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Hammock Driven Development
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Hard problems need time lying in a hammock, not more time at the keyboard.
What It Means
Rich Hickey's idea: real problem-solving happens away from the screen. You load the problem into your head, then let your background mind work on it while you rest, walk, or sleep.
Why It Matters
- The hard part of product design is picking the right problem and the right model — typing is the easy bit.
- Rushing to code locks in half-formed thinking.
- Your subconscious finds connections that focused attention misses.
How to Apply
- Before building, write the problem down in detail.
- Step away. Walk, sleep, shower. Let it marinate.
- Come back and write again. Iterate before you build.
- Protect thinking time on your calendar as fiercely as meetings.
The Trap
Confusing hammock time with procrastination. The discipline is in loading the problem first, then stepping back.
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