Lifestyle Design – Richard Callaby

Does A.I. help or slow down developers?

Is AI Slowing Down Senior Developers—and Is It Worth It for Business?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbot-based coding assistants promise to enhance productivity in the workplace. Yet emerging evidence suggests that experienced developers often experience slower performance when using these tools—and this raises important questions about their usefulness in high-skill business contexts.

What the Research Shows: Senior Developers May Be Slower with AI

A controlled trial by METR involving 16 veteran developers using tools like Cursor Pro and Claude Sonnet found that AI increased task completion time by ~19%, despite participants expecting a 20–24% speed-up. Time was lost reviewing and correcting flawed outputs and dealing with context mismatches.
Another controlled Google study with 96 full-time engineers found a 21% reduction in time spent, but specifically observed that developers with more code experience benefited more—suggesting the effectiveness of AI varies significantly across experience levels .

Broader Industry Findings: Productivity Gains Are Real—but Uneven

Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey (2024): Most users report satisfaction and perceived productivity increases with tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. However, 38% of users say the code was inaccurate half the time, and many questioned reliability. Nearly half believe AI performs poorly on complex tasks, with mistrust of output (66%) and lack of project context (63%) commonly cited issues.
Qodo’s AI code quality report (June 2025): 78% of developers say AI tools improved productivity, but 65% say AI misses critical task context, and 76% don’t fully trust generated code—necessitating manual review that slows workflows.
LeadDev Engineering Leadership Report (June 2025): Among 617 senior engineering leaders surveyed, only 6% saw significant productivity improvements from coding AIs, and 39% observed small gains of 1–10%.

Experimental Studies: Junior vs. Senior Developer Benefit

A McKinsey case study shows generative AI can cut time spent on tasks like documentation or refactoring by up to 50%, but carries warning that domain-specific complexities require careful implementation for sustained benefits.
In a field experiment at Microsoft and Accenture, Copilot users generated 26% more pull requests per week, but productivity gains were significantly higher for junior developers; senior developers saw no statistically significant improvement in several cases.
Another randomized experiment reported tasks completed nearly 56% faster when using AI pair programming—though this largely benefitted less experienced users.
MIT Sloan analysis similarly found that AI assistance yields small speed gains but slight quality reductions for highly experienced professionals, while lifting both speed and quality for lower-skilled workers.

Why Do Senior Developers Often Slow Down?

Context mismatch: AI lacks deep awareness of proprietary codebases, architectural patterns, and business logic—leading to suggestions that require heavy validation or rejection.
Review overhead: Experienced developers report spending more time verifying and cleaning AI output than writing code manually—especially for complex or critical tasks (IT Pro, TIME).
Trust gap: Many professionals don’t fully trust AI-generated code, especially in high-stakes production environments, which undermines adoption (PR Newswire).

Should Businesses Still Use AI Tools?

Yes—but with caution. The value of AI tools depends heavily on the user and task:

For junior or less experienced developers, or for well-scoped repetitive tasks like documentation, boilerplate, or initial prototyping, studies consistently show meaningful productivity gains (20–50%).
For senior professionals, the benefits are far smaller—and may even reverse, especially when tools are applied to complex, context-rich tasks. Manual overhead and mistrust can outweigh any time saved.
In other domains such as support, marketing, or finance, composable AI has been shown experimentally to improve throughput on common tasks by ~15% on average—but with greater gains for less-experienced employees. High-skill workers may see minimal benefit or slight quality tradeoffs.

Practical Guidelines for Businesses Considering AI

Define clear use cases—focus on low-complexity, high-volume tasks where AI has demonstrated consistent gains.
Involve senior staff early in evaluation and rollout to assess real-world fit.
Provide training in prompt design and oversight—not just tool usage.
Monitor real productivity metrics—don’t rely solely on perceived or anecdotal improvements.
Ensure human-in-the-loop review for complex areas to maintain code quality and security.

References

Paradis et al. (Google RCT): ~21% faster development time with AI for some users (arXiv)
METR real-world trial with seniors: AI increased task time ~19% (IT Pro)
Stack Overflow Developer Survey: user satisfaction vs. accuracy concerns (codesignal.dev)
Qodo report (June 2025): widespread adoption but major trust/context issues (PR Newswire)
LeadDev Engineering Leadership Report: only 6% report major gains (LeadDev)
McKinsey case study: time savings, dependent on domain complexity (McKinsey & Company)
Field experiment at Microsoft/Accenture: 26% more PRs, junior-most gains (InfoQ)
Lab experiment: 55.8% faster with AI pair programming for novices (arXiv)
MIT Sloan / Brynjolfsson et al.: heterogeneity by skill (arXiv)

Final Thoughts

Yes, AI coding assistants and chatbots show real productivity benefits in controlled and real-world settings—but those gains are heavily skewed toward junior developers and routine tasks. For senior developers and complex workflows, current-generation tools may slow progress unless carefully scoped and managed. Businesses should adopt AI strategically—focusing on the right use cases, measuring actual impact, and preserving human oversight.

