gaining confidence in tackling something new?

The speaker advises that to gain confidence in doing something new, one should understand the problem, assess the proposed solution, and be willing to learn from others' experiences. They also emphasize the importance of practice and learning from mistakes.

What is the significance of the book 'How to Solve It' by Polya in the context of the speaker's talk?

The speaker mentions 'How to Solve It' as a valuable resource for learning and practicing problem-solving skills. They suggest that the techniques and insights from the book can be applied to software development, despite its mathematical focus.

Why does the speaker suggest taking a break from the computer to focus on a problem?

The speaker suggests that taking a break from the computer helps to avoid distractions and allows for a more focused, strategic thinking process. This break can be spent in a hammock or in a quiet place, which can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making.

What is the speaker's view on the role of sleep in problem-solving?

The speaker believes that sleep plays a crucial role in processing information and reinforcing memory. They suggest that the subconscious mind continues to work on problems during sleep, often leading to solutions or insights upon waking.

How does the speaker recommend dealing with the limitations of working memory?

The speaker recommends writing down all aspects of the problem, which allows one to 'juggle' different parts of the problem in their mind. This process helps in managing the limitations of working memory and enables a more comprehensive understanding of the problem.

What is the speaker's approach to handling multiple projects simultaneously?

The speaker suggests working on multiple projects at once, switching between them when stuck or when the 'loading time' for a problem is complete. This approach helps in keeping the mind stimulated and can lead to breakthroughs in different areas.

How does the speaker address the possibility of being wrong in the problem-solving process?

The speaker encourages embracing the possibility of being wrong as a natural part of the problem-solving process. They emphasize the importance of being open to new ideas, adapting to changing facts, and not being afraid to change one's mind when necessary.