My metaphor for tech dept is the following: Every time some feature is added, it's like putting some weights into the backpack of >>every<< developer that will

My metaphor for tech dept is the following: Every time some feature is added, it's like putting some weights into the backpack of >>every<< developer that will interact with that part of the system in future. Some actions add more, others less, but you have to be careful. Too much weights will slow down the team/company to a point where no meaningful work can be done anymore. To reach a goal you have to add tech debt, but some feature add way more than others. Ideally tech debt is accumulated in isolated areas that do not interfere with other parts of the system.