Start from outcomes, not demos
A convincing prototype is not a product. We anchor work in measurable outcomes — latency budgets, support deflection, or conversion — and design the smallest slice of automation that can move those numbers. Everything else waits.
- Define the metric before you choose a model or vendor.
- Time-box discovery so “research” does not swallow the roadmap.
- Prefer a boring baseline you can ship this month over a perfect future state.
If it is not tied to a product outcome, it is a side project — even when the demo is dazzling.