Build · Pillar
Build a real project before you feel ready
A real first project solves a specific problem for a specific person, fits into one or two weeks, and produces something you can demonstrate and explain.
Scope around evidence
Do not ask whether the idea sounds impressive. Ask what evidence would show that it works. That evidence becomes the center of the project and keeps the scope honest.
- One user or audience
- One primary job to be done
- One success signal
- One deadline
Ship the smallest complete loop
A complete loop accepts an input, does useful work, and produces an understandable output. It can be rough. It cannot depend on an imagined future feature to demonstrate its value.
Document decisions
Record why you chose the problem, what tradeoffs you made, how you tested it, and what remains uncertain. Good judgment is often more valuable to a future collaborator than polished screenshots.