REWORK

The F*#k No Feature

Nov 1, 2023

Discover the 'Fuck No' feature in HEY, an unconventional email management tool. Learn about the decline of Easter eggs in software and the benefits of adding a touch of humor to work. Explore the rapid implementation of the feature and the importance of not overthinking product decisions. Find out how a small team added the feature quickly and efficiently. Uncover the significance of incorporating fun and quick changes into the workplace.

17:27

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Quick takeaways

The 'Fuck No' feature in HEY offers unapologetic email management with an edgy twist, showcasing the benefits of not overthinking and implementing small, low-risk changes quickly.

Resurrecting Easter eggs in software brings moments of delight and amusement, highlighting the significance of embracing risks and injecting personality into business software.

Deep dives

The Fuck No Feature: Bringing Levity to Email

The podcast episode discusses the introduction of a new feature called the Fuck No feature into the email product of the 37 signals team. The feature is an extension of their existing screener feature, where users can choose to accept or reject emails from specific senders. The Fuck No feature allows users to express a more emphatic rejection by changing the thumbs-down icon to a middle finger flipping the bird. The feature was quickly developed by a small team within a few hours and reflects the fun and lighthearted approach the company takes towards their software. It also pays homage to the tradition of Easter eggs in software, where hidden surprises or features were included for users to discover. The team received mostly positive feedback on the feature, which added an element of humor and enjoyment to their otherwise serious business software.

Testing Organizational Capacity for Quick Small Changes

01:29

Introduction

3min

The Development of a Negative Sentiment Indicator and the Decline of Easter Eggs in Software

5min

Balancing Risk and Offense in Product Decisions

5min

Adding a Feature Quickly with a Small Team

2min

Incorporating Fun and Quick Changes into the Workplace

4min

Have you ever wanted to bid farewell to bothersome emails without the hassle of unsubscribing or composing polite "please stop emailing me" requests?

Today 37signals' co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, join host Kimberly Rhodes to walk listeners through HEY's newest addition that allows users to express their email frustrations unconventionally. Introducing the 'Fuck No' feature for those instances when a simple "no" just won't suffice.

Listen in as Jason and David delve into the concept of Easter eggs—those hidden surprises that infuse a touch of edgy enjoyment into software. Then discover how this feature has emerged as a compelling reason for both newcomers and returning users to explore HEY as their email solution.

If you've ever wanted a playful solution to solve an age-old email dilemma, tune in!

Check out the full video episode on YouTube

Key Takeaways:

The 'Fuck No' feature in HEY: offering unapologetic email management with an edgy twist.
In a world filled with seriousness, the 'Fuck No' feature serves as a reminder that software and work, in general, should be more lighthearted.
The rapid implementation of the 'Fuck No' feature showcases the benefits of not overthinking things in order to allow your organization to implement small, low-risk changes quickly and efficiently.
Resurrecting Easter eggs: rediscovering the hidden surprises in software that have all but disappeared in today’s tech world.
Unprofessional? NOPE—how adding a playful edge can enhance the user experience and add a layer of levity that resonates with many (MOST) users.
How the 'Fuck No' option is unleashing catharsis on annoying emails while enhancing the HEY user experience, and embodying 37signals dedication to empowering customers.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X [formerly known as Twitter).

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.

Links and Resources:

A Cathartic New Feature in HEY—@jasonfried

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

@37signals on X

37signals on LinkedIn