Designing for velocity

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the importance of startup velocity, which is the speed at which a startup moves towards product-market fit. It highlights the key differences between startups that succeed and those that fail, emphasizing the role of velocity over just speed.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Startup Velocity

1. What is the difference between startup speed and startup velocity?

• Startup speed refers to how quickly a startup ships features, while startup velocity refers to how quickly a startup moves towards product-market fit. Velocity is more important than just speed, as it ensures the startup is moving in the right direction.

2. What are the two key components for building products at high-velocity?

• The two key components are:
  • Continuous learning: Consistently and proactively gathering information about customers' problems and their context to understand them better and build the right thing.
  • Continuous shipping: The ability to consistently ship solutions quickly based on the insights from continuous learning.

3. How can startups implement a continuous learning system?

• Talk to customers regularly, at least twice a week, to uncover their frustrations and needs.
• Share the insights from these customer conversations with the entire team to align them on what's important.
• Ensure everyone on the team is well-versed in customer interviewing and recruiting.

4. How can startups build a pragmatic design system to support high-velocity?

• Keep the design system simple and useful, rather than trying to emulate large companies.
• Use free, high-quality libraries and components to get started quickly.
• Focus on building the product first, and then expand the design system as needed.

[02] Startup Failure

1. Why do most startups fail?

• Most startups fail because they don't achieve product-market fit before running out of money. Product-market fit in B2B means being able to repeatedly close deals.

2. How can startups increase their chances of success?

• Focus on moving at high velocity, which means going fast and in the right direction, rather than just moving at high speed.
• Implement a continuous learning system to understand customers and their problems better.
• Build a pragmatic design system that supports fast and efficient product development.