Getting Real

194 pages, 2006

Getting Real is a book by 37signals, detailing the business, design, programming, and marketing principles behind the launch of five successful web-based applications (Basecamp and Campfire) in just two years with no outside funding, no debt, and only 7 people (distributed across 7 time zones). Over 500,000 people around the world use these applications to get things done.

The book is packed with keep-it-simple insights, contrarian points of view, and unconventional approaches to software design. This is not a technical book or a design tutorial; it's a book of ideas. Anyone working on a web app--including entrepreneurs, designers, programmers or marketers--will find value and inspiration in this book.

Embrace Constraints

In Getting Real, David Heinemeier Hansson encourages us to see limitations not as obstacles, but as opportunities for creativity and innovation. Instead of getting bogged down by what you can't do, focus on what you can do with what you have.

Less is More

Hansson emphasizes the importance of simplicity in product development. He suggests that by stripping away the non-essentials, you can create a product that's not only easier to use, but also easier to maintain and improve.

Iterate and Improve

Getting Real is all about continuous improvement. Hansson advises us to launch early, then iterate and improve based on real-world feedback. This way, you're not just guessing what your users want, you're actually responding to their needs.

Focus on Today

Hansson encourages us to focus on the present rather than getting lost in future plans. By concentrating on the tasks at hand, we can make the most of our time and energy, and create a product that's truly valuable to our users right now.

Embrace Change

In Getting Real, change isn't something to be feared, but something to be embraced. Hansson shows us that by being flexible and adaptable, we can turn change into an opportunity for growth and improvement.

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