Boundaries of Agentic Work

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In Progress

Hypothesis:

• AI agents are not good at all aspects of engineering work.
• How can we optimize their strengths while keeping humans in the loop for weaknesses?

Questions:

• What are agents good at?
• What are agents bad at?
• What does engineering SDLC currently look like?
• Where do agents fit into that loop?
• Where can agents bridge gaps

Notes:

• Where should agentic work start and stop?
• I think using agents for a "first pass" is a mistake. It will introduce unexamined assumptions
  • PRs are hard to review, particularly from agents
  • Context gathering is the most critical piece that needs a human -- someone needs a theory of software!
• HITL work needs humans at the start and end of any process.
  • Agents should accelerate single-human tasks
• That doesn't mean we should maintain current role boundaries
  • Expanding/adjusting roles may be necessary

References:

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