Applying the thing wrong

In this section, we will consider two anti-patterns where we get unsatisfactory solutions based on a failure of the assumptions we bring to the table. These assumptions can be either about user needs or the capabilities of our technology—both can lead to trouble.

Assumption-driven customization

Letting the assumptions of a small, unrepresentative group stand in for the needs of the wider user base

Example

Helene is the product owner for a new initiative to roll out Health Cloud within LifeCo, a major provider of medical devices for monitoring certain chronic diseases. In addition to the Health Cloud rollout, LifeCo is also developing a custom care application that will be used by healthcare professionals (HCPs), principally nurses, working in clinics associated with LifeCo’s care programs.

Helene was a nurse for several years before entering the IT field after working as a subject-matter expert (SME) on a few major IT products...