Clearing the decks for launch

Launch mode at 37signals involves a temporary suspension of standard operational processes to prioritize the release of Basecamp 5. By clearing the "Not Now" backlog and pausing routine cycles like heartbeats and summer Fridays, the team achieves full availability for real-time, just-in-time decision-making. This approach embraces a "move fast and fix things" philosophy, accepting minor regressions as a necessary trade-off for speed and focus. While the transition to launch creates temporary chaos, it fosters a return to the company's early, agile roots. Post-launch, the team anticipates a period of intense feedback management, balancing user reactions with their internal product vision. Basecamp 5 introduces significant improvements, including enhanced keyboard accessibility and a more fluid, modern UI, which allow users to achieve a higher level of professional proficiency within the application.