Dare to Be Basic - REWORK

This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, examine why it's advantageous to keep things simple - in both products and business. They challenge the idea that complex or bespoke tools are the best way to go and lean into not overcomplicating things.
Key Takeaways
00:34 - The power of keeping things simple
10:55 - Why small businesses don't need to act like big businesses
12:04 - The beauty of embracing what you don’t know when starting something new
18:01 - Building products with depth versus surface area
23:09 - Knowing when to listen to customers for product input and ideas
Links and Resources
Merchants of Complexity Post by David Heinemeier Hansson - world.hey.com/...
Shape Up - basecamp.com/b...
Books by 37signals - 37signals.com/...
Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com
Once. com - once.com/
Campfire - once.com/campfire
HEY - www.hey.com/
The REWORK podcast - 37signals.com/...
Let's be social!
Twitter/X: x.com/37signals
Instagram: / 37signalshq
Newsletter: www.basecamp.c...
Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on UA-cam and X.
If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

[@dominuskelvin]

Most things can be quite simple, but the merchants of complexity revel in creating artificial complications.

[@PankajDoharey]

Love it, its gold.

[@37signals]

Thanks for watching! -Kimberly

[@gabyzzivi]

I agree, basic is better, and even better with the experience applied.

[@BAP86]

Love this. Thanks Jason and David

[@37signals]

Thanks for watching! -Kimberly

[@BAP86]

@@37signalsAnd thanks Kimberly for choosing these topics / hosting this! I am a product designer so these podcasts have energized my work!

[@37signals]

Love that! Let me know if you ever have podcast topic ideas you'd like to have Jason and David dive into. We're always open to suggestions. -Kimberly

[@sonicnurse]

Thanks again, always a pleasure! I would love to buy a Hey t-shirt, is that a thing?

[@37signals]

It is a thing! www.hey.com/shirt/ -Kimberly

[@sonicnurse]

@@37signals thank you!

[@glaucocustodio7070]

spot on 🎯

[@37signals]

Thanks for watching! -Kimberly

[@awvalenti]

Basic stuff is usually seen as "something we used to worry about, but not anymore". Basic stuff doesn't usually raise funds or make good advertisement. But it's called basic for a reason, it's the basis for other things. Solid bases sustain sophisticated stuff longer and better!

[@37signals]

Nicely said! Thanks for watching. -Kimberly