Build it! Ship it!

In feature-based development, where teams deliver complete features from start to finish, the "Build it! Ship it!" mantra can transform how teams work. This mindset focuses on shipping functional features quickly, even if they’re not perfect, and iterating based on feedback. Here’s why it’s beneficial and how to advocate for it.

Benefits of "Build it! Ship it!"

1. Faster Time-to-Market

Deliver features quickly to stay ahead of competitors and test ideas in the real world without over-engineering.

2. Immediate User Feedback

Shipping early lets you gather feedback to validate assumptions, identify pain points, and prioritize improvements.

3. Reduced Over-Engineering

Focus on solving the problem at hand, avoiding unnecessary complexity and keeping the codebase lean.

4. Increased Team Motivation

Regular releases boost morale, foster ownership, and give teams a sense of accomplishment.

5. Agility and Adaptability

Iterative shipping allows teams to pivot quickly, respond to user needs, and experiment without long development cycles.

Advocating for the Mindset

1. Frame It as Learning

Position it as a way to validate ideas and make data-driven decisions, reducing the risk of building the wrong thing.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Define what "done" means for each feature, ensuring it’s functional and usable, even if not perfect.

3. Prioritize Iteration

Treat shipping as the first step, with continuous improvement based on feedback and usage data.

4. Leverage Feature Flags

Use feature flags to control rollouts, reducing risk and enabling gradual testing.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Highlight the impact of each release with success stories, user feedback, and metrics.

6. Address Technical Debt

Balance speed with quality by allocating time for refactoring and debt management.

7. Collaborate with Stakeholders

Work with product managers to align on priorities and identify features suited for rapid delivery.

Conclusion

The "Build it! Ship it!" mindset is a powerful approach for feature-based development. It accelerates innovation, gathers feedback, and keeps teams competitive. By balancing speed with quality and fostering a culture of iteration, teams can deliver value faster and build products that truly resonate with users. It’s not just about building and shipping—it’s about building, shipping, and evolving.