The InfoQ Podcast Mental Models in Architecture & Societal Views of Technology: A Conversation with Nimisha Asthagiri
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Oct 13, 2025 Nimisha Asthagiri, Global Director in Data and AI at ThoughtWorks, chats about the significance of systems thinking and mental models in architecture. She reveals how misalignments in technology can lead to societal issues, emphasizing responsible AI practices. Nimisha discusses scaling multi-agent systems and the delicate balance of human involvement in tech operations. She envisions a harmonious relationship with AI that respects human agency, and shares her passion for simplifying complex designs while advocating for better architectural outcomes.
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From Robotics To Chief Architect
- Nimisha's architecture path began with a college robotics competition and later leading edX's monolith decomposition.
- She learned domain-driven design, started a book club, and became chief architect by influencing change.
Product Work Lives In Complexity
- Product engineering sits in the complex domain with many unknowns and feedback loops, making systems thinking essential.
- Architects must design for emergent user behavior, not just for known technical processes.
Iceberg View Reveals Leverage Points
- Systems thinking reveals that visible events are symptoms of deeper structures and mental models.
- Architects can gain leverage by uncovering and reframing those mental models to change system behavior.
