I’ve noticed something about my process when I am creating interactive programming systems: When and where I spend my time and effort is highly non-linear.
I will write large swaths of code in a very short amount of time, building in lots of capability with a broad brush. But then every so often, I will get to a particular design element and slow way down.
In my mind, it feels as though that particular detail represents the soul of the entire endeavor. If I were to gloss over it, then all would be lost. But if I manage to get that detail just right, it will redeem and elevate the entire enterprise.
And for all I know, that could be exactly true.