Good, fast, cheap. Pick two.

You’ve probably know the phrase: “Good fast cheap. Pick two”. This concept has a few different names: it’s known as the Triple Constraint, Iron Triangle but most popular it Project Management Triangle. Wikipedia wrote: “The quality of work is constrained by the project’s budget, deadlines and scope (features).” Any imperfect, human endeavor, projects must be performed and completed under three constraints: scope, time and cost.

This concept is very universal and for this reason it can be use for any products, services and work. Let’s take a closer look at these constraints and how they relate for programming. I created simple CSS-art and hope it can to demonstrate the Triple Constraint.

Good fast cheap. Scope.

For example, you need e-store. Ok, it very popular task, but first thing to remember – “just e-store” not mean “successful e-store”.

The quality of work is constrained by the project’s budget, deadlines and scope. Changes in one constraint necessitate changes in others to compensate it. Or quality will suffer.

TIME

Any developer can do estimate time for tipical tasks only. But successful e-store mean unique tasks and estimate time in this case can be very hard. In addition need testing (security, server load, frontend, usability and etc.). If you worry about time – need additional developers.

COST

The amount of money you’re willing to spend on the work. Probably you don’t have a large budget for the project. If you want the project to be inexpensive, it is possible. But in this case I must to know about small budget. Any issues have few ways for solve and we can choose optimal way.

I use Triple Constraint concept because I like to create successful projects and customer can help me before I take project on.

Good + Fast = Not Cheap

Want your project to be high quality and completed quickly? Ok, not problem. In this case, will work few freelancers (team of proffesionals). To finish your project quickly maybe even work on it over the weekend.

Good + Cheap = Not Fast

If you want your project to be good and cheap… As shown above it is possible but it will not be completed quickly. In this case will work one freelancer only and on standart work time only.

Cheap + Fast = Ugly

Do you need something cheap and fast? Sorry, I can’t help you. My philosophy and principle “100% quality only” and for this reason I don’t do bad work. If you are looking for a cheap and fast result, then perhaps you should look for some not very responsible freelancer. But my practice shows that in this case the customer will lose more money and more time.