Can we create a MENTAT school?

Toward a Mentat School: A Human Cognitive Response to Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, there is growing interest in enhancing human cognitive performance—not just through technology, but through disciplined training of the mind itself. One theoretical framework for such a development comes from Frank Herbert’s Dune universe: the Mentat—a human trained to perform data analysis, decision-making, and pattern recognition at a level rivalling or exceeding machine intelligence. While fictional, the idea of training a human “computer” raises valid questions in neuroscience and education: Can we systematically train the human brain to optimize memory, reasoning, and intelligence in a structured environment?

This article explores the theoretical underpinnings and proposed structure of a real-world Mentat School, based on verifiable findings in cognitive science, neuroplasticity, and educational psychology.

Cognitive Enhancement Through Training

Modern research strongly supports the idea that specific forms of mental training can lead to measurable improvements in cognitive performance. Techniques such as working memory training, dual n-back exercises, and spaced repetition systems (SRS)—like those used in language-learning tools such as Anki—have been shown to enhance memory and attention capacity (Jaeggi et al., 2008; Carpenter et al., 2012).

Further, deliberate practice in problem-solving and logical reasoning, such as those employed in mathematics, philosophy, and chess, correlates with improvements in fluid intelligence (Sala & Gobet, 2017). These enhancements do not make someone superhuman, but a structured program combining them can yield significantly above-average performance over time.

Educational Foundations of a Mentat School

A Mentat School would blend ancient techniques of mental discipline with modern cognitive science. Key elements might include:

Memory Systems Training: Students would learn mnemonic systems such as the method of loci, peg systems, and chunking, as well as practice long-form memorization (used by competitive memorizers and oral tradition cultures).
Critical Thinking and Logic: Borrowing from the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric), students would engage in structured argumentation, dialectical reasoning, and formal logic training—similar to debate and philosophy curricula.
Mathematical and Probabilistic Reasoning: Inspired by Bayesian decision theory and heuristics research (Kahneman & Tversky), students would be taught to think probabilistically, estimate outcomes, and update beliefs rationally.
Sensory Data Training: Analogous to observational disciplines like forensics or Sherlock Holmes’ method, students would train their attention through mindfulness, observational exercises, and pattern recognition drills.
Cognitive Load and Focus Management: Emphasis would be placed on mindfulness, meta-cognition, and Pomodoro-style timeboxing to optimize attention and avoid mental fatigue—essential in a world flooded with information.

Implementation Model

A practical Mentat School could be structured similarly to elite academic institutions or specialized bootcamps. Programs would be immersive, with rigorous daily regimens focusing on measurable skill acquisition. Much like language immersion or military intelligence schools, participants would undergo continuous assessment and feedback.

Curriculum design would follow Mastery Learning models (Bloom, 1968), ensuring students only progress after demonstrating proficiency. Incorporation of AI-based tutoring systems (e.g., Khan Academy’s mastery-based learning AI) could assist instructors and personalize education at scale.

Virtual or hybrid delivery could democratize access. Students from diverse backgrounds could be trained using open-source tools and virtual mentors—reminiscent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), but far more interactive and intensive.

Ethical and Societal Implications

Training humans to become “Mentats” raises ethical questions. Who gets access? What are the risks of cognitive overreach or burnout? Could such training exacerbate inequality if only available to elites?

Nonetheless, the proposal offers a hopeful counterweight to techno-pessimism. In a future where AI systems challenge human utility, cultivating peak human cognition may be one of the best ways to maintain autonomy, relevance, and creativity.

As AI continues to climb, a Mentat School could ground us—not in competition with machines, but in conscious mastery of our most vital asset: the human mind.

References:

Jaeggi, S. M., et al. (2008). Improving fluid intelligence with training on working memory. PNAS.
Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2017). Does chess instruction improve school achievement? Educational Research Review.
Bloom, B. S. (1968). Learning for Mastery. UCLA-CSEIP.
Carpenter, S. K., et al. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review.
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk. Econometrica.

Methods to Delete Your Data from the Internet and obtain some privacy.

