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By the Numbers

2025/5/21
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REWORK

AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
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D
David Heinemeier Hansson
J
Jason Fried
K
Kimberly Rhodes
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Jason Fried: 37signals 早期曾聘请全职数据分析师,希望通过数据找到提升用户参与度的关键因素。然而,我们发现即使分析了大量数据,这些分析对我们的实际工作影响甚微。因此,我们决定不再设立全职数据分析师职位,而是选择在需要时临时进行数据分析。我认为这个决定对我们来说是正确的,因为过分依赖数据可能会让我们忽略其他重要的因素。 David Heinemeier Hansson: 我也认为数据分析存在局限性。数据只能告诉我们可衡量的事物,而产品和公司管理中有很多重要的事物是无法量化的。例如,客户调查无法准确预测新客户的反应,因此我们需要依靠直觉来寻找市场契合点。在过去 20 年里,我们很少从数据分析中获得重大突破,反而是 Jason 的直觉经常指引我们做出正确的决策。我认为我们应该拥抱直觉,不要总是试图在行动前检查所有细节。 David Heinemeier Hansmeier Hansson: 我认为数据分析的主要作用是确保业务不会偏离正轨。我们现在会进行 A/B 测试,但不需要全职人员来分析数据,只需要确保主要指标不出现大幅下降。我们应该专注于那些最能激励我们、最感兴趣的事情,并利用我们积累的盈利能力去做自己喜欢的事情。我不认为我们应该再聘请数据分析师,因为很多数据分析对我们的决策没有影响。如果分析结果无法改变你的行动方向,那么就不值得关注这些数字。

Deep Dive

Chapters
37signals' journey from employing a full-time data analyst to relying on intuition and key metrics is discussed. The initial hope for a "holy grail" of data-driven insights proved elusive, leading to a shift towards prioritizing gut feeling and focusing on the most impactful numbers.
  • Initially hired data analysts to identify key engagement triggers, mirroring Facebook's approach.
  • Data analysis revealed the obvious: Basecamp's success hinges on collaborative usage.
  • The focus shifted from comprehensive data analysis to using data for A/B testing and cost analysis.
  • Intuition and experience were found to be more effective than extensive data analysis for major decisions.

Shownotes Transcript

How much data do you really need to make good decisions? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about 37signals’ evolving relationship with analytics—from working with a full-time analyst to now focusing only on the numbers that truly matter. They share why gut feeling, curiosity, and margin often outweigh dashboards and reports—and how trimming the data obsession can lead to better, bolder decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • 00:09 – The shift from having a full-time data analyst to working without one
  • 02:25 – Just because you can’t measure it doesn’t mean it’s not important
  • 07:59 – Analytics don’t always drive product decisions
  • 10:15 – How financial margin fuels freedom to experiment
  • 13:42 – Don’t let data make you overly cautious
  • 15:26 – David’s take on cutting unnecessary costs
  • 19:48 – Weighing cost vs. value when making decisions

Links and Resources:

  • Record or upload a video question for Jason and David)
  • Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com)
  • Books by 37signals)
  • HEY World | HEY)
  • REWORK podcast merch)
  • The REWORK podcast)
  • The Rework Podcast on YouTube)
  • The 37signals Dev Blog)
  • 37signals on YouTube)
  • @37signals on X)