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The post From big to small and back again – AgileByExample 2016 appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Those lovely people at Agile By Example have taken the risk of inviting me to speak this year. I've been off the speaking track for a while (bar a session at the recent 2016 Gilbfest) so I've got a lot of thoughts to iron out and make sense of. It'll also be good to sync up with the wider community and understand where people are at. Here's the abstract:
From big to small and back again
a few tools for making sense of the big picture, survival and (maybe) sanity
Visible work is a foundational discipline of most, if not all, of the various agile schools of software engineering. "Transparency" is a sought-after quality, supported by practices like same-time same-place "stand-up" meetings, physical work boards and demonstration environments. "The business" can rock up at will and hopefully understand how things are going after a couple of minutes' inspection. But what's happening out there in the rest of the organisation? Often we're just as much in the dark about what's happening elsewhere as others were about what we're doing and why.
We play a part in this network of individuals, relationships, stakeholders, departments, divisions, partners, suppliers, clients and customers and because we shape information flow our decisions can have wide-ranging impact on the world around us. How would we know if what we are working on really is relevant and useful to the business at large?
This session explores a few tricks and tools to map and make sense of the world outside our teams with a view to using this information to deepen our understanding, increase our empathy for others and enable us to make better decisions.
See you there,
— @guspower
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The post Continuous delivery with Heroku, SnapCI and Ratpack appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
We're continuously delivering features to a Ratpack application on Heroku via a SnapCI pipeline. So far so boring, but we've ended up doing a couple of counter-intuitive things to support the "build the binary only once" principle and also to make it fast.
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The post Business outcomes are smarter goals appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Setting a goal provides a focal point and helps with prioritisation and deflecting distractions.
Have you set any new year resolutions? They're goals. Promising to exercise more, drink less or eat less chocolate are all too ambiguous and usually end in disappointment. Smart goals reduce ambiguity. But there are smart goals, and then there are smarter goals. How they're expressed will influence whether they're treated as targets or approached with a sense of purpose. Look at the following smart goals:
The first is a solution expressed as a statement of measurement. You either achieve it or you don't.
The second is the desired outcome. It appeals to our imagination. It's inspirational and thus garners greater emotional response. But, critically we don't lock ourselves down to one solution—in this case losing exactly 6kg in 4 weeks. We retain the flexibility to explore different solutions in order to achieve the outcome we want.
Smarter goals express a desired outcome.
I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.
—John F Kennedy
He didn't say, "let's build a rocket".
Solutions fix scope. Too often people define success by having a solution made up of a fixed set of features delivered by a certain date. This is a target. When managers set targets and use them to force performance they bring out the wrong behaviours—we cheat, cut corners, and forget about the real needs of users. The cost of those cuts come back to bite.
An assumption is that the features will produce the desired outcome—which is typically not expressed or visible. What if they don't? Fixing scope locks in our ignorance and stops us responding to what's being learned and making adjustments en route to ensure the desired outcome.
Similarly, setting Scrum's sprint goal in terms of a set of features rather than a desired outcome is fixing scope. And asking the team to commit to its delivery is setting a target. With fixed time, fixed scope, and fixed cost, quality will suffer driving up the cost of future change and the total cost of ownership.
Without smarter goals all we do is chomp through the backlog of features like Pacman. This suits fixed-scope thinkers because they're measuring progress by the rate at which the backlog is decreasing. Should it look like things are running late we can expect pressure to be applied, bluntly or otherwise.
Samuel Pierpoint Langley was trying to build the first powered, manned airplane. Solution. The Wright brothers wanted to fly and see the world as birds do. We all know who flew first. Langley promptly quit any further exploration into flight.
Outcomes that we feel are worthwhile drive us. By focusing on a business outcome we're acknowledging that estimates are never accurate and that we can't anticipate everything up front. Murphy's Law tells us that shit will happen. We're free to explore options and think about different ways to meet user needs rather than gambling on any one feature. We can self-organise effectively and vary scope safely to achieve the outcome. This is the environment for iteration and continuous improvement, and the means to deliver the right thing in the right way at the right time—something that's desired by users, economically viable for the business, and technically feasible.
How did you feel as you crossed the finish line in that marathon? There's deep satisfaction to be had when we realise an outcome.
We aspire to more than building features. What matters is that we have a lasting, valued effect on users. So we should set goals that are business outcomes. If we don't, we can expect to have targets set for us.
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The post Fiscally Responsible Innovation appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
How long will it take and how much will it cost? "Who knows" is an honest answer, if slightly flippant. The reality is, product development, and innovation in particular, is both art and science. Ambiguity, uncertainty, and Rumsfeld's "unknown unknowns" are everywhere. How is it possible to say how long it will take when we don't truly know what "it" is? That presents an unacceptable problem when a budget has to be agreed. Then of course there's the deadline. These things are not unreasonable asks.
There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.
– Donald Rumsfeld
There's a business precedent for financing emergent projects shrouded in uncertainty and risk. It's called venture capital financing.
Rather than size the budget based on what can only be a guess of time, treat time and cost as constraints to ignite creativity. Set the deadline making some reasonable assumptions and taking into account say an external and important motivator like a marketing event, or a commercial deal, or cheekily a competitor launch. Set the budget based on what you're prepared to lose if you're wrong. Then use venture capital financing to incrementally fund innovation from the budget. Rely on iterative development and continuous delivery to put something in the hands of customers early and often, and use their feedback to inform subsequent funding increments. If you haven't pulled the plug somewhere along the way because the data told you to do it, then be ready to witness something great by the deadline that cost less than the budget.
Products, services, and capabilities resulting from a project or venture aren't fixed. They emerge over time. They require innovation, creating entirely anew. Planning is difficult in ambiguous circumstances and there's plenty of adjustments required en route. The challenge is to deploy finite resources across a portfolio of investments and to manage those investments to produce the highest possible return. Bill Sahlman provides us a frame of reference.
Any new venture contains some probability that the investment will be written off completely. The spike above the -100% return mark represents this possibility.
The probability of various returns greater than -100% spreads out in the distribution represented by the bell curve.
Ultimately, an investor first wants to reduce the height of the -100% spike, i.e. to reduce the probability of a total write-off, and second, to move the distribution of returns further to the right, i.e. to increase the probability of higher returns.
Investors stage their investments in an emergent venture. For example, if a company needs £10 million to develop a product and take it to market, no investor would invest the full amount at the start. Rather the investor would stage the commitment of capital over a period time, preserving both the right to invest more money and the right to abandon the venture. Essentially investors are buying information, which allows them to continuously assess ongoing risk and inform their next decisions to invest, or not. This financial model supports iteration and explicitly incorporates the need to re-conceive a venture as it progresses. Lean Startup calls this pivoting.
Conventional budgeters tend to think of projects as standard capital investment, insisting on full quantification of costs and benefits at the start. This is more like buying equipment than funding a new venture. Given the uncertainty of innovation, expenditures are better staged to buy more information about the right combinations of people, strategy, and tactics. If we lock in our original conceptions and we lock in our ignorance too. We risk dysfunctional outcomes that won't meet evolving business needs, or business solutions that have serious concealed flaws, which we have yet to discover.
When innovation is delivering value on time, regularly even, and within budget, why add more control? The only thing more control adds is more cost. Iterative development is a means to meet deadlines reliably. This builds the trust necessary to give innovation the space it needs. A virtuous circle. Sweet.
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The post Iteration reduces the cost of getting it right appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
The cost of iteration – the cost of changing, tweaking, improving a process and then repeating it again and again – significantly impacts the way work is performed. Reconfiguring a car assembly line can involve buying and installing new equipment, which can be very expensive. Car manufacturers usually do lots of planning before they commit to a configuration. They don't want to stop production and reconfigure very often. They try to get it right first time.
Agile methods for software development are designed so they can be changed cheaply and quickly. They're fundamentally empirical and can be continuously improved based on feedback about how the work is working.
Software developers generate new versions of software as often as needed. Techniques such as Test-Driven Development, Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, and open-source technologies that allow new versions to be rebuilt easily, keep the cost of iteration low.
When the cost of iteration can be kept low, we don't need to worry so much about getting it right first time. Instead, we can try things, different options, test them out with users, learn from them, then reconfigure, refine, and go again. Because it doesn't cost much to iterate, the value of actually doing something is greater than the value of thinking about how to do the something. Doing something can test assumptions and reveal facts. Too much talk without action perpetuates opinion and entrenches assumptions. Cheap and rapid iteration allows us to substitute experience for planning. Rather than getting it right the first time, we can make it run, make it right, and make it great before the big marketing push.
It's not iteration if you only do it once — Jeff Patton
By iterating and testing as we go, we increase the likelihood of delivering the right thing for less investment; we reduce the risk of delivering the wrong thing and betting the farm on it.
The ability to run experiments cheaply and quickly is an important benefit when the cost of iteration is low. Car makers use simulation technologies to run virtual crash-testing experiments to determine the safety implications of many car body structures, more than they could afford to test with actual cars. There's science driving low cost iteration but it intrinsically involves artistic creation. For example, before you can crash test virtual cars, you must first create virtual cars.
Cheap and rapid iteration lets you test cars more cheaply, but it also lets you create them more cheaply, and in many more forms. The creation of things to test – in scientific terms, the generation of hypotheses – is fundamentally a creative act. In many business situations, the hypothesis, problem, or opportunity is not well-defined, nor does it present itself tidily formed; it's definition must therefore be created. Even when a problem or opportunity appears well-defined, often you can benefit from conceiving it in a new form – reframing it to take a different perspective, looking at it through a different lens. The form you conceive for it – the idea of it you have – will determine how you solve it, and how well you solve it.
