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Learning From the Duct Tape Designer

Jorge Sanchez, Sr. Director, Product Strategy, Appian
May 28, 2015

There is something to be learned from the "Duct Tape Designer."

I use this term with the utmost respect.

The Duct Tape Designer hits the ground running. While other teams are still deciding whether their app will rely on OAuth 2.0 or openId for identity management, the Duct Tape Designer has already released the first prototype. When other teams are thinking about the color scheme or font styles to use, the Duct Tape Designer is already getting feedback from test users on how to improve the second release.

Over-engineering is a real issue. Paralysis by analysis is particularly bad, and it's why agile methodologies (like scrum, for example) which focus on delivering value to the business are so successful. Though it's tempting to take the time to find the best possible way to design something, in the end, we're here to ship products and solutions.

These MacGyver-style designers focus on shipping the solution. They are not afraid to cut features to meet a deadline. However, that's not always a great idea. Some features may be passive, but critical. The good thing? By choosing the right platform one that helps you focus on the solution you're trying to build, while handling the rest the Duct Tape Designer will feel right at home.

At Appian, we work to empower designers and businesses that want their solutions to work on schedule, remain up-to-date, and be secure. All designers can focus on the specific way they want their applications to work, and rely on The Appian Platform to handle authentication, security, integration, user experience, and browser and mobile device support, among other things. Let Appian worry about those distractions that often delay shipping features, so you can focus on what really brings value to your users and to your organization .

What will you build today?

Jorge Sanchez, Director, Product