Current version
Build First
How small teams ship great products.
Dan McCarey · Version 1.0 · November, 2026
The first published release. Working software is the source of truth, and the rhythm is Build, Show, Refine.
Start with Why Build First?Opening
Start here
Part I
The problem with how we build today
- The Myth of ProcessRead
- Standups, Ceremonies, Tickets — and the Illusion of ProgressRead
- Why Process-Heavy Workflows Break Small TeamsRead
- The Cost of Design-FirstRead
- Fragmentation: Designers design, engineers build, nobody validatesRead
- Decision Latency and Slow Feedback LoopsRead
- Code Is Fast, Cheap, and ReversibleRead
- Prototypes in Hours, Not MonthsRead
- Why “Big Plans” Lose to Rapid Building and RefinementRead
Part II
The Build First philosophy
Part III
The workflow
Part IV
Team dynamics and roles