How I Use AI to Design and Review Complex Changes
A practical account of using codebase research, an RFC, independent model critique, and a reviewed PR stack to design and deliver a complex change without giving up human ownership.
Product engineering · Longmont, Colorado
I’m Brian Manchester, a senior product engineer who turns ambiguous ideas into useful software.
I lead cross-functional work and build across the full stack, combining product judgment, frontend systems, applied AI, and hands-on delivery.
Writing
Notes from the work.
A Prototype Is a Decision Tool, Not a Disposable Demo
The best prototype does more than look convincing. It helps customers, product, design, and engineering make a better decision about what to build—and what not to.
What an Early AI Product Taught Me About Breaking Up Model Work
A first production AI feature taught me to separate broad reasoning from smaller, checkable tasks—and to design the orchestration around what users could inspect and refine.
GPS-linked · 360°Selected projects
A better way to experience a place before you arrive.
I built TillerXR independently of my primary role, with one other engineer and a product partner. The live platform helps customers create GPS-linked, interactive 360° virtual tours.
Explore the project →