Cheap and rapid experimentation lets you try new and different things. Cheap and rapid iteration helps you deliver the right thing.
Ref. Artful Making by Rob Austin and Lee Devin
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The post Pair Programming Trails appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Yesterday I had the opportunity to pair programme for a few hours, something I don't get to do that much of at the moment. I find it helpful to frame pair programming sessions as workshops of size two. This frame reminds me to be a bit more structured and get more out of the time we've got. Like any workshop, an agreed agenda (what we're going to do and how) and desired outcome (where we'd like to get to by the end of it) really help.
The aim of this session was to spike whether we could easily integrate with a 3rd party public API of a CDN provider we're evaluating. Since we hadn't worked together before we started with a brief whiteboard chat about what technology we were comfortable using – language, editor, build tool, test tool and so forth. Then down to business. I have the luxury of a standing desk at the Energized Work lab so we agreed it was ok to work there. We set it at a comfortable compromise of our mean height and began.
I often use personal kanban or a handwritten task list while pairing to chart out the initial trail – what needs to happen and in what order – and update it as we go. Lately I've taken to using the bottom of my monitor for post-it notes containing my prioritized list of tasks (left to right) so I figured I'd try something similar for this session. I had a single post-it note on the left indicating our overall goal ('List Zones'). As we moved from topic to topic I asked what we were now doing, wrote the topic on a post-it and stuck it beside the goal. We ended up with the following trail:
After about 90 mins we had reached our destination: 'List Zones'. We used the trail we had created to reflect on what we'd learned. As we ran through each of the topics in turn we recalled the surprises and difficulties we had encountered along the way. There were quite a few:
I was surprised just how much I'd learned. I'm not that familiar with the technology used so much of it was down to my own ignorance, but nonetheless the trail served as a simple and useful device.
Here it is in all of its high-fidelity glory:
I've always found that simple physical devices – paper and pen, post-it notes, index cards, magnetic whiteboards – have a much lower barrier to entry than their technical equivalents. It's easy and quick to try out new ideas. There's something about them being 'in the real world' that makes them more fun to use, less serious and less onerous than online tracking and drawing tools.
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The post Management Innovation appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Strategy lifecycles are shrinking. Companies must be as strategically adaptable and relentlessly innovative as they are operationally efficient. Innovation takes time – time to dream, time to think, time to learn, time to invent, and time to experiment. That's a big ask when knowledge workers are still being managed based on the labour theory of value.
The challenge of managing is, of course, to coordinate the efforts of few or many individuals without creating a heavy hierarchy of supervisors, to keep control of costs without strangling imagination, and to build organisations where discipline and freedom aren't mutually exclusive.
Drucker defines the practice of management to include:
I'm not a fan of the role of Manager because it has conflated the act of managing with authority and power. I've always believed that basic managerial skills are a schoolyard requirement for life – it starts with being able to manage your own time and dependencies and therein your reputation and reliability. Without a basic ability to manage it's difficult to be truly responsible.
Management is an area ripe for innovation. We hear about management theory. We see the effect of MBA-qualified managers. We don't hear much about management innovation. For me management innovation means systemic and empirical experimentation, quick-fire invention and the continuous improvement of management principles and methods in practice, compounding effectiveness over time to significantly advance an organisation's objectives and enhance its performance. The aim being:
Many factors contribute to strategic inertia, but three pose a threat to timely renewal.
How do you ensure that discomforting information isn't ignored or simply explained away as it moves up the hierarchy? How do you create management process that continually generates hundreds of new strategic options? How do you accelerate the redeployment of people and resources from legacy programs to future-focused initiatives?
Every business is successful until it's not. What's worrying is how often top management is surprised when the "not" finally arrives. Belated recognition of dramatically changed circumstances means that the work of renewal can be dangerously delayed. Disquieting developments are at first dismissed as implausible or inconsequential, then they're rationalised away as aberrant or "can't be fixed". Eventually they might be grudgingly mitigated through defensive actions but rarely are they honestly confronted. Executives and senior managers are not close enough to the bleeding edge of change to sense for themselves the growing risks to a long-venerated business model. In the absence of their own corroborating evidence, they're unlikely to give credence to distant alarms from people out in an organisation's hinterlands.
Innovation suffers when ironclad assurances of future success and certainty about costs, timelines, and profits are demanded by executives before investing even small amounts in new ideas. Every CEO knows that you have to invest in the future. Yet many companies risk forfeiting their future by funding legacy programs year after year while letting new initiatives go begging. The pressure to deliver quarter-by-quarter earnings growth makes managers wary of backing projects that have long-odds or a drawn out payback. Consequently, they over invest in "what is" at the expense of "what could be".
What most impedes innovation in large companies isn't an aversion to risk. Big companies take big and often ill-considered risks every day. The real killer is old mental models and the emotional capital invested in the existing business strategy. When it comes to innovation, a company's legacy beliefs are a much bigger liability than its costs. Few companies have a systematic process for challenging deeply held assumptions.
It's tough to plan innovation. It's totally possible to organise for innovation. It can come from anywhere so collocate people with diverse skills in a working environment configured to create serendipitous encounters that might spur innovation. Just because a beancounter's yardstick can't easily measure the value of collocation, autonomy and harmony doesn't mean these things have no value. Intangible doesn't mean inconsequential.
Hierarchies are very good at aggregating effort and coordinating the activities of many people, but they're not good at mobilising effort and inspiring people to get out of their comfort zones or go above and beyond. When it comes to mobilising human capability, communities outperform bureaucracies.
In a bureaucracy, the basis for exchange is contractual – you get paid for doing what is assigned to you. In a community, exchange is voluntary – you give your labour in return for the chance to make a difference or exercise your talents. In a bureaucracy, you're a factor of production. In a community, you're a partner in a common cause. In a bureaucracy, loyalty is a product of economic dependency. In a community, dedication and commitment are based on your affiliation with the group's aims and goals. When it comes to supervision and control, a bureaucracy relies on multiple layers of management and a web of policies and rules. Communities depend on norms, values, and personal integrity and peer pressure to drive accountability. Individual contributions tend to be silo'ed in a bureaucracy – marketing people work on marketing plans while finance people run the numbers. In a community, competency (i.e. skills plus experience) and disposition are more important than credentials and job descriptions in determining who does what. Where rewards offered by a bureaucracy are mostly financial, in a community they're mostly emotional.
Imagine having to compete with a company that not only has a compelling business concept but is a community on a mission with an egalitarian management philosophy.
What matters most is not a company's competitive advantage at a single point in time, but it's evolutionary advantage over time. You win big, not by betting big, but by betting often – and by staying at the table long enough to collect the winnings. That's the most fundamental premise of iterative development and sustainable pace.
A lot of top-down discipline isn't necessary when you have a working environment that weaves Deep Democracy with discipline, trust with accountability, and community with internal competition. Give frontline people a large dose of discretion with the freedom and information to do the right thing for customers, matched by a high level of accountability for results and the incentive to do the right thing for profits. They will use their discretionary decision-making power in ways that drive business forward. Accountability ensures autonomy doesn't produce chaos. Internal competition ensures a strong sense of community doesn't degenerate into complacency.
Perhaps the best motivation to innovate comes from the combination of clarity of purpose (or mission) and the joy that people find in their work, given revolutionary goals and the confidence and tenacity to keep taking evolutionary steps. The only way to build a company fit for the future is to build one that's fit for people, which elicits and cherishes initiative, creativity, and passion.
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The post Just when you thought everyone had agreed appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Just when you thought everyone had agreed you encounter certain indicators that perhaps all is not right. Emotions profoundly affect all important decisions. We all struggle with our inability to acknowledge our emotions, openly share what lies beneath them, and factor these things into decisions.
In the agile world, servant leadership and facilitation admirably attempts to help everyone in a self-organising team say what they want to say, and create ways for every view to be given genuine consideration. Alas, resulting consensus is often weak, if not fake. Inclusive decision-making is messy and painful.
In a group situation, the group's consciousness refers to the proceedings of which everyone is aware. The unconsciousness refers to the dynamics that are present but concealed. Like an iceberg, most of what's going on is out of sight – beneath the surface.
Most of us vacillate when making a decision, especially so when a decision is emotionally charged – and many decisions are emotive simply because of our biases. Personal decisions can be difficult enough. Group decisions multiply the vacillation by the number of people involved. Getting everyone to buy in to the eventual resolution can be a long haul, and that's before we even get to the challenges of implementing the decision. Hesitations, doubts and confusion arise whenever more than one person has a stake in the outcome.
We grow up with rules and boundaries imposed. How did you feel when your teacher commanded you to do something rather than invite your cooperation? Your hackles probably rose. Autocrats consider that reaction irrelevant, as long as their edicts are followed. Autocracy is the least productive social structure. Lack of buy-in provokes resistance. The degree of buy-in to decisions is directly proportionate to effective follow-through and efficient transformation.
Someone's position doesn't have to be reasonable, attainable, fair, or popular to make it worthy of being considered. The fact that it exists means that, eventually, it will be heard one way or another. The result of a majority vote does little to influence an individual's strongly held views. Felt unheard, they're as passionate as ever about their argument and those powerful feelings inevitably find an outlet. Just because democratic principles dictate that someone should go along with the majority doesn't mean that they will. When denied the right to be heard fairly, people are driven to what Deep Democracy calls the Terrorist Line.
