The Model T, the DeLorean and Why AI Hasn’t Finished Changing Software Delivery (Yet)

This presentation explores how disruptive technologies typically evolve by first being added to existing ways of working before eventually reshaping them entirely. Using the evolution of the automobile as an analogy, it examines what that pattern might mean for software delivery, the SDLC, AI coding agents and Specification-Driven Development. These slides are to accompany an article on our website.

Transcript

1. The Model T, the DeLorean and THE Future of AI Software Delivery Oliver Smith | WORKSHOP IT | JULY 2026 Read the accompanying article at workshopit.com.au
2. Level 0 Traditional Level 1 Augmentation. Add the ‘new thing’ (engine) to the existing (carriage) Level 2 Experimentation. Reimagine it. Fail and Repeat. Level 3 Convergence. Make it boring. EVOLUTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES v v Oliver Smith | WORKSHOP IT | JULY 2026
3. EVOLUTION OF SOFTWARE DELIVERY DUE TO AI Level 0 Traditional Level 1 Augmentation Level 2 Experimentation Level 3 Convergence Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) AI-Assisted SDLC e.g. Specification-Driven Development • Industry norms established • Human roles evolve • Tooling becomes interoperable • AI is assumed The landscape is normalised, progression stagnates and we start at level 0 again once a new technology emerges • Sequential delivery lifecycle • Requirements drive development • Developers write implementation • Testing validates completed work • AI not involved • Existing SDLC remains unchanged • AI assists each delivery activity • Requirements refined by AI • Code generated and completed by AI assistants • AI supports testing, documentation and reviews • Humans remain responsible for delivery decisions • Behaviour described through specifications • AI executes the work • Humans review and refine • Specifications evolve continuously alongside the product • Delivery is centred on intent rather than code Nobody knows WHEN or WHAT this is Most organisations are currently between Levels 0 and 1. Some are experimenting with Level 2. Oliver Smith | WORKSHOP IT | JULY 2026
4. BALANCING RISK AND EXPERIMENTATION Oliver Smith | WORKSHOP IT | JULY 2026 Risk Velocity SDLC Vibe coding Spec-Driven Development Freestyle Varying Guardrails strictness
5. Visit WORKSHOP IT Connect with me on LinkedIn If you found this presentation useful, please feel free to share it. Attribution to Workshop IT (workshopit.com.au) is appreciated. Follow WORKSHOP IT Oliver Smith Business Analyst Contactor Co-founder of WORKSHOP IT