Meaning: This quote by Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original members of the Apple Macintosh development team, provides insight into the dynamics and evolution of a project, specifically in the context of the Macintosh computer. Hertzfeld's words reflect the iterative and collaborative nature of the project, shedding light on the various stages and processes involved in its development.

Hertzfeld's mention of the size of the project being "pretty good" suggests that the team had an optimal number of members for the task at hand. This indicates that the team was likely well-balanced in terms of skills, experience, and expertise, allowing them to effectively tackle the challenges associated with developing the Macintosh. The phrase "the size we had was pretty good" implies that the team size was sufficient to handle the project's complexities without being overly burdensome.

Furthermore, Hertzfeld's reference to different stages in the project highlights the sequential progression of the Macintosh development process. This suggests that the project was structured with distinct phases, each requiring specific tasks and contributions from the team members. It underscores the organized and methodical approach taken by the team in bringing the Macintosh to fruition.

The mention of writing manuals and conducting testing as the project progresses reveals the multifaceted nature of the development process. Manuals are essential for providing users with guidance on operating the product, while testing is crucial for ensuring the functionality, reliability, and performance of the Macintosh. Hertzfeld's acknowledgment of these activities underscores the comprehensive nature of the project, encompassing not only technical development but also user documentation and quality assurance.

Interestingly, Hertzfeld's comment that the Mac had no formal testing is a notable revelation about the early days of the Macintosh development. This insight provides a glimpse into the unconventional and perhaps more agile approach taken by the team at that time. While formal testing processes are customary in software and hardware development, the absence of such formalities for the Macintosh suggests that the team relied on alternative methods to validate the product's functionality and usability. This unconventional approach may have been driven by the pioneering spirit of the team and the urgency to deliver a groundbreaking product within a competitive industry.

In summary, Andy Hertzfeld's quote encapsulates the collaborative, iterative, and multifaceted nature of the Macintosh project. It provides valuable perspective on the team dynamics, project stages, and unconventional testing practices employed during the development of this iconic computer. Hertzfeld's insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of a revolutionary product and the creative ingenuity that shaped its creation.