The Terrorist Line begins when a strongly held view is driven underground. Initially it takes the form of subtle, covert challenges to the majority position. Left unaddressed, it develops into progressively more overt gestures of revolt, until it explodes into acts of terrorism directed at destroying whatever the majority has created.
Being on the Terrorist Line doesn't make you a terrorist. We've all resorted to covert acts of rebellion when deprived of a voice.
The start comes disguised as innocent fun. When we first lose a vote or find ourselves excluded from decision-making, we make jokes about the decision. When we're uncomfortable about openly addressing issues, joking can feel like a safe way to express our feelings. Sometimes a joke is just a joke but, as a symptom of brewing dissent, jokes tend to have an edge. And if they're left not responded to, they become increasingly barbed.
When we do things 3 or 4 times it's a good indicator that our actions are based on emotional unconscious dynamics rather than rational or logical process. When emotions remain unrecognised, what happens is the unheard or excluded minority finds one excuse after another for not supporting the decision. The excuses always have an element of truth. Confusion is compounded because the minority may not be aware of underlying issues; in their minds the excuses feel genuine.
Behaviour or excuses that continue to continue are almost always accompanied by gossip. Gossip is inevitable and mostly relatively harmless, but it escalates when views aren't being heard. When we need an outlet for our feelings there's no better place than with friends over a drink. This is often where genuine reactions to decisions come to light.
If unheard voices remain underground, gossip becomes more purposeful and the minority lobbies around its issue. Those feeling excluded solicit support for a challenge to the status quo. If their viewpoint isn't addressed, they dig their heels in. The emotional distance between majority and minority groups increases and the minority start openly opposing the decision. The minority voice has surfaced into the group's consciousness. Positions have polarised. The situation has become adversarial and positions are likely to become more rigid and oppositional. At this point the issue has burgeoned way beyond its original appeal.
Unsuccessful lobbying is followed by a complete breakdown in communication. People stop talking to one another. We can email, instant message, or text while avoiding contact with the other person. At this point inefficiency and ineffectiveness are blatant. Yet we're capable of tolerating communication breakdowns for months, even years.
When communication breaks down, the minority become increasingly desperate to be heard and begin to flagrantly disrupt the majority's agenda. We've all experienced others dragging their feet. This deliberate slowing down shows that the person really doesn't want to serve. Repeatedly putting tasks off till tomorrow is another go-slow tactic. Sometimes the go-slow takes the form of someone telling you, with apparent regret, that helping you isn't in their job description, or would violate standard operating procedures.
If slowing down doesn't do the trick, the minority will stop participating in the group effort altogether. Striking isn't always a rational strategy. More often, it's an advanced stage of a process driven by frustration and despair. The more domineering or autocratic, the more pronounced the rebellion.
The final stage is complete withdrawal. As a last resort the minority either completely separates itself from the "system" or goes to "war", i.e. in this context, expect anything from feuds where individuals reject one another to overt acts of sabotage. All contact between the groups has broken down.
To secure buy-in we must make decisions that honour and include everyone involved – everyone must have a stake in its success. Those in the minority find the majority position unpalatable and they're watching their own wisdom and creativity trivialised or disregarded. The aim is to find intelligence in both positions and to craft a decision that draws on the ingenuity of the entire group. This is the only kind of decision that can realistically win buy-in from everyone involved. Consequently, it's the only kind of decision that can ultimately succeed in serving the true interests of the entire group.
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The post Time To Think: Part I: Business As Usual appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Author's Note: This is part of a series following on from a 20 minute talk about prioritisation at Product Tank London aiming to provide some detail behind the ideas shared.
Product development is a world dominated by process, method and measurement. This is the business of turning ideas into reality. Those directly involved must understand how they can integrate their work¹ to create coherent products and services. Programme managers must be supplied with sufficient information to make decisions about their portfolios. Stakeholders must be managed and informed about the progress of their investments. In this setting it is so easy to lose creativity – a requirement for innovation – by not explicitly protecting a vital resource – the time to think.
We continually work to keep those directly involved in product development, those investing and those managing the investment synchronised with each other (and with reality). The coordination effort needed to maintain a shared understanding of where we are and where we are going can be paralysing.
Calendars are frequently choked up with 'synchronisation' events (project board, status updates, roadmap planning, product reviews etc.). Many of these events use internal-facing presentations as the medium of communication ("the deck")². The cumulative time involved in preparation, attendance and follow-up can be huge. I've worked with organisations where the demands of these activities have far outweighed the effort put into the actual product.
This synchronisation overhead can be exacerbated by various factors. Poor meeting discipline³ (unclear objectives, late attendance, lack of preparation etc.) is common. Remote or geographically distributed working styles usually require more effort to get everyone on the same page.
The danger of throwing ourselves into (or being eaten by) our work system is that we never have the time to connect the dots and make sense of our world. Taking time to synthesise our experiences is an essential element of learning4, without which we miss important patterns and connections.
The pace at which we work and live often precludes us from being able to form our own perspectives. It can also prevent us from contributing to and creating a shared perspective with those around us. Decision making is shallow (or absent), consensus is weak, important insights are missed and opportunities are lost.
Some days just keeping the wheels turning can absorb all of our time and energy. When the pressure is on the time to think quickly evaporates. Internal needs and unforeseen events get all the attention. Big questions slip past us without notice.
Why is it that so many organisations run environments that are simply not conducive to thought? (If you disagree, try reading a book for half a day in the office. If all goes well, consider yourself most fortunate.) Moreover, how can we change these environments so that they afford us sufficient time to think while still enabling us to service day-to-day needs?
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The post Safe To Fail appeared first on Energized Work.]]>
Author's Note: This is part of a series following on from a 20 minute talk about prioritisation at Product Tank London aiming to provide some detail behind the ideas shared.
The term "Safe To Fail" has entered common usage in product circles thanks to the Lean Startup. The underlying concept contains two basic premises:
Minimising the downside of failure – fail-safety – has been part of engineering literature for a long time. Wikipedia defines it as follows:
"A fail-safe or fail-secure device is one that, in the event of a specific type of failure, responds in a way that will cause no harm, or at least a minimum of harm, to other devices or danger to personnel."
Product development is risky business. It involves guessing. Worse still, it involves guessing about the future. A product that visibly fails to meet its goals can have serious personal consequences for those involved. From career progression and social status to happiness at work (the inverse of effort required to get out of bed), personal identity and self-perception, association with product failure can form a stigma that is difficult to shake off. A black spot.
Defensive countermeasures to this personal risk are numerous. "Play it safe", CYA (cover your ass), "over-communicate" (i.e. spam everyone), avoid clear accountability, blame suppliers for not adhering to plan, add more process and bureaucracy, book holidays around key product events, get ill, blame other departments for lack of cooperation and so forth.
Skilled practitioners can pull off these kinds of countermeasures with finesse. Unfortunately this creativity and effort does not contribute to the developing of a viable product that people actually want (and will pay for). In fact, it usually works against it by pushing reality further away and wasting the most valuable resource we have – time.
"Safe To Fail" is cultural. We collectively agree to expose our reasoning to public scrutiny, despite the risk to ourselves. We accept that our knowledge is not perfect, that the future is unknown and that things may not go as we had hoped or planned. We also accept that in those situations it is the idea or its expression that falls short of expectations, not those who are associated with it. Finally we understand the importance of using feedback from the outside world to improve our thinking so that we can become more useful. Such a culture does not arise from senior edict or company policy but rather from individuals holding these values, socializing them and applying them in their work and interactions with others.
I think of "Safe To Fail" as an end state. It is observable to outsiders in how we work. Getting there has two prerequisites:
Thinking takes time. Environments that are optimised for utilisation (read busyness) are also optimised to prevent thought. If you, or those around you, do not feel safe to take time out of the regular schedule to observe the world, satisfy curiosity, read what others have written and attempt to synthesise this information into new perspectives then what remains is reliance on past experience and mimicry of competitors. No new information is generated. No new insights emerge.
Conversely it requires personal disciple to use time to think. It's all too easy to flip from being that person who wants to change the world into a passive, reactive state of mind – waiting for interrupts from email and social media, surfing news and novelty, actively seeking distraction. Knowing how to manage your own attention and allowing yourself to think is a skill not to be underestimated.
Organisations usually have one dominant narrative about who and what they are – an identity. For example, they might see themselves as a retail specialist, a B2B provider, a high-end service provider, a champion of the customer, the most cost effective solution and so on. The flip-side of this identity are the things the organisation considers itself not to be; the things they will not consider becoming, e.g. we do not do logistics / fulfilment / information technology / direct sales etc. These rules can manifest themselves explicitly in strategy and positioning statements but often exist invisibly as part of the shared perspective formed by people who have worked together for a time. It is the "status quo" and persists even when the company strategy has moved on.
There is an inherent tension between this shared perspective and product innovation. Consider Larry Keely's excellent perspective from his book the Ten Types Of Innovation:
Exploration of ideas in any one of these areas may well end up challenging the organisation's dominant narrative and mental models of the world. Creating a way for people to safely challenge the prevalent wisdom so that new ideas can be shared, discussed and evaluated without reprisal is a vital capability for any product development organisation.