Online privacy is a major concern for many people, and for good reason. Your personal information is constantly being collected by various websites, companies, and organizations, and it can be difficult to keep track of who has your data and how it is being used. If you’re looking to increase your online privacy, one of the best things you can do is to take steps to delete your information from the internet. Here are some ways to do that:

Review and delete your online accounts: Go through a list of all the websites and online services you use, and consider whether you really need all of them. If you have accounts that you no longer use, consider deleting them. This will not only help to reduce the amount of personal information that is available online, but it will also make it easier to keep track of your active accounts.

Delete old posts and comments: If you have been active on social media or forums, there is a good chance that you have made a number of posts and comments over the years. Go through your old posts and delete anything that you no longer want to be available online. This includes posts that contain personal information, as well as anything that you might regret posting in the future.

Remove your personal information from people search websites: There are a number of websites that specialize in collecting and publishing personal information about people. These sites can be a major source of information for anyone who is trying to track you down. To remove your information from these sites, you will need to go to each site individually and request that your information be removed.

Opt out of data brokers: Data brokers are companies that collect and sell personal information to other businesses. If you want to reduce the amount of personal information that is available online, you can opt out of these data brokers. This can be done through the Network Advertising Initiative’s opt-out page, or through the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out page.

Use privacy-focused search engines: If you’re concerned about your online privacy, you may want to consider using a search engine that places a greater emphasis on privacy. Some options include DuckDuckGo and StartPage. These search engines do not track your searches or collect your personal information, which can help to increase your online privacy.

Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. This can be useful for increasing your online privacy, as it makes it more difficult for websites and organizations to track your online activity. There are a number of VPNs available, and it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable one.

Enable privacy settings on your devices: Most devices and operating systems come with a range of privacy settings that you can customize. Take some time to go through the privacy settings on your devices and adjust them to your liking. This can include things like turning off location tracking, disabling cookies, and limiting the amount of personal information that is shared with apps and websites.

Use secure and unique passwords: One of the easiest ways for someone to gain access to your personal information is by guessing your password. To protect yourself, it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store secure passwords.

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce the amount of personal information that is available online and increase your overall online privacy. It’s important to remember that complete privacy on the internet is difficult to achieve, but by taking control of your personal information, you can make it much more difficult for others to track you and access your data.

ChatGPT and the future of Software Development.

ChatGPT is a new machine learning model developed by OpenAI that has the potential to revolutionize the way software is developed in the future. ChatGPT is a variant of the original GPT (Generative Pre-training Transformer) model, which is a powerful language model that can generate human-like text. ChatGPT, on the other hand, is specifically designed to generate chatbot responses in a conversational context.

One of the main ways in which ChatGPT could change software development is by automating certain tasks that are currently done manually by developers. For example, ChatGPT could be used to write code or generate documentation for a software project. This would not only save time for developers but also reduce the risk of errors or oversights that can occur when tasks are done manually.

Another potential use for ChatGPT in software development is in the testing and debugging phase. ChatGPT could be used to simulate user interactions with a software application, allowing developers to identify and fix issues more efficiently. This would be especially useful for testing complex or high-traffic applications, as ChatGPT could generate a large number of test cases in a short period of time.

Another area where ChatGPT could be useful is in customer service and support. ChatGPT could be used to create chatbots that can assist users with common issues or questions, freeing up human support staff to focus on more complex issues. This would not only improve the efficiency of customer support teams but also provide a better experience for users who may have to wait longer for a human response.

One potential concern with using ChatGPT in software development is the issue of bias. Machine learning models can often reflect the biases present in the data they are trained on, and this could be a concern if ChatGPT is used to generate code or other important aspects of a software project. To mitigate this risk, it will be important to ensure that ChatGPT is trained on a diverse and representative dataset.

Despite these potential benefits and concerns, it is important to note that ChatGPT is still a new and experimental technology, and it is not yet clear how it will be used in practice. It is likely that ChatGPT will be used in combination with other tools and technologies, rather than replacing human developers entirely.

Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to significantly change the way software is developed in the future. By automating certain tasks, improving the efficiency of testing and debugging, and providing better customer support, ChatGPT could help developers create better software in less time. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and biases associated with this technology and to use it in a way that is ethical and responsible.

The Unvarnished Truth about Prolific Authors

Recently, I came across a blog post from someone in my past. In that blog post, this person mentioned she was part of some group where there was an author who has published some 100+ books in his lifetime. While this number is very impressive, it is also a sign of someone who truly understands the business of writing and publishing.

