Episode 775 | A.I. Coding Tools, User Experience, Racking Your Own Servers, and More Listener Questions (with Derrick Reimer)

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May 20, 2025

Derrick Reimer, Founder of SavvyCal and expert in user experience, shares insights on startup development. He discusses the impact of AI coding tools on building MVPs while emphasizing the importance of user-centric design. The conversation delves into the costs of leaving the cloud versus on-prem solutions, alongside tips for better email deliverability. Derrick also stresses the importance of validating ideas through user feedback, underlining that understanding customer needs remains crucial, no matter how fast you move.

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ADVICE

AI Speeds MVPs but Risks Loom

AI coding tools can drastically shorten MVP development time but code maintainability is still a concern.
Use AI to quickly prototype and validate ideas, but rely on technical knowledge to ensure quality and long-term usability.

INSIGHT

AI Strength in Test Code

AI excels at generating thorough test code that covers many permutations.
This capability speeds development and helps build a stronger, more maintainable foundation.

ADVICE

Validate Before You Build Fast

Validate demand before building, even if AI drastically reduces build time.
Use customer conversations and landing pages to test ideas before heavy development.

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What shortcuts are actually worth taking when you're building a SaaS?

In this episode, Rob Walling and fan favorite Derrick Reimer delve into listener questions about startup development. They discuss the impact of AI coding tools on building minimum viable products (MVPs) and the importance of user experience (UX) with advice on balancing UX investment based on the product's nature.

You’ll also hear a breakdown of the real costs of leaving the cloud, plus tips on email deliverability and validation. Throughout, they highlight how validating ideas through user feedback and research is still critical, no matter how fast you build.

Episode Sponsor:

This podcast is brought to you by Mercury. I've been banking with Mercury for years and whenever I set up a new account, I'm reminded why traditional banking feels stuck in the past.

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Topics we cover:

(4:55) – How AI coding tools are changing the MVP timeline
(16:11) – When UX design actually matters (and when it doesn’t)
(23:47) – Should you ditch cloud hosting for your own servers?
(32:38) – Pro tips on email deliverability and keeping out of spam folders

Links from the Show:

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

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