This session provided an in-depth walkthrough of the current and emerging professional workflows for building software with AI, focusing on tools like Cursor, Taskmaster, and custom rules by Ryan Carson.
Key workflow changes were discussed, emphasizing a move from manual AI prompting to a more structured, task-directed approach using a PRD and task breakdowns.
The meeting featured hands-on demonstrations of Taskmaster and a lighter-weight rules-based approach, discussing their benefits and areas for customization.
Upcoming workshops and additional resources for AI-driven development were mentioned, with an invitation for further questions from the audience.
Action Items
(No due date – Attendees/Audience): Submit top questions about AI-driven professional coding in the comments for future coverage.
(No due date – Workshop Organizer): Notify interested parties about the upcoming workshop on professional AI-driven software development.
Current State of AI-Driven Software Development Workflows
The industry has evolved through three major workflow changes: from tab-completion coding (e.g., GitHub Copilot), to agent mode (AI writing most code via prompts in an integrated environment like Cursor), to the emerging “task-directed development.”
Task-directed development uses a PRD (Project Requirements Document) as the central source of truth, which is then converted into high-level tasks and subtasks for the AI to execute.
While agent mode increased efficiency, it highlighted issues with prompt fatigue and inefficiency, addressed by the new structured workflow.
Demonstration and Comparison of AI Tools
Taskmaster:
Facilitates the creation of a PRD from a user’s idea, autogenerates organized task lists and subtasks, analyzes task complexity, and automates execution using dependencies and priorities.
Stores instructions per task and supports auto-running tasks to minimize manual intervention, but may feel overly complex for users seeking a more lightweight process.
Ryan Carson’s Cursor Rules Approach:
Relies on three Cursor rules files to mimic the same high-level process (create PRD, generate tasks, process task list) but is lighter and easily customizable.
Prompts for clarifying questions, generates markdown checklists for tasks, and marks completed items automatically.
Found to be easier to read, edit, and adapt for specific workflows or preferences.
Professionalism and Adaptation
Frontloading creativity and decision-making in the PRD phase is emphasized as the main area for expert input, with AI acting as an efficient "junior developer."
The process is adaptable; users are encouraged to modify rules and steps to fit their unique project or organizational needs.
The workflow supports ongoing oversight, iterative improvement, and maintains opportunities for professional design and development judgment.
Decisions
Adoption of Task-Directed Development as the New Norm — The team (or presenter) is moving towards structured, PRD-first, task-driven workflows for professional-grade AI software development because it reduces errors, increases efficiency, and maintains high standards of creativity and oversight.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
How will more complex, multi-layered projects be managed and customized using these workflows?
What further customizations and integrations (e.g., specific component libraries or design systems) are most beneficial for individual or team adoption?
Details on the upcoming workshop (date, format) to be shared with interested parties.