Collective Wisdom from the Experts 105
Depending on the type of extreme feedback device, you can hear the build
break, see the red warning signals in your code, or even smell your code smells.
The devices can be replicated at different locations if you work on a distributed
team. You can place a traffic light in your project manager’s office, indicating
overall project health state. Your project manager will appreciate it.
Let your creativity guide you in choosing an appropriate device. If your culture
is rather geeky, you might look for ways to equip your team mascot with radio-
controlled toys. If you want a more professional look, invest in sleek designer
lamps. Search the Internet for more inspiration. Anything with a power plug
or a remote control has the potential to be used as an extreme feedback device.
The extreme feedback device acts as the voice box of your project. The project
now resides physically with the developers, complaining to or praising them
according to the rules the team has chosen. You can drive this personification
further by applying speech-synthesis software and a pair of loudspeakers. Now
your project really speaks for itself.