This article critiques leaders who emphasize design quality without engaging in the actual creative process. It discusses how this disconnect leads to superficial discussions about design metrics instead of fostering real craftsmanship and innovation.

Quality in software products is often misrepresented through metrics and centralized control, which can lead to fragility. A decentralized approach, where quality is upheld by those doing the work, fosters resilience and better aligns with user expectations. Emphasizing user perception over rigid standards allows for a more adaptable and effective definition of quality.