A role-by-role guide, with sources
What changes for you when software is built with AI?
Pick your role to get the short answer in 30 seconds: how your work shifts, which tools to start with and which skills to build. The evidence is one click away.
- 12 roles
- 45 tools
- 95 cited sources
- 51 from independent publishers
AI across the lifecycle
Pick a phase to see what changes
Find your role in the lifecycle
Dots show the phases where this guide lists changes for each role. Bigger dot, more changes listed.
The bar under each role runs from Plan to Operate. Filled segments are phases where this guide lists changes.
Role · filter by phase →
Product & Design
- Product Manager / Owner4/8 independentAI drafts and prototypes, so deciding what to build is the constraintChanges in: Plan, Requirements, Design, Build, Test
- Business Analyst4/7 independentAI drafts requirements; you add context and catch subtle errorsChanges in: Requirements, Design, Test
- UX/UI Designer4/8 independentAI speeds up drafts; design judgement and real research matter moreChanges in: Plan, Design, Build, Test
Engineering
- Software Architect4/8 independentMore time on constraints agents check and shared understandingChanges in: Plan, Design, Build, Test, Operate
- Software Developer / Engineer6/8 independentLess typing, more specifying, directing and reviewing agentsChanges in: Design, Build, Test, Deploy
- QA Engineer / Tester4/8 independentAI can draft and repair tests; testers direct and check the workChanges in: Plan, Requirements, Build, Test
- Security Engineer5/8 independentAI finds vulnerabilities; more of the work is verifying and patchingChanges in: Design, Build, Test, Operate
Operations & Data
Leadership & Delivery
- Project Manager4/8 independentAI drafts reports and risk flags; you check, escalate and alignChanges in: Plan, Build
- Scrum Master / Agile Coach4/8 independentFacilitate how the team uses AI and keep humans accountableChanges in: Plan, Requirements, Build, Test
- Engineering Manager4/8 independentThe job covers measuring AI impact, tool spend and junior growthChanges in: Plan, Build
Product & Design
Engineering
- Software ArchitectMore time on constraints agents check and shared understanding
- Software Developer / EngineerLess typing, more specifying, directing and reviewing agents
- QA Engineer / TesterAI can draft and repair tests; testers direct and check the work
- Security EngineerAI finds vulnerabilities; more of the work is verifying and patching