This is a typical case I am struggling with during my whole career in software. It is very hard to fight against because it is counter-intuitive.
Saying that "let's put aside all those designs and let's do a minimalistic version to satisfy current needs and then we move from there" is always less attractive than "let's do a great architecture which can support our 'exponential growth'".
In my experience following categories of people tend to fall into the trap easily (and it is really hard to convince them):
- Corporate people.
- Business school people.
The following can amplify it:
- Fund raising... you were successful in raising money so that means there is a market and people love your product ... well guess what? you are wrong.
If you are in such a situation, debating is not useful. Changing this mindset is only possible when you hit the wall at least once in your life.
BUT ... you can accelerate the process of realizing it (before it is too late). Try to find a way to make people realize that all those bells and whistles and designs were not necessary cause nobody actually asked for and we are changing it anyway now.
In my experience following categories of people tend to fall into the trap easily (and it is really hard to convince them):
- Corporate people.
- Business school people.
The following can amplify it:
- Fund raising... you were successful in raising money so that means there is a market and people love your product ... well guess what? you are wrong.
If you are in such a situation, debating is not useful. Changing this mindset is only possible when you hit the wall at least once in your life. BUT ... you can accelerate the process of realizing it (before it is too late). Try to find a way to make people realize that all those bells and whistles and designs were not necessary cause nobody actually asked for and we are changing it anyway now.