SIMPLICITY ~ Dan Benjamin

Starts off with Einstein quote, then brings up the Giants-Patriots Super Bowl and makes an analogy calling the Patriots the Java programming language. Goddamn.

Dan thinks Rails is here to stay.

Orlando (#16) and Tampa (#17) in technology job rankings by city.

What happens in a recession? Even better for Rails developers because the Java and .NET developers at large companies are more at risk. Also, companies looking for ways to cut costs and increase return.

Rails websites:
  - 2004: Basecamp
  - 2008: Twitter, Blinksale, Lighthouse, Harvest, Farecast, PlanHQ

All these sites are as simple as possible, but no simpler.

Rails hosting companies have hundreds of customers and growing

Not just the job of the designer for creating a great user experience.

“Remove the Wires” ~ an Apple philosophy

Simple Strategy:
  - Simple Ideas
  - Simple Implementation
  - Simple Design

“Applications succeed based on the quality of implementation, not the number of features.” ~ Geoffrey Grosenbach

The Simplicity Formula:
  - small niche * population of internet = success

Sites That Get It: Twitter, Upcoming, Urbanspoon, Mint, Vimeo, Picnik

It Might:
  - Act like a desktop app
  - Anticipate user’s actions

Guide your users. Take them toward the experience you want them to have.

The simpler the application, the fewer people you need to build it.

You’re probably not as good a designer as you think.

Develop for one scenario, not ten.

Good code does not impress users.

Don’t release a beta. Cork’d launched at 1.0. They had a very closed, private beta for about 15 of their trusted friends and family.