Know more?
Know more?

May 5, 2024
NO is also an answer!

The text "Just say no" carved in a tree.

I recently had a conversation with a customer who commented that I often ask why they want to add a certain feature. They sometimes find this annoying, but admit that it helps them make the right choices. It's a cliché among developers that the best code is the code you never have to write.

Asking for solutions

Customers today understand a lot about technology and often think about solutions instead of just explaining their problems. As a result, proposed solutions can sometimes be unnecessarily complicated, while the problem can be solved more simply. Changes are inevitable, whether due to changes in customer processes or technological developments. The more complicated the application, the more it costs to keep improving.

Keep it simple!

Sometimes, saying no is important. Not because we don't want to help the customer, but because simple solutions are often better. This can save a lot of money in the long run. In a SaaS product like TwelveBricks, when simplicity is crucial, this is extra important. Not all features are necessary for everyone. We need to ensure that our product continues to work well for the majority of users, without making it too complicated. By focusing on what our product does well and not drowning in complexity, we can deliver a better experience while saving costs. It's about making the right choices, even if that means saying no sometimes.

Why say NO?

  1. Simplicity: By rejecting unnecessary complexity, you protect the simplicity of your application. Not every customer's wish leads to the best solution.
  2. Focus: Saying no allows you to focus on what's really important. Instead of spending time building complex features, focus on improving your product's core functionality.
  3. Cost reduction: Less complexity means fewer maintenance costs and more efficient development, which ultimately saves money for both the company and the customer.
  4. Usability: Simple applications are easier for end users to understand and use. This leads to a better user experience and higher customer satisfaction.

It's hard to say no to customers, especially because we always want to help. However, in the long run, it is very important. When we keep things simple, we help customers better and build a strong, affordable product that continues to work, even when things change.

Less is more!