We often lack specific language to discuss experiences and phenomena. "Safe To Fail" provides us with a means to discuss the inherent bind that exists between the risk required to create innovative products and the forces that act on individuals and groups which prevent them from taking those same risks. It's not about making failed products. It's not about "celebrating failure". It's about affording ourselves a fighting chance of success. If we can build our worlds so that it is safe to think and safe to challenge then maybe we can better harness our diverse talents and create a workplace we want to be part of.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."- Thomas A. Edison
For more information on fail-safe systems, see:
"When a fail-safe system fails, it fails by failing to fail safe"
"celebrating failure"
A bizarre double-speak meme where people brag about how much investor money they have lost. It even has its own conference.
The post Safe To Fail appeared first on Energized Work.]]>


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Discussion in 'iPod touch' started by Libby, Dec 25, 2007.
Does ipod touch come with anti virus software?
umm ???
anyway the answer is no, im just confused
No, the iPod Touch does not come with anti-virus software. The iPod Touch is based on Mac OS X which is a pretty secure operating system (yeah, there are the occassional demos of possible viruses, but I haven't see an actual Mac virus in the wild for years). I'm not going to say it's impossible (jailbreaking wouldn't be possible without an exploit), but it pretty unlikely.
Worst case scenario - you get a virus. You just do a restore and you're back to factory settings...
Separate names with a comma.


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A sequential optical frequency-division multiplexing technique using cross-phase modulation in fibers with exactly frequency-controlled optical subcarrier signals is proposed and demonstrated. 12 channels of 10-Gb/s ASK/DPSK signals with 20-GHz exact channel spacing are successfully multiplexed all-optically at 12 stages with 1-km intervals.
© 2011 OSAFull Article | PDF Article
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Are Car Companies Becoming Too Reliant on Chinese Exports?The booming Chinese economy has created export opportunities for all sorts of businesses, not least the motoring industry. It is a vital market for many carmakers, including most in the UK. In fact, for companies like Jaguar Land Rover, China is the biggest single market.
The booming Chinese economy has created export opportunities for all sorts of businesses, not least the motoring industry. It is a vital market for many carmakers, including most in the UK. In fact, for companies like Jaguar Land Rover, China is the biggest single market. Some car makers are going further than simply exporting cars to China and are setting up factories and joint agreements with Chinese companies to manufacture cars in the country. Others, such as Volvo, have been bought over by Chinese companies. It is not just UK companies who are courting Chinese customers. Germany is actively pursuing closer links with the Chinese and Chancellor Angela Merkel has just returned from her seventh trade mission to the country. But is the Chinese market the opportunity it seems to be or are there dangers under the surface?
Germany and China are becoming ever more reliant on their trade links with each other, as the Chinese develop a taste for luxury German goods like Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, while Germany depends more on the cash coming in from these exports. German exports to the EU suffered during the economic crisis and China became their number one emerging market. It is no wonder, then, that companies like Siemens and VW had their CEOs on Merkel's trip.
The trend seems to be ever upward. In June, Audi announced that it sold more than 50,000 cars in China in a single month for the first time. Mercedes says that China is now the biggest market for its S-Class range of luxury saloons and the country is VW's biggest customer. The Germans are way ahead of the UK in their Chinese exports, with the value of goods almost doubling from 2009 to 2013 to £53 billion. This is around five times the value of Britain's exports. Such figures mean that China has now overtaken the US as Germany's biggest trading partner.
Close political ties are vital in forging such relationships and Merkel's seven trade missions to China are evidence of how seriously her country takes the relationship. Indeed, the German Chancellor has met the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, three times already this year. There is, however, some unease about such close ties with a country that has a poor record in human rights. Merkel was openly critical of the Chinese record in this area in her first term as Chancellor but this time around she seems to have adopted previous German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder's approach when he dealt with Russia, championing pushing change in the country through trade.
Just how effective such a strategy can be, however, remains uncertain. German authorities insist that Merkel remains critical of Chinese human rights issues but they concede that any criticisms will not now be made in public. This change in stance comes after German journalists were booed by German businessmen when they quizzed Chinese officials on human rights during a trade visit to Beijing.
The recent crisis in Ukraine highlighted Germany's dependence on Russian gas and some observers are expressing concern about German reliance on Chinese trade. China still only accounts for 6% of German exports in total, but the figure is much higher for some companies, with some selling 40% of their total output in China. Privately, many German officials are worried that such reliance could be problematic, especially in the event of a Ukraine-like crisis and subsequent trade embargoes. This is not beyond the realms of possibility, as China's disagreements with Japan over sovereignty issues in the Senkaku islands has long been a bone of contention.
There are also concerns that the benefits of any trade relationships with China could be short term. Chinese companies have repeatedly been accused of reverse-engineering Western technology and engineering solutions, soon moving to make their own products rather than importing foreign goods.
Car companies are somewhat insulated from such issues, as much of the car's value is in the brand identity. What may be more of an issue is dilution of the Brand's value. In June, Jaguar Land Rover announced that it is planning to build an engine factory in China, the first such plant outside the UK. Will prospective buyers want a prestige UK or German car that is made in China, or will it be seen as somehow a lesser product? Only time will tell.
Posted by Edwin Miles on


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202 Lejeboliger · Saugerties
202 Lejeboliger · Saugerties
We were looking for a place that was centrally located in the Catskill area for an extended weekend to hike a mountain and ride our bikes on the rail trails. When browsing through listings we wanted something that had a kitchen that was charming, rustic, roomy, and private. It had to be near restaurants as dinner was the the only meal we planned to eat out for. When we saw the listing for the Warehouse, we were sold. The pictures in no way do the space any justice. All the unique details that went into converting this plumbing warehouse into a wondrous open concept loft was amazing. The decorating details were so innovative and cleverly thought out. Sherri put so much into making sure the loft was ready for us. We arrived to find a bottle of my favorite wine, along with breakfast provisions. Everything you could want and need was provided. We woke each morning, made breakfast and packed lunch, then headed out for the day. We rode several rail trails in the area (O&W, Wallkill Valley, and Walkway over the Hudson). We also climbed Indian Head Mountain. After being out all day, we came back, showered and went to dinner. Our favorite was the Dutch Ale House. The Warehouse wasn't just a pit stop or a place to rest our heads in between all of our activities, it was part of our activities. We were excited to open the door each and every time we came back....always mesmerized by the space and all the craftsmanship that went into its transformation. This is a space you have to see for yourself. If you are thinking about (URL HIDDEN) it NOW!AndreaMarch 2016
I stayed at the Warehouse with my boyfriend and we had a wonderful time. The space is expertly and thoughtfully equipped with anything you could want for a getaway. Sherri and Frank were super kind and hospitable. Couldn't recommend more.CourtneyMarch 2016
We felt very welcome, due to the goodies left for us and the instructions by text from the hosts. The hosts did not make an appearance until we checked out, however they were available if we wanted to contact them. The warehouse is a cute renovation of what was, in fact, just an old warehouse. Very pleasant to stay in! Look for the site-specific plumbing touches. Has every thing you need even for a long stay, such as the washer and dryer. We were comfy, and I enjoyed reading some of the books there. Quiet, convenient, comfortable. The street in Saugerties is very nice with lots of little boutiques and restaurants and bars, and at the corner is the extremely cozy bookstore "Inquiring Minds", and around the corner is an art deco movie theatre with $5 shows (at the time of writing this, anyway). Also, a short drive to Woodstock.BradleyNovember 2015
Sherri was great at responding to our messages regarding our arrival and was waiting for us and gave us a warm personalized welcome as we stepped into The Warehouse. She had a bottle of wine for us and a great Pandora station on (she knew we were celebrating our wedding anniversary) and she was so welcoming. The Warehouse was amazing, and even better than we expected. Every little detail made us smile....a well thought out cozy eclectically styled space that you could just sink into and escape from the world...yet open your door to cute little shops, amazing restaurants...everything for a relaxing enjoyable weekend away. Thank you for a most amazing weekend and for sharing The Warehouse with us, we hope to return in the fall!StacyJune 2016
Awesome... Will definitely stay here again. Thanks!AlexandraAugust 2016
The Warehouse was in a great location, walkable to shops, bars and restaurants. It is just a short drive to hiking as well. The space itself was very cute and well laid out. The hosts were very nice and easy to arrange check in/out. All in all, it was a great experience. The only not great thing was that we had a couple friends stay with us one night (so we paid the extra $50), but there were no linens on the pullout couch, so I didn't quite understand the extra charge. They don't charge a cleaning fee (which is nice), so I just attributed it as that. Also, they're pet friendly, which was a big consideration in me booking.LeahSeptember 2016
Fabulous getaway from new york city. The warehouse is beautifully decorated and very cozy. Sherri and Frank are warm and welcoming and the food stocked in the fridge and the wine are amazing! Plan on returning in the spring to take advantage of all of the outdoor sights upstate NY has to offer.DanielleJanuary 2016
The Warehouse was exactly as we'd hoped. Clean, convenient and comfortable. A great location to enjoy Saugerties. Woodstock is also a quick drive away. Our hosts were warm and welcoming. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a weekend getaway. We'll be back.CourtneyAugust 2016
