Small Solutions
"What is the smallest subset of the problem we can usefully solve?"- Paul Graham, founder Y-combinator
This is a question that I have asked myself many of times in my life. It eliminates the paralysis of having to do it all in one shot. It allows for the belief that by solving a smaller problem we will be flexible enough to solve the bigger problem. Let me give you an example.
While studying for my Masters I had to derive proofs of why a concept was true or false. I would always look for the initial case and then the next case and lastly extrapolate for the largest case.
For example, lets say I am trying to prove a math theorem for matrix of size n by n. I can quickly show that for the smallest matrix possible 2 by 2 it holds true. Then I can show that for 3 by 3 it holds true. I can then theoretically show that for some number k the matrix k by k the property holds. Lastly, I can conclude that as k moves towards n the property will hold true.
The same idea can be applied for developing products. Get the minimum acceptable product out the door and then slowly modify one thing about it and study the feedback from your customer. Next improve the product and release a better version.
Today's question is:
"Do you try to solve the whole problem or do you aim for the smallest subset?"
"What is the smallest subset of the problem we can usefully solve?"- Paul Graham, founder Y-combinator
This is a question that I have asked myself many of times in my life. It eliminates the paralysis of having to do it all in one shot. It allows for the belief that by solving a smaller problem we will be flexible enough to solve the bigger problem. Let me give you an example.
While studying for my Masters I had to derive proofs of why a concept was true or false. I would always look for the initial case and then the next case and lastly extrapolate for the largest case.
For example, lets say I am trying to prove a math theorem for matrix of size n by n. I can quickly show that for the smallest matrix possible 2 by 2 it holds true. Then I can show that for 3 by 3 it holds true. I can then theoretically show that for some number k the matrix k by k the property holds. Lastly, I can conclude that as k moves towards n the property will hold true.
The same idea can be applied for developing products. Get the minimum acceptable product out the door and then slowly modify one thing about it and study the feedback from your customer. Next improve the product and release a better version.
Today's question is:
"Do you try to solve the whole problem or do you aim for the smallest subset?"
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