Why GUIs Need at Least 2.5 Iterations: A Critique of Lean Software Development

This article critiques the limitations of Lean Software Development, arguing that its analogy of software development to a factory assembly line is fundamentally flawed. Software development is more akin to a design process, requiring iterative experimentation to discover what users truly want. Using GUI development as an example, the author highlights how building GUIs often involves multiple iterations before achieving a satisfactory result, vastly different from the linear flow of a factory production line. The concept of 'waste' in Lean Software Development proves difficult to apply to software, neglecting the importance of exploration and discovery. The author contends that successful software development resembles a process of discovery, not manufacturing, demanding a deep understanding of user needs and continuous improvement through iteration.