⚖️ Exercise: Build vs Borrow

2026-07-29 · exercise, reuse, dependencies, architecture, product, risk, oss, value, drawing

In the course of product development we build and we borrow components. Some examples of each:

Build:

Write code (create software)
Design a PCB (printed circuit board)
Design a custom mechanical component
Create a custom test setup

Borrow:

Use an OSS (open-source software) library
Integrate a SOM (system on module) into a product
Use an off-the-shelf enclosure
Use existing tools

Exercise: create a diagram with a horizontal line. On top of the line, list all the items you are building. Below the line, list all the items you are borrowing. Document why. Ask AI (Claude Code, etc.) to examine your project and try to find any you have not thought of.

The benefit of this exercise is to help us visualize what we are dealing with. Some insights that might result:

Have we drawn the line between building and borrowing correctly, or do we need to adjust something?
Do we understand all the things we are borrowing? Should something be replaced/updated? Should we add/remove something? Is something high risk?
With all components, what value are they providing? Are they moving us forward or holding us back?

Build above the line, borrow below it