Finding metaphors for getting better understanding in your IT projects

Situation:Expansion of running application (discussion of building a new module on it), meeting with you (developer), bunch of other guys (donno what they do really...)

Comments during meeting:
They: Just expand it ! We do not have to think, you just expand, you build it before, this is just the same.

you: it doesn't work this way, things have to be looked up/ defined / designed, then building, than testing then production etc.

They: ok, tell us what you need, what do you need what we have to find out ?
They: why do you have to test ? you build the other modules before right ?
They: how can this module be difficult ? It's the same as the other modules!

Metaphor:
You: Lets pretend you are working for a major car builder, lets say opel. You invent, develop and produce cars. We are in a meeting to discuss a new model for opel, something like the 'Opel grand futura'.
This new model is a car, and it IS from Opel. But that's where the comparison stops!
It is NOT the same as the previous, it has a different engine, different suspension etc etc. BUT the WORK-PROCESS CAN be the same; so I need to develop the enging, body works, suspension etc etc (maybe based on previous model-suspension / engine etc) but YOU guys ALSO need to performe some actions like, promoting the car, create a manual, prepare for launch, PR, commercial stuff etc. etc.
Stuff I don't do as a developer.

So DON'T ask me what YOU should do, please learn those lessons yourself!
(and execute them..)

buying a (slr?) camera

you asked me what I suggest for buying a nice camera... Well... I have some experience (bought loads of them myself) :P
But the main issue is.. what you wanna do with it... I own a Nikon D70s, D80 and D90 camera; which are Single Lens Reflex camera's (you look through the lens by using a mirror and a pentaprism).
pro: You can buy as much lenses as you wish, each with their own price and possibilities
pro: you get a cam that always works, responds very fast (to capture the fast moments) and no issues with batteries or so.con: they are heavy (also depending on the lens you put on)

con: lenses can be expensive
con: to get great pictures in low-light conditions (indoors) you must spent more money then some cheaper compact camera's
con: heavy!

Nikon, Canon, Sony or Olympus ? (my tip is to go to the shop, hold them in your hand and choose the one which feels good to you, in quality things are almost the same)

Compact camera's:
con: less control on focus / exposure (no special effect photos)
con: not expandable

pro: no dirt in the camera (fixed lens)
pro: small and light !pro: newest nice to haves are implemented (smile detection, taking movies with them as well etc etc)

I don't know your experience in photography so it's my general story i tell to people; If you like some details, feel free to mail me your questions, i'll try to answer them :)

my buying tips if you want to buy a SLR:(between the steps several years can pass.. (to save some money ;) )

1) Nikon D60 / D90 / D5000 /D700 (depending on budget) + 18-105 VR kit lens
2) external flashlight: SB-600 /SB-900 (for great indoor pictures, flash using the ceiling)
3) Nikon 50 mm 1.4 (about $50, great great lens)
4) Nikon 70-300 VR telephoto lens
5) Sigma 10-20 mm for Nikon

If you like you can see very nice reviews of almost every SLR and Compact camera's out there @ dpreview