3 ms·

Iteration is slow and expensive. With web software you can iterate (change - release - get user feedback) daily. Hardware takes weeks or months to iterate. You

• mmanulis 12y ago
  Good point about iteration. Outside of using a 3D printer have you found any tools that increase iteration speed, even if that increases cost? I understand you can have a PCB fab house build a 4-layer board and have it to you in a couple of days for a large price, but I'm wondering if there are other alternatives.
  • tlb 12y ago
    GetScale and Upverter are both working to make the PCB iteration process faster and cheaper. Sourcing components turned out to be a big source of delay for us at Anybots. It was hard to communicate with vendors, and some parts had 8-week lead times. It's important to have a process for iteration. For example, trying a new component requires: - calling vendors - getting samples - doing mechanical integration - doing software integration - testing Each of these steps required our engineers to focus on the issue for a while. Without someone managing the timeline, projects could easily stall.
    • mmanulis 12y ago
      Those are really great resources, thank you for sharing them. One more question, did you build a multi-disciplinary team or did you teach yourself mechanical, electrical and software engineer?
      • tlb 12y ago
        My background is mostly software, but I taught myself enough electronics and mechanical engineering to be dangerous.