Overengineering: When More is Not Necessarily Better

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/over-engineering-thiago-pereira-guedes/?originalSubdomain=pt

Over-engineering is a common problem that can arise during software development. It occurs when a feature is designed with more complexity or functionality than is necessary for the user or for the business.

This can result into a number of problems, including increased development time and cost, difficulty in maintenance and updates, and a poor user experience.

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Tips to avoid over-engineering a feature and create more effective and user-friendly solution

It’s easy to fall into the trap of over-engineering small projects, especially when you have the skills and resources to do so. However, it’s important to remember that the goal of any project, big or small, is to deliver value to the user or customer in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

1. Define the problem and the user requirement: Before starting to design a feature, it is important to clearly define the problem that the feature is intended to solve and the user needs. This will help you focus on the essential functionality and avoid adding unnecessary bells and whistles. Identify the minimum viable product.
2. Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS): Simplicity is key when it comes to avoiding over-engineering. Aim to keep the feature as simple as possible while still meeting the user needs. Complexity often leads to more problems and can make the feature harder to use.
   When in doubt, favor simplicity over complexity.
3. Use proven solutions: Instead of reinventing the wheel, consider using proven solutions that have already been developed and tested. This can save time and resources and reduce the risk of introducing new problems.
4. Prioritize functionality: Focus on the core functionality of the feature and prioritize it over secondary or tertiary functionality. This will help you avoid adding unnecessary complexity and focus on what is most important for the user.
5. Use the right tool for the job: It’s tempting to use the latest and greatest tools and technologies, but it’s important to choose tools and technologies that are appropriate for the size and scope of the project.
6. Avoid premature optimization: It’s important to optimize a feature for performance, but it’s also important not to over-optimize before it’s necessary. Premature optimization can lead to over-engineering and can be a waste of time and resources if the feature doesn’t actually need the optimization.
7. Cost Consideration: Over-engineering a feature can increase the development time and cost significantly. Consider the cost-benefit of adding additional functionality or complexity and weigh it against the potential benefits.
8. Implement Modular Design: Break down the feature into smaller, independent components that can be developed and tested separately. This can make the development process more efficient and reduce the risk of introducing unnecessary complexity.
9. Test with Stakeholders / User: Involving Stakeholders / users / Colleagues early in the development process can help you identify unnecessary complexity and ensure that the feature meets their needs.

What should Technical Lead, Architect follow to avoid over-engineering?

1. 80/20 rule: The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In other words, a small amount of functionality often has a big impact. This can help you prioritize the most important functionality and avoid adding unnecessary complexity.
2. Embrace minimalism: Minimalism is a design philosophy that advocates for simplicity and the removal of unnecessary elements. Embracing minimalism can help you focus on the essentials and avoid over-engineering.
3. Learn to say “No”: It can be tempting to add more and more functionality to a feature, but sometimes it’s important to say “No” and focus on what’s really necessary. Learning to say “no” can help you avoid over-engineering and focus on the most important aspects of the feature.
4. Seek balance: Striving for perfection can lead to over-engineering, but so can cutting corners. It’s important to find a balance and ensure that the feature is functional and efficient without adding unnecessary complexity.
5. Continuously reassess: As you work on a feature, it’s important to continually reassess and ensure that it’s not becoming overly complex. Regularly reviewing the design and functionality can help you identify and remove unnecessary elements and keep the feature focused on meeting the user needs.

Conclusion: It’s important to strike a balance between delivering value and avoiding unnecessary complexity. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your small projects are successful and cost-effective.

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