Goldilocks Principle

So many development decisions are about tradeoffs. A good starter question - or sanity check for any proposal - is: “What might be a Goldilocks option?” An approach that balances the current tradeoffs.

Perspectives like What vs How and Essential, Incidental & Noise can help identify the relevant tensions. If you don’t know what “too hot” or “too cold” means in the current context, you can’t guess at “just right.”

When is the porridge just right?

Hard to know for certain, but some guidelines:

1. Do we know what our next steps are? If so, we can probably proceed.
2. If not, try one of the Activities, apply a Principle, or follow a Recipe to find a viable balance.
3. If you’re anxious, confused, or especially uncertain, follow the guidance in step 2.
4. If something’s nagging your brain, same thing.

The Goldilocks Principle isn’t insightful. It’s obvious.

But it’s easy to forget while embroiled in designs and debates. Asking “What’s the Goldilocks option?” is a good and simple reminder.