Why tech debt - misunderstanding the problem

We over-engineer features users rarely touch, creating unnecessary complexity. This happens when product managers can’t clearly define needs or when engineers solve theoretical rather than actual problems.

Tech debt isn’t solely an engineering issue. When designers create solutions without technical context, product managers can’t articulate clear user needs, or executives push for features without validation, we build the wrong things well rather than the right things simply.

The most dangerous misunderstandings come from solving theoretical problems instead of actual ones. We build complex, flexible frameworks anticipating edge cases that never materialize, leaving behind over-engineered systems that must be maintained without delivering proportional value.

Follow up to why tech debt