Silas Reinagel - Extreme Software Engineering

Apr 2, 2025 - 3 minute read

The Power of the 2-Minute Rule

In today’s fast-paced world, managing our time efficiently is more crucial than ever. Amidst the myriad of productivity hacks and strategies, one simple yet transformative approach stands out: the 2-Minute Rule. This rule, part of David Allen’s renowned Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, promises to boost productivity and reduce mental clutter by encouraging us to tackle tasks that take two minutes or less immediately. But how does this straightforward principle yield such significant results, and how can we integrate it into our daily routines for maximum benefit? Let’s dive in.

Feb 3, 2025 - 11 minute read

A Checkbox Should Change the World

When was the last time clicking a checkbox made you feel like a superhero? If you’re struggling to remember, that’s exactly the problem with modern software design. In the software industry, it seems that some companies have lost their way regarding User Interface, User Experience, and Product Design. These ideas have been hijacked, and they often don’t mean what they ought to. This results in weaker products, and poor usability. Good product design makes users powerful. Great products make it easy to do big things with small, nearly effortless actions. Clicking a checkbox on or off ought to change the world. Let me explain.

Jan 16, 2025 - 5 minute read

When Should You Have Daily Standups?

Daily Standups are a very polarizing topic in the software development world. They are a popular Agile ritual, and nearly everyone has a variety of experiences with them. In general, I have expressed strong opposition to them. However, there are a few cases where they do offer compelling value. I will tell you when and why you ought to hold daily standups.

Oct 8, 2024 - 6 minute read

Sharpen the Saw

Creative work of any kind can be very consuming. It’s easy to tunnel vision and get caught up in the day-to-day execution. If you’re building things that are big enough, it’s tiring too, and when you’re done you want to rest. But there’s a very important creative tool that you MUST use to improve your creative output. You’ve got to regularly take time to Sharpen the Saw. Read on to find out what I mean.