Small teams have shown a superior ability to innovate and disrupt established technologies compared to larger teams, which typically focus on refining existing products. Researchers have found that small groups are quicker and more efficient in aligning their goals and navigating challenges. Startups exemplify this dynamic, as the collaboration of specialists allows for fast-paced advancement. However, as team size increases, the complexities of alignment and communication can hinder progress significantly. Design plays a crucial role in maintaining alignment within smaller teams, ensuring that everyone is focused on solving unique problems efficiently.
Small teams have disrupted science and technology by exploring and amplifying promising ideas from older and less popular work. Large teams have developed recent successes, solving acknowledged problems and refining common designs.
Part of the reason I love working with startups is that I get to tackle new problems for which there's no frame of reference. This is where design creates the most value.
The larger the team, the slower it moves. Alignment is a collection of agreements on what everyone should do, how, and when.
It's much easier to align a small group of people. And design is uniquely positioned to create that alignment.
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