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Very welcoming host and great room!VictoriaJuly 2016
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Keith was outstanding at communication and responsiveness.ValerieJuly 2016
Great location and a great host!KareyNovember 2016
I rented this property for my parents who were coming in from Florida for a two week visit. I thought it would be most convenient for them to stay right in the heart of town and they really enjoyed the house. Keith was a great host, easy to communicate with. My parents felt like they had access to everything without being too close, it was just perfect for them!CheyenneJuly 2016
A group of us were up for HITS, and this was the perfect place for us! Close to downtown so we could walk to dinner (and ice cream!) And it was a short drive to the showgrounds! The home is beautifully appointed, clean and comfortable. Keith was quick to respond to any questions we had, respectful of our privacy and made my first AirBnb experience seamless. I will absolute look into booking this beautiful flat for our next visit to Saugerties! Thanks again Keith and Jin for a lovely week!RustyAugust 2016
Great place! Very clean! Accommodating host!TimJuly 2016
Wonderful place with great attention to detail.AndreaAugust 2016
This place is a gem and in a perfect location. Cleanliness and ease of access was top-notch. We had a number of people stay at other places in the area and we had the best of everything.BryanOctober 2016
Wonderful stay! We loved the brand new feel of the house with modern touches and amenities. The gourmet kitchen is well appointed! Keith is a great host, very responsive and attentive.TabathaAugust 2016
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Rachel was great - from pre-booking to during the stay - she was super responsive and considerate. The studio is super comfy and the fresh baked breakfast goodies were a nice touch (and delicious). There was also breakfast food in the fridge (bagels, eggs, fruit, juice). When I asked about recommendations for local spots, Rachel printout directions for biking & hiking (unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to use the bikes - but she & her husband have mountain bikes you can borrow). The location is convenient: 30 min to North-South Lake and Kaaterskill Falls, and 15 min to Woodstock (lots of great dining options there).MichelleAugust 2016
Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Rachel has the place perfectly set-up. It's clean, quiet and comfortable. The property includes horses, ducks, deer, and country cats. Plus, there are fresh baked muffins!LizSeptember 2016
Had a great experience, everything was exactly how it was described, was a perfect stay with a lovely atmosphere, hope to return in the near futureNiallJune 2016
Wonderful and peaceful stay! My husband and I stayed at Rachel's farm studio for two nights. From start to finish we had a great experience and I would recommend this studio to anyone who is looking for a clean, comfortable, homey place near Saugerties or Woodstock NY. Rachel is very responsive and communicates fast and overall a great host. She will leave fresh baked goods outside the door in the morning when she has time. That was an added bonus! Very nice! There are cats and horses and ducks on the property. There is a small pond, an outdoor grill, and picnic table for your use. The location is great! Right off a main road between Saugerties and Woodstock, so it's very easy to go out for dinners and other errands. The bed is super comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked, and there is a cable TV in the studio as well. You can buy local maple syrup from them as well! We really loved our stay and only wish it was longer.RebaApril 2016
Rachel is a very caring person who ensures that her guests are as comfortable as possible. She gave us a very warm welcome, with a tasty culinary surprise every morning in front of the door. It is an ideal place to rest in the middle of nature. This wooden apartment has a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Spacious and very functional with a nice view of the farm, magic! You can go there with eyes closed but it would be a shame to miss the landscape ;)AmauryFebruary 2016
We could not have been happier with our experience. The apartment is spacious, clean, bright and welcoming. Rachel was a terrific host, and even baked us goodies. It was the perfect place to spend our anniversary weekend. We also got to see maple syrup being made on the property. It was delicious and we brought two bottles home with us! Overall 10 stars and can't wait to come back. Lastly Woodstock is an awesome town and so close by.LillianFebruary 2016
Great place. Really calm, peaceful and less than a 10 minute drive to Saugerties. The place was also bigger than the pictures show.PaulOctober 2015
This was our first trip trying Airbnb and we were glad that we did. Rachel and Richard were great hosts who were very welcoming and made our stay enjoyable. The property was very pretty and peaceful. It was a joy waking up to views of the pond and ducks and then opening the door to find hot fresh made biscuits with a spicy butter. It made for a perfect start to a great autumn day. All the other reviews were spot on and the place looked exactly like the pictures. We would love to stay there again and would recommend their place to friends and family.DavidOctober 2016
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Host was communicative and everything in the description was accurate. Would definitely stay here again if we head back to Saugerties.KevinOctober 2016
After almost a month here, i'm sad to leave! The accommodations were spot on, the location is unbeatable with being able to walk to shops and restaurants, and..Dan. What an amazing guy! I am so happy to have spent my time here.TaylorAugust 2016
Cozy place. Great shower. Would stay at Thoreau's again.SuzyNovember 2016
Another lovely stay at Partition Street Place! Great accommodations and amazing location. Will definitely stay here again!ErinSeptember 2016
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Kelli and her daughter Isabella were gracious and welcoming hosts. Neighborhood was excellent as we expected. we were under the assumption that this was a bed and breakfast however there were several amazing and delicious breakfast places within walking distance.JoyceJuly 2016
Very cool space, great host, perfect location for exploring town. Thanks Kelli!SethJuly 2016
We spent eight days on Kingston. We have a wonderful stay in Kelli's studio. The room is very big. The location is pretty nice, in the Main Street. Kelli is very friendly to introduce everything to us. We really get along well with them.JanuaryTongAugust 2015
Kelli made me feel welcome, greeted me on street and helped carry stuff up. Great location on Main St, Saugerties, near to all places I wanted to access! Beautiful and awesome older building w cozy, family atmosphere within her artistic domain. Very nice two days.Susan B.March 2016
We spend a night at Kelli's place. Room is enormous and very lovely decorated. We loved to be in Kelli's studio to see her creations. We might come back in the future :)ElodieApril 2016
I felt very welcome especially since I had an uncertain arrival time.Ce CeSeptember 2016
My friends and I loved staying with Kelli. It was a shared space, but we felt alone in our Blue Room paradise! Thank you Kelli, you have an amazing place! Hope to return one day.MoniqueSeptember 2016
My daughter and I loved Kelli's apartment. The location is wonderful and the room very comfortable. Kelli was out of town and her neighbor was very gracious in helping us get settled.ninaSeptember 2016
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Fabulous family, who are warm and welcoming. apartment is walking distances to fine dining and shopping with a beautiful view oft he water. Accommodating and helpful. James put my Kayekin the water and gave me great advise. large kitchen.ElizabethOctober 2015
Despite the rainy weather all week, I had a wonderful time in Saugerties! The apartment was clean, comfortable, and inviting. The kitchen had all the basics, so I could make cook when I needed to. Celeste and her family were friendly and respectful. I was hoping to use the kayaks, but never got to it because of the rain. Instead, Celeste offered me time to use her yoga studio. It was a lovely space to practice and relax, and I was very grateful for her generosity! I spent most of the time out of the house, exploring Opus 40, painting pottery at Fiber Flame Studio, eating great food in/around Saugerties, tasting the most delicious chocolate truffles at Lucky Chocolates, visiting antique shops, watching a $5 Thursday movie at the village historic theatre, and enjoying a private massage! If you happen to find yourself there on a rainy day, there is still lots to do!MairinApril 2015
Nous avons vraiment aimé ce séjour à Saugerties. Un vIllage plein de charme dans la vallée de l'hudson- nous avons manqué de temps pour faire tout ce que nous aurions pu faire- mais nous avons reussi à entrevoir la chaine des Catskill, visiter Woodstock, longer L'hudson à la decouverte de cascades .... Mais tout cela fut agrémenté par un séjour en la compagnie d'hotes attentionnés- un panier de victuailles- un frigidaire avec de quoi se préparer un excellent petit déj. Céleste et James furent toujours là pour nous- mais jamais intrusifs. L'appartement mis à disposition était simplement parfait. Merci Céleste et James.philippeOctober 2015
We had a great stay! Celeste and James were welcoming and helpful, and the apartment was perfect. We only ran into Celeste and James once during our visit, but they were flexible, helpful, didn't mind us arriving late at night, and sent messages welcoming us when we arrived. The apartment was very cozy and homey, and the kitchen had everything we could have needed. The basket of food left for breakfast was more than we could eat. We had a warm, wonderful time on a snowy weekend and will be back when we are in the area!EmilyFebruary 2014
Celeste and James were great! The getaway is very quiet and clean, close to anything you may need. Celeste was very helpful and recommended a fantastic massage therapist for my daughter who has been having some back troubles since the winter. This was an ideal location for the HITS horse show!MaryannJune 2014
We had a wonderful stay at Esopus Bend Getaway! Celeste and James welcomed us when we arrived and gave us directions to nearby hiking, restaurants, and access to the kayaks. The room was as pictured, kept very clean and well-stocked and the welcome basket was greatly appreciated! The location was perfect as we were able to go kayaking, hiking and swimming during the day and take a quick 10 minute walk to many good restaurants and bars in town.AnnaSeptember 2015
Welcoming, cozy, very clean, charming these are some of the words I would use to describe the Esopus Bend Getaway. Celeste and James were so friendly and helpful, it could not have been a better experience. A delicious breakfast basket was provided for the next morning, replete with fresh french bread and other delectables. Just lovely!theaApril 2014
Great place to stay! Beautiful natural preserve to enjoy and walking distance to town with lots of bars and restaurants. Great hosts!JaredMay 2016
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We were spending Thanksgiving and cooking, Abbie was wonderful, she answered all my questions. The house felt like my a home not a rental, Saugerties is a lovely Town, we also explored Woodstock. I had a wonderful time and will probably return.MariaDecember 2015
