tech
February 11, 2026
Why play is producing better software than strategy right now + grab the 4 prompts I use before I build anything
Something clicked in the last six weeks, and the word I keep reaching for is playfulness. Which is probably not what you expect.
TL;DR
- The current AI discourse is dominated by anxieties (job loss, deepfakes, existential risk).
- A parallel trend shows AI tools becoming more playful, turning software building into a less work-like activity.
- Improvements in AI models (context, agentic patterns, platforms) have significantly reduced building friction.
- This reduced friction allows for experimentation with "dumb ideas" and testing demand more easily.
- Examples like the Fable service (AI-generated Renaissance pet portraits) highlight the success of playful creation.
- The article promises to explore "vibe coding," software vision, failure modes, tool choices, and essential skills for AI software creation.
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