The Stack Overflow Podcast Interface is everything, and everything is an interface
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Dec 12, 2025 Wesley Yu, Head of Engineering at Metalab and a seasoned technologist, shares insights into the ever-evolving landscape of digital interfaces. He discusses how modern demands on user interfaces influence backend systems and explains that AI is simply the latest iteration of traditional apps. Wesley also delves into the integration of AI as a user interface for data, the importance of designing intuitive interactions, and the future of AI in personalized learning. Expect a fascinating exploration into how interfaces shape our tech experiences!
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Nonlinear Path Into Engineering
- Wesley shared his path from photography and radio into a coding bootcamp and Ruby on Rails.
- He credited Metalab and a coding bootcamp for launching his engineering career.
Mobile Reset User Expectations
- Mobile changed expectations by making interfaces direct, gestural, and always-with-you.
- Notifications and sensors created habit loops that altered how apps demand attention.
Plan For Future Stateful Needs
- Plan for statefulness even if you start with serverless stateless architecture.
- Anticipate collaborative expectations and design backend accordingly.