What the Soviet Space Program Taught Me About Digital Product Development - Dean Schuster

Key Takeaways

• The Soviet Space Program was known for its emphasis on speed and achievement, often prioritizing speed over quality.
• The program was driven by Korolev, who was obsessed with winning the space race and achieving milestones quickly.
• The Soviet Union’s approach to space development was often criticized for its lack of focus on quality and attention to detail.
• The American space program, on the other hand, prioritized quality and attention to detail, and was more skeptical of rushing into new projects.
• Speed can sometimes lead to reckless decisions and a focus on quantity over quality.
• The opposite of speed is not slow, but rather pace and cadence.
• Organizations and individuals can learn from the Soviet Space Program’s approach to speed and achievement.
• The importance of prioritizing quality and attention to detail in digital product development.
• It’s okay to say no to a project or idea if it’s not ready or if it’s not feasible.
• Developing products that are exaggerated or not totally true can be problematic.