Thoughtworks Technology Podcast

Vibe coding, surprisingly named word of the year, is explored in-depth. The hosts discuss its definition, cultural meanings, and the shift from craft to engineering amidst emerging risks. They reveal how new tools and models enhance vibe coding but also introduce maintenance and security concerns. The conversation dives into the dangers of trusting AI-generated code blindly and emphasizes the need for rigorous verification and smart development practices. Ultimately, the discussion offers crucial insights for navigating the evolving tech landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Brandon Cook, a Principal Technologist at ThoughtWorks, delves into how generative AI is revolutionizing software development. He explores the nuances of coding agents and highlights the importance of sensible defaults and TDD practices in guiding these tools. Brandon emphasizes the balance between adopting new AI technologies and maintaining team efficiency. He introduces the concept of an autonomy slider to manage trust in these agents, and stresses the necessity of solid engineering foundations before leveraging AI to enhance workflows.

Bryan Oliver, a Principal Engineer at ThoughtWorks and expert in Kubernetes and platform engineering, dives deep into the AI-centric themes from the latest Radar. He discusses the critical need for infrastructure orchestration for AI workloads and how new Kubernetes tools can enhance scheduling for ML jobs. The conversation also covers the role of the Model Control Protocol in elevating AI agents, the transformative impact of AI across development workflows, and emerging anti-patterns that teams need to navigate in the evolving landscape of AI.

Tiankai Feng, Thoughtworks Global Director for Data and AI Strategy and author, discusses building human-centered AI strategies. He introduces his framework of the Five C's: competence, collaboration, communication, creativity, and conscience. Tiankai emphasizes the importance of human judgment in AI roles and the risks of relying solely on AI for creativity. He also advocates for integrating ethical measures alongside traditional metrics to evaluate AI initiatives, urging leaders to keep the human aspect at the forefront of their strategies.

Bharani Subramaniam, a ThoughtWorks technologist specializing in AI systems, and Alessio Ferri, an expert in developer tooling, delve into the fascinating world of context engineering. They unpack what context means in AI, emphasizing its crucial role in improving model quality and reducing hallucinations. The duo also shares innovative techniques like KV Cache and RAG, exploring how context management could evolve akin to operating systems. Their discussion highlights the broader implications for developers and users alike, advocating for a thoughtful approach to context in technology.

Scott Davies, Head of Technology for ThoughtWorks Europe, and Christopher Hastings, Global Tech Product Lead, delve into the evolving relationship between citizen developers and seasoned software engineers. They discuss the benefits of rapid prototyping and the risks of shadow IT when non-developers build solutions without a technical background. The conversation highlights the importance of strong governance and collaboration, offering practical tips for empowering citizen developers while maintaining security and efficiency. A lively debate unfolds on fostering mutual understanding and avoiding organizational friction.

Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais, co-authors of Team Topologies, dive into the challenges of integrating AI into organizational design. They explore how generative AI can transform team dynamics and enhance productivity while emphasizing the need for structure without stifling creativity. The duo discusses the importance of team autonomy and adaptability, revealing insights from diverse organizations on optimizing workflows. Their conversation also previews the evolution of their ideas ahead of the second edition of Team Topologies, set to launch in September 2025.

Birgitta Böckeler, a distinguished engineer and generative AI expert, and Chandirasekar Thiagarajan, a seasoned tech principal with retail experience, dive into legacy modernization. They discuss how generative AI can reverse engineer aging systems without full access to code, revolutionizing the process. The conversation includes practical applications of tools like Playwright for user journey analysis and data-driven insights to reconstruct application logic. They also highlight challenges of decompiling legacy binaries and the need for careful risk management when using AI.

Simon Noonan, CTO at MYOB with over 25 years in tech, and May Xu, Head of Tech for Thoughtworks APAC, dive into the practicalities of AI in business. They discuss the delicate balance of optimism and caution while utilizing AI tools. Topics include a new strategy for enhancing customer experience through AI, building organizational AI literacy, and the importance of governance. The duo also emphasizes the need for effective leadership and collaboration to navigate AI adoption challenges, ensuring responsible and impactful integration.

Heidi Waterhouse, a seasoned public speaker and documentarian, dives into the essential role of documentation in today’s AI-driven software landscape. She and host Lilly Ryan discuss how human insight is vital in capturing what AI often misses, especially in technical writing and prompt engineering. They also explore the importance of indexing for information accessibility and the balance between AI automation and accurate communication. Plus, hear about her upcoming book, Progressive Delivery, aimed at connecting software delivery with business value.