Cortex 172: David Pierce – State of the Workflow
243 snips
Oct 21, 2025 
David Pierce, Editor at Large at The Verge, shares insights into his workflow while reviewing the Humane AI Pin. He discusses the balance of work and personal computing, managing notifications, and the storytelling approach in product reviews. David emphasizes the importance of living with a device before sharing a critique, while also highlighting the positive side of tech through his Installer newsletter. The conversation touches on podcasting chemistry, editing collaboration, and the art of creating engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.
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Make One Device Your Workplace
- David Pierce makes his M4 Mac mini the center of his work to enforce a physical boundary between work and home.
- Confining work to a single place helps him leave work mentally when he leaves the basement.
Reviews As Feature Stories
- Treat product reviews as feature stories where the gadget is the main character and the review tells a lived experience.
- A strong review shows what the world looks like through the device, not just specs.
Test Fast, Then Live With It
- Test aggressively by running a device through every advertised use-case quickly to find functional limits.
- Then live with the device for days to see how it fits into real life and reveal practical problems.