Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, join host Kimberly Rhodes to answer live questions. They discuss the recent launch of the HEY Calendar, updates on the release of Campfire, the evolution of the Shape Up methodology, and their thoughts on the future of AI in technology.
The HEY Calendar launch and the updates on the ONCE line of products demonstrate the company's commitment to offering fixed-price software products.
Campfire, as a simplified and affordable group chat tool, prioritizes privacy and customization, providing an alternative to high-priced options like Slack.
The Shape Up methodology enables effective decision-making and work management across different project sizes, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptation.
Deep dives
The Launch of Hey Calendar and Once Family
Jason discusses the delayed launch of the Hey calendar and the upcoming release of the first product from the Once family. He admits that making public promises can be problematic and gives examples of specific situations. He also mentions that they have released early versions to some customers and will soon launch to a wider beta group.
Choosing Campfire as the Starting Point for Once
David explains the decision to start with Campfire as the first product in the Once family. He emphasizes the need to offer a lower-cost alternative to widely adopted tools like Slack, which are currently priced like luxury items. David also highlights the privacy and control of data as attractive features of Campfire, along with the ability to customize and have separate discussions.
Shape Up Methodology for Product Development
Jason and David discuss the application of the Shape Up methodology in their product development process. They explain how Shape Up helps in delegating decision-making and managing work in different project sizes. They also emphasize the importance of flexibility within the process and the need to adapt it to the scale and context of the team or organization.
Product Pricing and Updates
The podcast episode discusses the pricing and updates policy of the company's products. The host explains that they typically do not increase prices for existing customers but recently implemented a 20% price increase due to increased costs. They also mention providing 90 days notice to existing customers. The focus is on maintaining a fair and sustainable business while acknowledging the evolving cost structure and the importance of passing on some of those costs.
AI and Generative AI
The podcast touches on the topic of AI and generative AI. The hosts express their excitement about AI technology but also highlight the challenges of early adoption. They mention being cautious and waiting for the landscape to settle before fully diving into AI development. They discuss some internal experiments with AI, such as email summarization, but highlight the need for AI to go beyond just improving existing writing. They also express uncertainty about the future of AI and its potential impact on various industries.
In this special YouTube live episode, co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, join host Kimberly Rhodes to field live questions from listeners.
Listen in as Jason and David answer questions about topics such as the recent launch of the HEY Calendar. They also share updates on the release of Campfire, the first ONCE product, with behind-the-scenes details about this simplified and affordable chat tool.
Plus, tune in for insights into the evolution of the Shape Up methodology, learning from customer feedback post-launch, and the Founders' thoughts on the exciting but uncertain future of AI in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Updates on the ONCE line of products from 37signals and the economics and philosophy behind fixed-price software products.
Campfire's role as a simplified, affordable, and privacy-focused group chat tool.
The importance of engaging with customer feedback after product launches.
An overview of the evolution of the Shape Up methodology, its application in new product development, and adaptations for different team sizes.
AI—excitement, caution, and its potential impact on the technology landscape.
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.
If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, simply email us, leave a voicemail, or text us at 708-628-7850. Your question might just get featured in a future episode!
