Building a Product That Lasts
Leveraging LLM Integration as an Enhancer, Not the Core
I’ve been thinking a lot about the hype around large language models (LLMs) and the rush to build AI-powered products. It’s tempting to put AI front and center—but after years of watching trends ebb and flow, I’ve learned one thing: don’t build a product that’s solely AI. Instead, build a product with a solid core, then use LLMs to make it even better.
Focus on the Real Problem
Every product should start with a real user problem. I always ask myself: what core value does my product deliver? An AI feature should solve a specific pain point or boost efficiency—not be the whole story. Rely on LLMs as an enhancer. They’re great for automating repetitive tasks, generating insights, or personalizing user experiences. But if the product’s value hinges solely on AI, it risks falling apart when models decline or new competition comes in.
Keep It Agile
The tech landscape is moving at breakneck speed. LLM quality can drop over time and competitors are always emerging. My approach is to build agile products that can pivot. Start with a solid, user-centric product. Then integrate AI in a modular way so that you can swap out or upgrade LLM components as the technology evolves.
Invest in Robust Infrastructure
I’ve seen too many teams try to build their AI features on shaky foundations. Instead, invest in a robust core that scales. Use AI to enhance functionality—think automated insights for better decision-making or streamlining customer interactions. When the AI enhances an already valuable product, even if the AI technology shifts, the product remains relevant.
Iterate and Listen
One thing that has consistently helped me is continuous iteration. Early user feedback is critical. When integrating LLMs, test their outputs rigorously and keep human oversight in the loop. This ensures that even if the AI struggles with accuracy or creativity over time, your product remains reliable.
Final Thoughts
Building a product that benefits from AI enhancements is not about riding the AI wave blindly. It’s about grounding your product in a real, tangible value proposition and using AI to elevate that foundation. In today’s competitive landscape, a solid product enhanced by agile AI integration is far more resilient than an AI-first approach.