You see prolific authors are so prolific because fundamentally publishing books or other works is in itself a business. Each work can act very similar to an annuity of sorts in that the payment for any written work can be paid over the course of one’s lifetime. So, therefore it behooves a writer to be as prolific as possible to keep growing this level of income.

The simple fact is that many of the most prolific authors didn’t write every single word they had published. It wouldn’t make good business sense to do so! Rather, by outsourcing, at least some of their time to researchers or even those who help create rough drafts is a better use of their time.

How would I possibly know about this? Well, I have spent some time ghostwriting for some of these so-called prolific authors myself. Of course, because of privacy reasons, as well as Non-Disclosure Forms, I am not able to talk about whom I have helped in the past.

I also know there are several large businesses that supply ghost writing services for some of the most famous authors that you may read. Again, this is something not talked about in the writing community, but it does happen.

It is folly to compare yourself as a writer to those whom you may feel are more prolific than yourself. In fact, it is folly to compare yourself to anyone else.

As well, in regards to the ethics of using ghostwriters to help you out that is beyond the scope of this particular post.

My point in writing this is that once you fully grasp that writing and publishing are, in fact, a business, you will be better able to leverage your time and resources to become far more productive. You can’t just blame your current situation for your lack of time to get things done.

Just write, write every single day.

What to do afterwards?

In reviewing the book The Four Hour Workweek I started to re-read another chapter and this one really did not resonate with me until now. You see while I have been thinking about how to get more free time I did not really plan out what to do with that free time. Tim calls it “filling the void” and it is towards the end of the book.

Essentially, you really have to think of the reasons WHY you are striving to have a hand free business. What are you planning on doing with your time? It is really unnatural for someone to have nothing to do with their time, do you want more time for meaningless pursuits or would you rather fill your time up adding meaning to others.

So in that regards before you begin to design your muse and your exit strategy should that muse collapse you should also think about what to do with your time after you are successful. Planning for a successful outcome would probably result in a far more enticing reason for your “why” and thereby would motivate you to move forward with your plans.

Perhaps you wanted to travel the world extensively? Or maybe you want to bring water to villages in the Sudan? Or perhaps you want to help children in America so that they have a hope for a brighter future? Anything is worthwhile and you really don’t have to feel obligated to give your time to charity if you don’t wish to do so. If you aren’t motivated by the charities that are out there then you would be wasting your time and end up as a burden to these groups.

There are those out there that are choosing these plans for themselves each and every day, if you don’t get to work deciding on what to do with your life someone else will plan it out for you. And those plans may not be to your liking.

Truly I have to review Tim Ferriss’s Blog a bit more. I am sure there are more resources that I have missed and I could be missing out some details that are not covered in the book. Unfortunately there are only so many details that can be covered in any printed book, if you wish to have the most up to date information you should always check with the website associated with any guide or book.

My “Little House on the Prairie” Project

For those that know me I grew up in Minnesota. As well I recently discovered this new obsession with “Tiny Homes” or homes that are roughly 200 sq. ft. or sometimes less. These homes have several advantages, they are mobile, they are cheap, they can be built by one person over the course of several months, and they don’t have a large environmental footprint.

Since I always wanted to have a home again in Minnesota I have made it a mission to buy or build one of these tiny homes and make it my getaway home or vacation home. I have deemed to call this my “Little House on the Prairie Project” and I will record my findings on this blog as I endeavor to buy or build a home that fits the bill.

Tiny homes are exactly what any environmentally conscious person would desire. You can easily power them by one or two large solar panel cells and if you use a composting toilet then you could be off the grid completely. Since these homes are so small you should not require a mortgage to buy one, I certainly will not take a mortgage out to purchase mine.

Now, this may seem to be a bit of an odd mission or quest as others always strive for larger homes and bigger cars but I have been always a bit different from others. In time, though these tiny homes may just be the wave of the future. I mean with the housing bubble and all that came with it there are many families that simply cannot afford to buy a home outright anymore. Who wants to be beholden to any bank or lender? The thought of any home being taken from me is what keeps me up at night.

Furthermore, this project may lend allow me to live more independently from the grid and be more likely to survive any major issue should the crap hit the fan. While I don’t want or predict any major issue in the future it would be stupid to not at least plan for the worst case scenario.

There are many lessons that I have yet to put into place after reading Neil Strauss book called Emergency. This tiny home project may just be a catalyst to get going on that project.

So if you are interested in buying a home without a mortgage then this series may just be the ticket for you. There are numerous advantages to not having a mortgage, namely a lower cost of living and no worry about losing your home in the future.

Please stay tuned as I gear up for this project.