The 10X AI developer

I was intrigued by this perspective of the 10X developer

to summarise

A true 10x developer isn't defined by writing the most code or closing the most tickets but by their ability to elevate those around them. They prioritize understanding the problem and its purpose over showcasing technical skills. By focusing on the "why" behind their work and emphasizing customer impact, they ensure meaningful solutions. While technical excellence is important, aligning it with the bigger picture is what truly sets them apart.

This led me to question - how would this concept of 10X developer apply to the 10X AI developer? ie the developer assisted by AI who seeks to achieve the same effects?

Applying the idea of a true 10x developer as outlined above to the concept of a 10x AI developer involves a significant mindset shift: moving away from focusing on the amount of code generated and instead leveraging AI tools to amplify problem-solving, collaboration, and customer impact.

1. Making Others Better

Create a culture where AI becomes a force multiplier for everyone.

2. Focusing on Understanding the Problem

Using a generative AI model to map out possible solutions or visualize workflows, helping clarify the "why" behind the development process.

3. Asking "What Problem Are We Solving?"

Rapidly analyze customer feedback, mine insights from data, or conduct rapid testing of hypotheses.

4. Focusing on Customer Impact

Ensure that iterations are tied to user-centric metrics (e.g., usability, performance, adoption rates).

5. Enhancing Collaboration

Use AI tools to bridge communication gaps, such as summarizing technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders or generating visual diagrams.

6. Balancing Technical Excellence with Purpose

Ensures the code aligns with the product vision and solves the right problems i.e. prioritizing maintainability and scalability of AI-generated code rather than blindly deploying it.

7. Elevating Strategy with AI

Smarter decisions that avoid technical debt and maximize ROI.

8. Making AI a Catalyst, Not a Crutch

Using AI to push boundaries—solving problems that would be impractical or impossible without AI.

Essentially, the 10x AI developer magnifies the attributes of the 10X developer through AI. This is not an isolated developer - but rather a collaborative function. This makes them not just faster coders, but leaders in solving meaningful problems.

I am exploring these ideas in my teaching. If you want to study with me, please see my course at the #universityofoxford see our course on #AI #genAI and #mlops