The Rising Bar for Building Great Software | Insights from SXSW 2023

Insights from SXSW 2024#

As the CTO of PromptLoop AI, I recently had the privilege of attending SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX, where I had the opportunity to connect with fellow Y Combinator CTOs. Throughout our conversations, one theme consistently emerged: the rising bar for building great software in the era of AI.

It's becoming increasingly clear that AI models are transforming the way companies approach software development, even if AI isn't their core offering. At PromptLoop AI, we witness this shift firsthand as we help teams automate data work by enabling them to run AI tasks on spreadsheet files. The integration of AI is reshaping consumer expectations, and companies must adapt to stay competitive.

During our discussions, we delved into how AI models are taking on tasks that would have previously been assigned to team members. While these models may be handling relatively simple tasks at present, their impact on workflow and productivity is significant. This shift is akin to the difference between hiring a new co-worker and trying out a new application – it fundamentally changes the way we approach problem-solving and customer service.

As customer demands for quality evolve in response to AI-driven solutions, companies must work harder than ever to raise the bar on what they deliver. At PromptLoop AI, we strive to under-promise and over-deliver, ensuring that our AI-powered tools consistently exceed expectations. However, this is easier said than done.

Companies that rely on AI models and take their data and quality seriously face numerous challenges. From data accuracy and privacy concerns to model transparency and explainability, there are many hurdles to overcome. It was refreshing to sit down with fellow builders at SXSW and openly discuss these shared challenges. Knowing that other companies are climbing similar hills in their quest to provide the best possible service was both reassuring and inspiring.

So, what can companies do to navigate this new landscape? Based on our conversations, here are a few key takeaways:

Invest in data quality: AI models are only as good as the data they're trained on. Prioritize data accuracy, consistency, and completeness to ensure your AI-driven solutions are built on a solid foundation.

Prioritize transparency: As AI becomes more integral to software development, it's crucial to be transparent about how models are being used and how they impact the user experience. Build trust with your customers by clearly communicating the role of AI in your products and services.

Foster collaboration: The challenges posed by AI are complex and multifaceted. Foster collaboration among teams – from data scientists and engineers to product managers and designers – to ensure a holistic approach to AI integration.