I struggle with some changes I want to do in our storyline tool, the tool behind our market intelligence, which allows us to gather and process information. The issue is not technical, it lies with the difference between an unformulated idea and a clear one.
What just struck me is the similarity between this and a profound conviction of mine: the power of putting words. This is one of the reasons while I do journaling in times of trouble. When struggling with a situation, an idea, whatever, writing my thoughts down proves helpful over and over again. The reason is that there is a fundamental difference between a feel, a sensation in my head and written words. Putting words forces a clarification process and helps getting a better understanding of what goes on. When I "don't feel good" about a situation, I can not write that down. Explaining the reasons behind such a state of mind transforms a fuzzy cloud in my head into real, tangible words explaining it. And this help. It relieves my but also helps gaining clarity.
The relationship between this and my coding issue just struck me. I know what I want the tool to look like, what function it should offer. This is precise but the exact form, which buttons, which text inputs, which display, is still very fuzzy. I thought, I hoped it was clear but it is not. And this materialises very obviously when it comes to writing source code. There is no component for "concepts" or "fuzzy designs".
How to move on? Usually code flows from ideas, when the concepts are clear enough. But when not, it is then time for some prototyping, experimenting, and for more thinking. What also helps, if available, is to explain the goal to somebody else, because... putting words forces clarity!
This parallel between coding and getting a better understanding of my overall thought process is so clear now, after... putting words on them.
How do you proceed when you realise that one of your ideas lacks details or when your worries are too fuzzy to get over?
Developer Advocate | DevAssure
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