Authorsâ Note
There are many folks who have continued to be patient, supportive, and inspirational as we set out to write the second edition of this book. We wanted to take a moment to thank them.
The core of our learning and support came from our colleagues at Neo and our experiences launching, building, growing, and sunsetting a truly pioneering consulting company. These folks include Giff Constable, Ben Burton, Jono Mallanyk, Anil Podduturi, Jonathan Irwin, Tim Lombardo, Corey Innis, David Bland, Nicole Rufuku, Ian McFarland, Rabble, Paul Wilson, Mike Doel, Gina Winkler, Ken Barker, Julia Mantel, Balin Brandt, and many more. We tried to use our own ideas to build a business that tested, expanded, invalidated, and fortified many of the tactics, techniques, and points of view weâve shared with you in this book. Weâre grateful to our colleagues and clients and humbled by all weâve learned from them.
As always, we would like to thank the many folks who have contributed material to the book. As was true the first time we wrote this book, we had more case studies and contributions than we could use, so some of the wonderful material our colleagues shared didnât fit into the manuscript. This reflects more on our writing process than the quality of the contribution. With that said, thanks to Lane Goldstone, Emily Holmes, Mikael Lindh, Helene Brinkgaard, Henriette Hosbond, James Kelway, Ann Yauger, Archie Miller, Beth Sutherland, Tony Collins, Derya Eilertsen, Bill Scott, Cody Evol, Shilpa Dhar, Jeff Harrell, Dave Cronin, Dan Harrelson, Alethea Hannemann, Kristen Teti, and Matthew Hayto.
Note: From Jeff
Iâd like to continue to thank my writing and business partner Josh Seiden. Despite writing three books together, building a business, working on projects, teaching together, and hanging out socially, we continue to seek out opportunities to collaborate. I learn continuously from our partnership. I also enjoy making fun of Joshâs age (hint: heâs really old).
Finally, no project comes without sacrifice. This edition of the book is no different. I continue to be amazed and grateful at the love, patience, and support Iâve had from my family over the years since the first edition came out. My wife, Carrie, has dealt with far too many hours of me locked in my office tapping at the keyboard, in hotel rooms in foreign cities, or on the airplanes taking me to those destinations. That sacrifice is not lost on me. To my daughters, Grace and Sophie, I hope I can provide some inspiration about achieving seemingly impossible tasks and having the courage to give things a shot, even if you donât think you know what youâre doing. I love you all. Thank you.
Note: From Josh
In this book, Jeff and I describe a working style that is deeply collaborative. Thatâs my preferred style of workingâI always feel that I learn more and am more effective when Iâm collaborating. Whatever Iâve been able to contribute to this book is a result of the amazing collaborations Iâve been lucky enough to enjoy in my career. You all know who you are. Iâm very grateful to all of you.
There is one working collaboration that I do need to call out though: itâs been a real pleasure to continue to collaborate with Jeff. Jeff supplies many of the things in this partnership that I canât, including optimism about deadlines, audacity in setting goals, and tirelessness in evangelizing. Heâs a smart, hard-working, and egoless partner. He is not, however, funny. If thatâs needed, I usually have to provide it.
Thanks finally, to Vicky, Naomi, and Amanda. I love you.
From Jeff and Josh
This second version of the book is our attempt to update the material to the current state of Lean UX practice and thinking. Weâve had four years to experiment, iterate, and optimize the ideas and techniques originally detailed in this book and we felt it was time to share that insight with you.
Lean methods are learning methods, and we expect to be learning and discovering even more as we continue our journey as practitioners and teachers of Lean UX. As you embark or continue your travel down this path, weâd love to hear about your journeyâyour successes, challenges, and failuresâso that we can keep learning through our collaboration with you.
Please keep in touch with us and share your thoughts. You can reach us at jeff@jeffgothelf.com and josh@joshuaseiden.com. We continue to look forward to hearing from you.
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