Abbie was a wonderful host! She had coffee, creamer, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine waiting for us. The photos were absolutely accurate minus the fact that there is no access to the creek. Hopefully the stair construction descending to the creek will be completed. There are laundry facilities. The wifi worked very well. The TV channels were a bit limited but there is HBO. With the wonderful sounds and view of the nearby waterfall, who needs TV! We had an absolutely perfect visit. We will definitely stay here again if we revisit Saugerties.DeannaMay 2016
The home was so beautiful and relaxing. The host was extremely welcoming and was very quick to answer any questions and concerns we had. The upstairs tenants were very quiet and respectful, and we barely noticed they were there. Over all a great experience, would definitely recommend, the views from the back porch were breathtaking.JamesJune 2016
Stayed here with my partner to celebrate his birthday for a weekend getaway and cannot think of a better place to have spent it in the Catskills! The house is cozy, cute and well-stocked, the decor of the place is beautiful. We used the kitchen to make pancakes and an extensive dinner, ate outside both times, and used the BBQ pit to make s'mores. It was a perfect relaxing time away from the city. Miroslava is an incredible host - very responsive, friendly, and welcoming. We look forward to returning!DennisMay 2016
The Esopus Hideaway is a cute, cozy house right on the creek. It is nicely appointed, and very comfortable. You can hear the waterfall outside which is very soothing. Miroslava was extremely communicative and friendly. She made us feel very welcome. She gave us lots of suggestions for places in town and checked in to make sure we were having a good time.KatieOctober 2015
Miroslava's home was so cozy and located minutes from Saugerties restaurants and shops. We greatly appreciated her pre-arrival tips on things to do, flexible check-in and check-out times, and the bottle of wine upon arrival. We had a relaxing stay and especially loved sitting on the backyard dock and enjoying the fall foliage. We hope to visit again soon!JessyOctober 2016
The house was very clean and cozy! She left us a bottle of wine to welcome us and was very communicative. The town is very charming and beautiful. We will be coming back!BenOctober 2016
My girlfriend and I spent a weekend here during the fall, and we can't say enough about how lovely of an experience it was. The scenery was beautiful, and this place has a breathtaking view of the river and waterfall. Abbie's posting was very accurate in its description. Saugerties is a welcoming, sleepy town, and we had a wonderful time going to the farmer's market and exploring Woodstock, which is a short drive away. Our hosts were extremely kind and accommodating—they even bought us a bottle of wine and flowers. They didn't rush us to leave the Sunday we were due to check out, and the house was clean and cozy. A perfect place to be quiet, unwind, and relax. I would absolutely do this again.MatthewNovember 2015
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We love Saugerties and this humble abode. Pamela has a huge heart and was so helpful. The room was clean, well kept, and had a vintage flair. Shower was amazing, especially after the rigorous hikes near by. If you are looking for a wonderful and affordable upstate experience this is highly recommended.JaniceAugust 2016
We weren't given the room in the photo The description said Queen bed we were given a double bed VERY noisy, undesirable neighborhood Accommodations were cleanJudyAugust 2016
Pamela's place was great! It was quiet and comfortable and she made it very easy to get in and out. Would definitely stay here again.AlexOctober 2016
We absolutely loved our experience and fell in love with Saugerties during our stay! The room is cozy, comfortable, and conveniently located. Right on a cute little beach with kayaks to rent a few doors down. Restaurants and shops are an easy 10 minute walk. Pamela was an excellent host. We had everything we needed and she was quick with information and responses. It's a quiet house, we never heard a thing from other rooms. But the cars do drive by right outside the window, so if you're looking for something off the beaten path, this isn't it. We LOVED this place and would stay again!Tori and JoshJuly 2016
We had a great stay here. Pamela was very acomodating and offered great local suggestions. The location is great being just down the hill from town. There is a bit of noise from being on a busy street, but she provided a sound machine and ear plugs, so we slept like babies.Brian November 2016
I stayed with Pamela on a quick overnight trip from NYC to go skiing at Hunter. It worked out perfectly. Pamela is a great host and the room and bathroom were just like the pictures. The bed was super comfortable and the room was private. The town looked really cute and nice, close to the water. I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy all of that!AmberMarch 2016
Pamela was a great host, always available, friendly and helpful.JoelJuly 2014
Pamela was great! She was super responsive and definitely worked with our strange schedule. The place itself was centrally located near downtown Saugerties and our dogs loved the small park near the house.leticiaSeptember 2016
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John was an amazing host. The accommodation was faultless. We were very happy to see that the kitchen had a full array of utensils when we realised the local restaurants wouldn't be open on a Monday night!AlexOctober 2011
We spent a quick weekend in John and Angela's cottage and everything was perfect! The cottage was a perfect size for us, and had everything we needed. We enjoyed having breakfast out on the balcony, and watching movies at night. (There is a TV and DVD player, which is not listed on the listing) The location was perfect- just a few minutes from the great town of Saugerties, but still out of the way enough to feel secluded. John and Angela were always a phone call away if anything was needed (It wasn't). We went antiquing, hiking, sightseeing to the lighthouse, and even saw a movie in town- all in one day. It's a great area for a variety of activities. We look forward to going back again soon- and we would definitely stay at John and Angela's again. Thanks! Stephen and LiselStephen and LiselMay 2012
The reservation was canceled 2 days before arrival. This is an automated posting.Sholom
Everything was great. We arrived late but the Moranos left the keys in the room for us. The place was awesome. I would highly recommend for a very relaxing getaway.AndrewMarch 2015
Angela and John's was everything I needed and expected. The cabin is clean, cozy, and comfortable. Angela came to greet us upon arrival and told us what she had plenty of in her garden...string beens, onion and garlic...we jumped at the offer...sure enough they were in the fridge when we returned from the store to get supplies for our stay. The following evening I made a delicious stir fry topped with fresh grated parmasean... We were given complete privacy from that point forward, which is just what we wanted. Spent some time in both Saugerties and Woodstock just walking around and checking out the shops and bars. Highly recommend.Scott & LeeAugust 2015
Others who have reviewed Angela and John's beautiful little cottage had said it already, but I'll say it again: it was immaculate, gorgeous, and comfortable. My niece and I stayed just for a weekend, we used both the bed and the pull-out couch. Our hosts greeted us so kindly and then gave us complete privacy. We were especially impressed with their efforts to stay 'green,' the lodgings employ composting and recycling. It's situated only ten minutes from the Saugerties Lighthouse, and just a half-hour from many other local activities. This place was definitely part of making our weekend memorable.EmilyAugust 2012
It's a beautifully renovated little cottage and Angela was very nice to welcome us and give us some tips for the place and the area. Extra special to see their welcome basket as fruit and nibbles when we arrive (along with a few things in the fridge). Great weekend.Alan & YinaApril 2014
5 of 5 stars for John and Angel's stellar country cabin. More than a "cabin", it is more like a beautiful, cozy, small country home. Simply put, it is the best - #1 - accomodation (at the best value) among all the places we stayed at in our 6 trips to Saugerties and surrounding area in the last three years. The location, decor and layout are top notch. The bedroom has a beautiful queen size bed, walk-in closet and sliding doors. The living room is cozy with a "table for two" placed nicely in an adjacent area near the kitchen. The kitchen is compact but complete, with a refrigerator that served our needs perfectly for the weekend. The bathroom is beautiful and spacious, recently renovated. The entry area is perfect for placing any ouertwear and footwear. There is a spacious balcony with sliding doors. The balcony has a very nice view, accompanied by sounds and sights the many birds in the area. John and Angela left out fruit and healthy snacks as well as juice in the refrigerator. The refrigerator and freezer unit was small but more than met our needs for our 3 day stay. Down to the smallest detail, the furniture and decor were chosen with much thought (and good taste). The entertainment center had a very nice flat screen, though with the high speed wi-fi, we ended up streaming shows and movies in the bedroom on our Kindle and I-pad. A matter of taste, of course, but the DVDs they leave for the guests were excellent. John stopped by (actually came over to our car as we were going out one day) to make sure everything was ok. A repeat of above, but worth expanding on, my wife and I have had various types of accommodations in our 5 or 6 trips to the Saugerties area over the last 3 years - hotels, country inns and B & B's. Without a doubt, John and Angela's country home is, by far, the finest accomodation (and the best value for the cost). They are also, as you will see, environmentally conscious, very "green", which we personally found very refreshing. Lastly, but a special bonus for us, John & Angel left brochures of places to see. We actually found information on 2 places that we had not been to in our previous trips: Olana and Falling Waters. Loved them both. We highly recommend staying here and know we will be back on our next trip to the Saugerties/Woodstock/Rhinebeck/Kingston area!!KenMay 2014
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We stayed for a local festival and the location was perfect. We were able to walk to the festival and take some day trips to areas nearby. The house is lovely and the views are amazing. Jeff and Lois made our stay excellent. We hope to come back in better weather to take advantage of the kayaks.MindyOctober 2016
Enjoyed a short get away to capture the last days of fall, and found a wonderful place to lay our heads down at night. Jeff was a very responsive host, and I appreciate the opportunity to share the great views of the Esopus from every window in his home. Sweet spot and a great bathroom! Thanks Jeff and Lois. Hope to see you again in the future.KimOctober 2016
Lois and Jeff were great hosts! Their home was immaculate and included everything we needed. Upon arrival we were given a tour and note with information and suggestions which we found very helpful. Their backyard was beautiful and relaxing, right on the creek!AngeliqueSeptember 2016
