"Functional systems are often more valuable and user-friendly than those optimized solely for performance. While performance is important, it can often be fine-tuned or improved later, whereas functionality directly impacts usability and user experience from the start."

Balancing functionality and performance is a critical challenge in software development. I start by understanding business goals and user needs: if functionality is a key differentiator, it takes precedence, while performance optimization follows. Conversely, if users prioritize speed, performance becomes the focus. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess how functionality impacts performance, analyzing trade-offs like scalability and response times. If conflicts persist, I rely on data-driven decision-making. Metrics such as response time and user engagement, along with A/B testing, guide us to make informed choices. This ensures we deliver a balanced product that meets both functional and performance expectations.

Ultimately, business and architecture drive outcomes. If a company struggles to define its niche and needs new functionality, business priorities often outweigh speed. Conversely, when speed is critical, it takes precedence—even if challenging within the current architecture. I believe there’s always room for innovation. Teams should identify opportunities—whether in functionality or performance—and proactively communicate them to the business. Collaboration and foresight are key to aligning technical possibilities with business goals. Know your client.

Tout dépend de la cible utilisateur. Voyons le problème à l'envers, je suis un utilisateur et j'ai le choix entre un produit laid et ultra-complet, ou attractif mais relativement pauvre en fonctionnalité. Comme vous le dîtes, ça dépendra des besoins des utilisateurs, et c'est pour ça que vous utilisez GMail et pas un serveur SFTP personnalisé. Vous perdez du contrôle et des performances sur votre boîte mail car vous n'en avez pas besoin. C'est pareil pour un produit/projet au sein d'une équipe. À qui s'adresse le logiciel? Ce logiciel intègre-t-il une suite automatisable dans un système critique? Répondre à ça répondra à votre question.

When your team is torn between functionality and performance, seeking feedback is the best way to strike the right balance. Organize open discussions to understand each member’s perspective, identifying which features are essential and which can be adjusted to enhance performance. Gather data and insights about the impact of each choice on the end user, using these elements to support your decisions. This collaborative approach helps align the team, prioritize strategically, and deliver a product that balances efficiency and value.