Backwards design or understanding by design is a principle that has remarkable crossover between two seemingly disparate worlds: teaching and software engineering. Once you explore the topic though, the connections become apparent. How do I create [blank] so that it has the outcome I want? Whether [blank] is a curriculum unit or a new app, focusing on your end result helps lend structure to your creative process. This talk will explore both of those scenarios as well as proposing the idea that it can be expanded to help you reach other goals in your personal and professional life. Practical guides included.