Presentation: The Reinvention of the Dev Team

Hannah Foxwell, an independent consultant in platform engineering, security, and agentic AI, presents an insightful discussion on the evolution of development teams. She explores the shift from traditional velocity-focused engineering to a new paradigm where AI agents take center stage.

Foxwell argues that while velocity has indeed arrived, organizations are still grappling with how to effectively utilize AI agents in their development processes. She introduces three core principles to guide teams through this transition: building software that holds intrinsic value, emphasizing automated safety over speed, and preserving the human touch through versatile skillsets and sustainable practices.

Foxwell's expertise spans over a decade in platform engineering, and she shares her firsthand experiences of how teams have improved their velocity through incremental advancements in technology. She delves into the transformative impact of Agile, cloud computing, DevOps, and continuous delivery, showcasing how these innovations have accelerated software development.

The introduction of AI agents, such as those utilized in platforms like Cursor, represents a significant leap forward. These agents are now capable of performing a multitude of tasks, from writing tests to deploying applications, thereby reshaping the roles of human developers. Foxwell emphasizes that the future of software development will likely involve a collaborative effort between humans and AI agents, each contributing their unique strengths to the process.

Her talk serves as a cautionary yet optimistic exploration of this emerging landscape. While she acknowledges that many organizations are not yet prepared for the implications of AI-driven development, she encourages experimentation and learning from the experiences of early adopters. Foxwell believes that by grounding their vision in the three anchors outlined, teams can navigate this new era of software development with confidence and foresight.