This book proposes that buildings adapt best when constantly refined and reshaped by their occupants. It argues that architects can mature from being artists of space to becoming artists of time. The book covers a wide range of architectural examples, from connected farmhouses in New England to I.M. Pei’s Media Lab, and discusses the evolution of various architectural styles. Brand emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in building design, criticizing modernist approaches that prioritize form over function and human needs. He also highlights the different layers of a building (site, structure, skin, services, and space plan) and how each layer has a different lifespan and requires different maintenance strategies[2][3][5].
Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia. The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership. Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family. The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives[2][3][4].
Topics Discussed
- The importance of changeability as a core characteristic of well-maintained software.
- How GitHub has approached accessibility as a business and legal imperative.
- The evolution of GitHub’s frontend system, spanning over 2,000 pages, and the concept of "frontend vintages."
- Primer: GitHub’s design system and the paradox of its success—consistency vs. changeability.
- The disproportionate maintenance costs of frontend systems compared to backend systems.
- Using tools like Axe and keyboard-only tests to identify and resolve accessibility issues.
- The philosophical balance between creativity and usability in software design.
- Practical advice for teams starting their accessibility journey with limited resources.
- How frontend complexity affects scalability, especially in app-like experiences.
- Joel’s advocacy for adopting off-the-shelf components to reduce complexity for smaller teams.
Key Takeaways
[00:01:12] What Defines Well-Maintained Software?
Joel explains how changeability—the confidence to make and deploy changes—provides the foundation for high-quality software.
[00:03:05] Accessibility as a Priority
The Microsoft acquisition drove GitHub’s investment in accessibility, introducing SLAs, automated tools, and manual processes to track progress.
[00:08:49] Primer: GitHub’s Design System
Primer fosters consistency but introduces the challenge of making changes across a vast, interconnected system.
[00:12:54] The Cost of Frontend Complexity
Joel shares how browser quirks, device diversity, and other variables make frontend maintenance far more expensive than backend systems.
[00:28:05] Where to Start with Accessibility
Joel recommends focusing on key user workflows like signing up, making payments, and completing core tasks. He emphasizes the importance of tools like Axe and keyboard-driven tests.
Notable Time-Stamps
- [00:01:12] What Makes Software Well-Maintained? Joel shares how changeability drives quality.
- [00:03:05] GitHub’s Accessibility Journey: The role of SLAs, audits, and automation.
- [00:08:49] Primer and Design Systems: Balancing consistency with innovation.
- [00:12:54] The Hidden Costs of Frontend Complexity: Lessons learned at GitHub.
- [00:20:33] Balancing Creativity with Usability: Joel reflects on the intersection of design and functionality.
- [00:28:05] Accessibility Best Practices: Where teams should focus their initial efforts.
Resources
Book Recommendation:
Guest's Links
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