Why Should You Give Your IT Team Room to Experiment?
What is experimenting in IT all about?

Experimenting in IT isn't just about "playing with new gadgets." It's about consciously creating an environment where team members-developers, PMs, UX designers, testers, and analysts-can explore new solutions, technologies, and processes without the pressure of immediate results. This approach has been used for years by tech giants like Google and Atlassian, where employees have dedicated time for their own projects. However, it's also being adopted by smaller software houses and startups, proving that innovation isn't exclusive to large corporations. Of course, small and medium-sized IT companies can't afford a "20% time for personal projects" model. But that doesn't mean experimenting has no place. On the contrary, a flexible approach is enough: one afternoon a month, an internal hackathon, or a few hours within a sprint. These actions don't require huge financial outlays but yield real results in the form of knowledge, new skills, and fresh ideas. For us at Yellows, experimenting isn't a passing fad; it's a foundation for growth. We believe that true progress in IT isn't born at a desk filled with plans and analyses, but in action-when code is run, a prototype is tested with users, and a process is proven in a real project.

Why does experimenting in IT pay off?
Creativity not only in coding

The best ideas emerge when the team has the freedom to experiment. Developers test new libraries, Project Managers and Scrum Masters try fresh methods for running sprints, and UX designers create bold prototypes that can completely change how a product is used. Often, these "small tests"-which at first glance seem like curiosities-become the foundation for solutions later implemented in commercial projects. In our own practice, we've repeatedly seen that that creativity is born from freedom, not from rigid procedures.

Accelerating company innovation

Experimenting helps a company learn faster what works and what doesn't. Instead of analyzing risks for weeks, you can test a hypothesis in just a few days, discard failed ideas, and focus on what actually works.
There's no need to copy big corporations. In small and medium-sized software houses, it's enough to organize a short hackathon, allocate part of a sprint for testing, or encourage the team to run weekly "micro-experiments." This approach allows you to develop innovation in practice without overly burdening your budget or schedule. From our experience, it's clear: you can't plan innovation on a piece of paper. You have to experience it, test it, and confront it with reality.

Boosting team motivation and engagement

Experimenting also acts as a powerful motivator. It sends a simple signal to employees: "We trust You." For IT specialists, autonomy and a sense of agency are stronger motivators than bonuses or KPIs alone.
This isn't just for developers. A PM who can test a new backlog management model or a UX designer who has time to prototype bolder solutions also feels greater satisfaction and is more engaged in their daily work.

How to introduce a culture of experimentation in a software house

Allocate time for experiments

You don't have to invest a huge amount of resources right away. Start with simple forms:

• - one afternoon a month
  - short hackathons
  - designating part of a sprint for testing new solution

• Even such small initiatives can energize the team and unleash true creativity.

Accept mistakes as part of the process

Experimenting always involves the risk of failure. In a growth-oriented culture, a mistake is a piece of information, not a reason for criticism. At Yellows, we apply this principle daily, so every team member, regardless of their role, feels safe proposing innovative, sometimes very bold, solutions.

Give experiments a direction

Freedom doesn't mean chaos. It's worth pointing out specific areas where experiments make the most sense, for example:
- increasing performance of systems
- automating repetitive tasks
- a fresh look at UX
- testing new project management methods
 

This way, the team knows that their ideas have a real impact on the company's growth and value for clients. Real-world examples – our Challenger and Joblog projects

Challenger
We treated this project like a startup-a platform for challenges and competition https://thechallenger.app/. We're still developing it, even if it's not always the top priority. In this project, we tested the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) approach, building subsequent versions and testing their usability before further investment. This experience showed us that rapid prototyping and experimentation are the best methods for mitigating risk.

Joblog
Our internal system started as a simple experiment to track the working hours of developers and PMs. Over time, it grew to include vacation modules and other functionalities. Although we never released it to the public, it was a learning ground for us, especially in UX and adapting a tool to user needs.
Both projects were innovation laboratories for us. They allowed us to test processes, develop the team's skills, and build know-how that we now use in commercial projects.

Summary - Experiments as the foundation of growth

Experimenting in IT isn't a luxury reserved for global giants. It's a practice that even a small software house can implement-and one that provides immense value. By giving your team space to experiment, you:
- foster individual creativity (of developers, PMs, UX designers),
- accelerate innovation across the entire team
- build a culture of openness and motivation

Our experiences with Challenger and Joblog prove that even internal projects that may never hit the market can become a source of knowledge and inspiration. So, if you manage an IT company, remember you don't have to be Google to experiment. Sometimes, a small initiative is enough to start a process that will change the way your team works.

Experiments are not an add-on. They are the foundation of a modern software house's growth.

FAQ - Experimenting in IT

1. What does experimenting in IT mean?

It's about testing new technologies, tools, and processes in a safe environment, without the pressure of fast results.

2. Can small software houses experiment?

Yes. All it takes is, for example, one afternoon a month, a few hours in a sprint, or a small hackathon.

3. What are the benefits for the company?

Greater creativity, faster innovation, a more engaged team, and less risk of making wrong decisions.

4. How do you introduce a culture of experimentation?

Start with small steps: allocate time, accept mistakes, and point out areas for testing.

5. Are failed attempts a waste of time?

No. Every experience provides knowledge and helps you avoid costly mistakes in the future.

Yellows Team