If you are going to Saugerties this is the place to stay!! It seriously is walking distance to town, right on a beautiful lake. The house is so beautiful with old structure renovated and gives you such a home feel! Not to mention how amazing Lois and Jeff are! I usually book AirBnBs and like to be left alone however hanging out with them, having breakfast and just sitting out by their lake talking was such an awesome extra bonus! If you have kids DEF stay here! they LOVE kids and I never once felt uncomfortable that my children maybe were a bit loud and running around. They just kept playing with them and kept them distracted while us parents got dressed for the day. I would stay here again and again and again and recommend it!BellaJune 2016
Me and my boyfriend had a fantastic time at Jeff's place. Jeff kindly accommodated us very last minute so that we can stay for a quick getaway from the city. The place is very easy to find and close to a lot of restaurants and shops. The body of water is the best though. I enjoyed sitting by the creek and just relaxing, and Jeff also let us borrow his kayaks for a ride around the creek. Our stay was wonderful and we would love to be back one day! Thanks for having us Jeff and Lois! You guys are to kind!PrudenceAugust 2016
Walkable to downtown Saugerties but the winner is the back yard view - right on Esopus creek. Serene.susanJuly 2016
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Great experience. Very rustic but that's exactly what we wanted. The cabin is cute, clean, and cozy. Also very nice fire pit right outside with tons of chopped wood. Beautiful scenery all around the cabin as well. I would stay here again and recommend this property.JesseOctober 2015
Tiny Cabin! It is great for a quick getaway without all of the camping gear! Set in the woods and off a small pond it was a fun adventure that was easy to get to from the city. Andrew's email with instructions gives you the full run-down on how to get to the cabin and take care of everything once you are there. Fun place to stay & explore!Lisa & DanAugust 2016
Andrew was great to work with and very easy to reach before our visit. He was flexible and allowed us to switch the night of our reservation. The cabin is so special and sweet! The location could not be better -- the cabin is hidden in the woods near a lake BUT is also close to the cute towns of Woodstock and Saugerties. It really is the best of both worlds -- you get the feeling of camping and being in nature and the ability to go out and enjoy some of the small upstate towns. It was a magical escape from our busy city lives!Rebecca August 2016
Our stay at the Camping Cabin on Chloe Lake was nothing short of magical! Was such a cute place from the moment we first pulled up to the next day when we had to leave (sadly!). The cabin was left in tip top shape for us by the group before us and we made a point to leave it the same for the next lucky folks who stay in the cabin. Canoeing around the lake was super peaceful and became our favorite activity. The cabin really had everything you could possibly need. I would love to move on in to this gem of a find. Definitely stay here if you want an awesome, unique experience in the woods. Will be back for sure!ALYSSA LORIAugust 2016
Beautiful place to stay, if you are looking for a real camping experience. Andrew was great, responded very quickly to all questions and provided amble information on how to find the place and how to make the most out of your stay. The canoe and the lake are just great!ChristianAugust 2016
This trip was amazing. It was everything we expected. I went for a short period for Memorial Day with my boyfriend and his dog and it was quiet and serene. Andrew supplied us with ample information of what to expect, how to get to the area and supplies that were provided. Basic utilities and cooking utensils were provided so all we needed were sleeping bags, food and good spirits (even has a couple games and books available). He has made some awesome additions including running water from a pump, some electricity and an awesome canoe! My boyfriend tried their Tepee spot once and said it was amazing as well. Highly recommend! Perfect mix of nature and comfort.GaubrielleMay 2015
My girlfriend and I had a great 2 day camping trip on Chloe's Lake!GeoffreySeptember 2014
Best Place! We had such a great time. The cabin is super cozy and has everything you need to enjoy nice calm days! We would definitely come back. Waking up in the morning and looking out the window was the best. It was very cold outside but inside the cabin it stayed nice and warm. Thank you Andrew!SylmarieFebruary 2016
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Stephanie's place was just as the listing. It is a 1min walk to downtown. Great restaurants, antique shopping and coffee shops. Our dog loved that he was able to run around and be free from his 400sq Manhattan apartment. If your into hiking it's a 20mins drive to kaater skill falls. There is no tv or microwave in the unit but there is an oven.NastaciaOctober 2016
Stephanie's apartment was well-located, literally a minute's walk to the main intersection of Saugerties. From there, it's a few minutes drive to the interstate which gives ease of access to the rest of the Hudson River Valley area, including a 20-minute drive to Woodstock west or Hudson north. Stephanie was the first person to reply to my message of inquiry in the region and was quick to reply to follow-up questions. The apartment is just across the street from the Saugerties fire house but the trucks weren't called out the Friday and Saturday night we were there; we slept to the distant choo-choo of the train and a cricket chirping. Very happy, very quiet. The bed was firm enough and we slept well. The shower in the old fashioned bathtub has great water pressure. As her first guests, there were a few works of art on the floor here and there but I expect those will be hung shortly and they weren't a bother at all. Stephanie also welcomed us with a bottle of wine in the fridge as her first AirBnb guests at this location. She followed up quickly with texts regarding hiking trails and coffee shops in the area when we were out. As a consistent traveller over the past 16 years around the world, I'd recommend Stephanie's home for you. She provides what you'll need as a base to call home in the Hudson River Valley. Thumbs up.RamySeptember 2016
Stephanie's place was great! Just a block away from everything you need and a short drive to a lot of the near attractions. Stephanie was very accommodating and gave us some great information. We took her up on quite a few of her recommendations. We had a wonderful stay!AlyssaOctober 2016
I thought Stephanie's place was nicer in person than in the photos. It's tastefully decorated and easily accessible. Stephanie was an excellent host--she was very available. helpful and the location is very convenient. I would definitely recommend staying here.susanOctober 2016
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We can't say enough in praise of our kind and gracious hosts, Joy and Dick, and their lovely home, whose fine accommodations made a much needed weekend away very special for us. As others have stated, their residence is situated ideally with respect to exploring the lovely Village of Saugerties or making a foray towards fine offerings in Woodstock and the Catskills. We certainly hope to return again. This was also our first experience with AirBnB, and a very pleasing one at that.RoccoAugust 2016
Dick and Joy were consummate hosts. Their house was clean and comfortable, and they made us feel right at home. They couldn't have made our stay more relaxing.ZachSeptember 2016
Staying with Joy and Dick was the highlight of our weekend getaway. Such wonderful people, we felt comfortable and at-home right away. We chatted over breakfast (coffee, tea, homemade granola, yogurt, eggs, fresh fruit) and were given great recommendations for restaurants and activities in the area and the best way to get to them. Our room and the house was beautiful and we enjoyed the sweet town of Saugerties very much. This is also a great base for exploring a lot of other towns along the Hudson and in the Catskills. We visited Woodstock and Hudson. Thank you Joy and Dick! We hope to see you again soon!AmeliaJuly 2016
We were made to feel extremely welcome. We loved the house and the location. It felt like home from home.DavidJune 2016
Our stay with Joy and Dick was fantastic. They were the perfect hosts — but more — they are really kind, open and generous people. They made us feel right at home. The house was gorgeous; our room with huge beautiful private bath was beautiful and comfortable. The whole thing felt easy and relaxed. We had a great time in Saugerties, too…they provided restaurant recommendations (all great) and even shared their friends around the kitchen table. This was our first airbnb experience. It couldn't have been nicer…but now we might be a little spoiled! We'll definitely go back.DianeApril 2016
Joy and Dick were excellent hosts. They made us feel right at home in their lovely home. They are perfectly located and gave us wonderful suggestions of where to eat and what to do. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom large and furnished with anything you might need. Breakfast was wonderful, and organic! Joy and Dick catered to our every need. We will definitely stay with them the next time we travel through the Hufson Valley.Jennie Lorette October 2015
This was truly among one of our very favorite Airbnb experiences by far. Joy was so thoughtful and left a delicious bottle of wine for us as we were celebrating our first anniversary. we spent a glorious quiet weekend exploring the very walkable downtown area where Joy provided us excellent guidance for dining options. There were morning staples provided for breakfast by Joy including her incredible homemade granola. We highly recommend this gorgeous home and will be back to stay again!!Herbert August 2016
Joy and Dick were really wonderful hosts -- they went way out of their way to be accommodating, and the house and room were really lovely. I would definitely recommend their place to anyone.WilliamNovember 2016
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The OZ Farm is a very peaceful place! The property is beautiful, and it was a pleasure to see the stables and the horses in the field at Wake up! My girlfriend and I enjoyed our stay. We recommend this place. Thanks Jenny for having hosted us!QuentinNovember 2016
The host canceled this reservation 2 days before arrival. This is an automated posting.April
Super experience. Clean, quiet room. The farm is beautiful and well maintained. Jenny was willing to accommodate my crazy schedule.AngeSeptember 2016
Jenny's home is so warm and inviting, it puts any guest at ease. The scenery could not be better, and we even got a tour of the stables! The house is pet friendly so I was able to bring my pup along for the weekend. Jenny is very accommodating and quick to communicate with. Everything was super clean, and the access to laundry was a big plus! A note about the room though-- the acoustics in the house makes any noise outside the room audible in the room. Jenny's home is very quiet, but it may be a problem for light sleepers.SarahOctober 2016
The host canceled this reservation 5 days before arrival. This is an automated posting.Siji
Our family had a great experience staying at Oz Farm. My son loved getting to meet the horses and donkeys! Jenny was fantastic with him and knew how to ensure that he had a safe and positive experience. He didn't want to leave this morning! We'd happily stay at Oz Farm again.MauraOctober 2016
