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.
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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.
The Importance of Small, Quick Changes
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the significance of being able to implement small, quick changes in software development. The example of the Fuck No feature highlights the capacity of the 37 signals team to swiftly introduce a fun and low-risk addition to their product. The ability to bypass lengthy QA processes and organizational red tape allowed them to maintain an agile and responsive approach. This flexibility enables the team to experiment, test ideas, and bring moments of delight and amusement to their users. By questioning and challenging existing processes, organizations can ensure their ability to adapt and incorporate small, meaningful changes into their products.
Handling Pushback and Embracing Risks
The podcast episode also touches upon the importance of handling pushback and embracing risks when introducing unconventional features. While the Fuck No feature received mostly positive feedback, there were a few criticisms on social media claiming unprofessionalism. However, the hosts of the podcast emphasized that it was crucial not to let the fear of pushback hinder the implementation of innovative or amusing features. They highlighted the significance of stepping slightly beyond boundaries to spark creativity and inject personality into software. This approach fosters a sense of fun and lightness in the otherwise serious world of business software. Moreover, they stressed the importance of not allowing a vocal minority to deter organizations from taking risks and adding unique features that can bring joy and excitement to their users.
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!
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.