My boyfriend and I had a great get away week end at the Oz farm! It's such a beautiful peaceful place to rest and enjoy the country side, the view of the Catskills mountains and the very cute villages of Saugerties & Woodstock with a bunch of gastronomic restaurants around ! Jenny & all her crew were very nice and friendly to us even though they had lots to do on the farm and the room we stayed at was big and cozy with a very comfortable bed. Being around the horses and stables was very fun too! I would def recommend this place and be back !SarahOctober 2016
My partner and I spent five nights in the citation room in early September and could not have had a more wonderful experience. Originally, we planned to take a train there but we ended up renting a car, which was the right decision as destinations tend to be miles apart upstate. The property is gorgeous, with big fields for penning horses. The house is spacious and comfortable, with lots of sunlight. We loved moving from spot to spot to relax in- reading in the hammock, lounging on the back porch, rocking in chairs on the front porch. Walking around the property was also great for moseying conversation. The house was somewhat active as it was the final horse show week, which meant we got to enjoy many lovely interactions. As for activities in the area, we enjoyed exploring the different nearby towns, talking with the friendly locals, hiking, finding swimming holes to refresh in, and tasting foods as we went. We kept saying while we were there that we just have to come back again. We would 100% recommend!HilarySeptember 2016
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Perfect AinBnB experience. Steve was affable, generous, and expedient.TonyJuly 2016
Steve was a great host. He clearly has lot's of experience with rentals and set everything up perfectly for us. He had lots of great ideas for our stay and made sure we were comfortable with everything we needed.GregorySeptember 2016
Steve was a terrific host. He greeted us upon arrival and given that we were early and the room wasn't quite ready, he made some great suggestions for walks in the area while we waited. He checked on us as we we were coming and going. Shared the history of the barn and how it came to be built. The apartment was every thing we hoped for, cozy, clean, plenty of room for 2, well equipped kitchen. Thoughtful extras, like toothpaste and brushes. Wonderful food and coffee in the frig for our breakfasts. We felt well-cared for.LyleJuly 2016
在村子里,周边没什么商业设施。但除此之外,其他都很完美。早餐是史蒂文给你备好材料,你自己做,很有趣CHENGUOOctober 2016
A perfectly comfortable and well located place to visit Saugerties. We particularly appreciated the stocked kitchen (everything was provided for breakfast) and very clean bathroom. The only downside could be the sound insulation from the other units but we were lucky to have quiet neighbours the night we spent at Steve's.margauxOctober 2016
Totally inviting and comfortable. The day we arrived was chilly and upon entering the apartment we were warm and cozy. Perfect place to stay. The eggs, bagels, coffee etc ...... again perfect. Thank you SteveJulieNovember 2016
We were welcomed as soon as we walked in the door and after introductions taken to the apartment, shown the amenities (a welcome basket full of goodies), the food in the refrigerator amd other supplies. The apartment was perfect gor our needs. The beds were comfortable, super pillows, plenty of games & books to occupy us when we were not out and about. Nice bathroon, the 2 sinks came in handy. A comfortable livingroom, too. Kitchen had all that was needed to fix a nice breakfast to start us off in the mornings. We were gone all day so the beds were a welcome sight when we returned. I would definitely stay again & hopefully longer.SHARONMay 2016
Steve was a fantastic host! He recommended two perfect hikes for us as well as some restaurants, and was there to show us around the rooms when we arrived. The breakfast supplies were great too! We'll be back.NickOctober 2016
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We loved our stay at Rae's place! The loft was beautiful, open, and airy. Our family had the best time in Saugerties - the little shops and restaurants were great. We loved walking around and relaxing in the town. Highly recommend!! The chocolates Rae left for us were delicious!!SerafinaMay 2016
Rae's house was a great find. The ping pong table was fun, the record collection was eclectic and the location is great.SarahAugust 2016
It had a great 60's -70's vibe right in town with a great roof garden. Gourmet kitchen and lots of space to relax. Be sure to check out the chocolate and drink shop downstairs.FionaAugust 2016
Rae's loft was as bright and spacious as the pictures, and Rae ensured that it was absolutely inviting with little touches like a cold pitcher of water in the fridge to welcome us and recommendations for restaurants and spots to visit. There were so many cozy spots to lounge about in the loft during our relaxing weekend getaway from the city, and we almost didn't want to leave to explore the town. I would definitely rent Rae's again if I ever find myself back in the area!CeciliaMay 2016
Rae's Loft was even better than we expected, and we already expected a lot from the gorgeous photos. It was extremely spacious and clean. I couldn't get enough of the hammock and patio but having the ping pong table was such a nice bonus to keep our son entertained in the evenings. The location is perfect, this was our 3rd year in the Saugerties/Woodstock area and this was the most convenient for our son's camp at Catskill Animal Sanctuary and everything we wanted to do during the day while he was at camp. Just a really enjoyable stay. Rae even made sure to leave us vegan treats, such a thoughtful gesture. We'll be hoping it's available when we return next year!CaraJuly 2016
Another wonderful stay at this magical loft where we enjoyed all the comforts of home and easy access to Saugerties' charms. Can't wait to return and fight over who gets the first rest in the hammock. Thanks again, Rae!AmandaSeptember 2016
Awesome place! Clean, cool, and convenient!TommyNovember 2016
Rae's loft apartment is bright, eclectic and colorful. Somehow, beyond being aesthetically pleasing, it felt so warm and inviting. We stayed during the hottest weekend of the year thus far, but we were very comfortable in the air conditioned flat. Ooh... and the bathroom is well appointed and HUGE! The roof garden, like the rest of the apartment, is so, so unique! We had breakfast outdoors in the "back yard" on the two mornings we were there. Rae is obviously an expert host. There were directions for use of technology, cold treats in the frig and chocolates on the table when we arrived. Our ages ranged from 16 to 82 and everyone felt that this was a "best place to stay".kimberlyMay 2016
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We had a really lovely stay. Marilyn and Jeff were very welcoming and friendly-- and at the same time respectful of our privacy. The house is on a dead end street so very quiet-- but steps away from town --which has lovely stores, restaurants and a great bookstore. The room has a separate entrance from a lovely back yard with a bird feeder, screened tent to avoid mosquitoes. The bed was very comfortable. They provided us with plenty to eat--fresh fruit, yogurt, tea, orange juice,etc. The highlight of our trip was taking a 14 mile bike ride on the Saugerties bike trails which are well marked. We took the moderate B-loop which took us to the Hudson and through quiet back roads and historic buildings. We were just passing through but in the future would return to explore more.PatAugust 2015
Quaint, comfortable, thoughtfully stocked, clean, and a nice outdoor area to enjoy a glass of wine; what more could I have asked for? Communication with Marilyn easy and made checking in a snap. I would not hesitate to stay with her again.RickAugust 2015
This airbnb is a great location if you are showing at HITS! Room is beautifully decorated and perfectly set up for comfort. I loved having a fridge and coffee in my room. Also liked the private entrance. Marilyn was great at accommodating my late arrival and early departure.RachelAugust 2016
Marilyn was very pleasant made us feel welcome. She was flexible with check in and check out. Room is decorated with interesting antique furnishings. Very comfortable placeStevenJuly 2016
Marilyn was very welcoming and the accommodation was just as listed! The bed was comfortable, the bathroom/shower was excellent, and the outdoor space was a nice bonus. It was nice to be able to come and go from a private entrance. Marilyn also provided a lovely spread of breakfast coffee, fruit, and pastries!EmilyJuly 2016
From the moment we made contact, I knew this stay was going to be a great one! I arrived very late and Marilyn made sure I didn't feel bad about my late arrival. She stayed up with her hubby and their adorable dog to meet me and make sure I was all sorted and comfy for the evening. The room was located just off their dining room so you could enter through the house or via your own private entrance at the rear of the house. The furniture was just as pictured, making the room very inviting like a safe haven of pure rest and relaxation. The private bath was in very good original condition, very clean and filled with fresh (brand new) linens- including floor mats. The tempurpedic bed was so soft I almost didn't want to get up early in the morning. Since I was there for the horse show though, I had to force myself to get up and enjoy a breakfast of homemade muffins, fresh fruit and coffee and tea from the adorable station set up in my perfect, over-sized studio. There was even my own private fridge! When I had time, I would pause to look into the beautiful picturesque backyard, complete with a new deck with great outdoor furniture. Often, I would return home to find my newfound, temporary family enjoying the backyard and we'd share some great stories and even a few beers. They are just the nicest people and so great to spend time with. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with them and can't wait to return next year!ElizabethJune 2015
My husband and I felt welcome from the moment we arrived. It was as if we were meeting with lost lost relatives-that we had chosen. The room was so well appointed with beautiful antiques, a very comfortable bed, a gorgeous outdoor sitting area. We were surprised with unexpected gifts like a homemade carrot cake-the best I've ever had! The peacefulness, the warmth of spirit, the welcome, the kindness…I can't wait to return! Thank you Marilyn and Jeff!MagdalenaNovember 2015
Overall excellent hosts, great accomodation, very accessible location, just what we needed! Thanks, Marilyn!joAnneOctober 2016
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text:
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Water Influence on Mechanical Behaviour of Pavements: Constitutive Modelling
This chapter deals with the effects of water on the mechanical behaviour of pavements. The analysis is based on constitutive considerations. Constitutive models devoted to both routine and advanced pavement analysis and design are introduced and both the resilient behaviour as well as the long term elasto-plastic approaches are presented. As soon as the approach considers the material as a two phase (solid matrix and a fluid), the introduction of the effective stress concept is required. In the last section an analysis is made on the extension of the constitutive models to the characterisation of partially saturated materials.
Keywords: Constitutive models ; resilient behaviour ; elasto-plastic models ; effective stress ; suction effects
Record created on 2008-12-08, modified on 2016-08-08
- There is no available fulltext. Please contact the lab or the authors.