The End of Traditional Software and Emergence of the Problem Definition Architect©
Priority date for the copyright claim for the phrase “Problem Definition Architect©,” dated October 13, 2024, in Sydney, Australia.
Why Traditional Applications Are Obsolete and How Precision Problem Definition Unlocks AI’s Full Potential
From the moment I truly grasped artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, I realised we were embarking on a journey comprising a monumental shift. This shift isn’t just about more innovative algorithms or efficient data processing; it’s about reimagining the foundation of computing. AI doesn’t just run applications anymore — it is the application, the platform, and the operating system all at once.
Think about that for a moment. Since the late 1950s, we’ve relied on software as the intermediary between humans and machines. We’ve seen the evolution from bulky mainframe applications to sleek SaaS platforms and the ubiquitous apps on our devices. Each iteration often brought minor incremental improvements, but the underlying paradigm remained the same: humans write code, create applications, and users interact with these predefined tools.
Reflecting on the significant failings of traditional application software, it becomes evident that we’ve been confined by one-size-fits-all solutions that rarely accommodate the unique nuances of individual problems.
Applications are designed for the masses, leading to compromises and a lack of flexibility. Users often have to adapt their needs to fit the software’s capabilities rather than the software adapting to meet their specific contexts. This disconnect not only hampers efficiency but also stifles innovation.
It’s past time we embrace a new, more symbiotic technology that listens, learns, and moulds itself to our precise requirements. AI as the operating system offers this promise, enabling us to solve specific problems with custom solutions engineered in real-time. Moving beyond traditional software’s rigid frameworks opens the door to unprecedented personalisation and effectiveness.
We’re now in a world where the very notion of application software fades into irrelevance. In this new landscape, AI becomes the Operating System for everything.
Instead of downloading apps or using specific software to solve problems, we present well-defined scenarios to AI, generating custom real-time solutions.
Imagine having a challenge — in business, healthcare, education, or any field — and instead of searching for a software tool to address it, you articulate the problem to an AI.
This AI, serving as a universal operating system, understands the context, analyses the nuances, and crafts a tailored solution instantly.
In healthcare, it could help diagnose complex diseases. In education, it could provide personalised learning plans for students. There is no coding or waiting for developers to create an application — just immediate, bespoke answers to your unique problems.
This isn’t some distant future; it’s unfolding right now. And it’s poised to render the traditional application software industry a relic of the past, much like how digital cameras made film photography a niche art form. The AI-driven future is not a possibility but a certainty and the time to adapt is now.
As AI takes over the heavy lifting of generating solutions, a new and critical human role emerges — the Problem Definition Architect©. This role is the key to unlocking AI’s full potential.
I began to see parallels in current roles. Business Analysts, for instance, have long been the intermediaries between stakeholders and technical teams. They possess profound domain knowledge, excel at communication, and have a knack for dissecting complex issues into understandable components. In the era of AI, these skills are still valuable, but they need to be augmented with a deep understanding of AI fundamentals and ethical considerations. Business Analysts are ideally positioned to evolve into Problem Definition Architects who understand the problem and have the technical knowledge to guide AI in generating the right solution.
But it’s not just Business Analysts. As I thought more about it, I realised that several other roles have the potential to transition into this new position. To illustrate this, I’ve created the table below outlining who can aspire to become Problem Definition Architects and the paths they might take:
The Urgency of Embracing Change
A sense of urgency emerged as I shared these thoughts with colleagues and industry leaders. Companies can’t afford to be complacent. The shift to AI as the Operating System is not a gradual evolution; it’s a rapid transformation. Organisations must identify and nurture their potential Problem Definition Architects today or risk being left behind.
Consider this: in a world where AI generates custom solutions on demand, the competitive advantage lies not in owning proprietary software but in how effectively you can define and solve problems, and the companies that recognise this will thrive, while others may struggle to keep up.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
This new landscape offers immense opportunities, but it also presents challenges. For professionals, there’s a need to shift focus from traditional skill sets to new competencies. It’s about enhancing one’s understanding of AI and machine learning, developing ethical awareness to guide AI responsibly, and honing the ability to think creatively and innovatively.
This shift concerns adaptation, personal growth and professional development in the AI era.
The crucial Problem Definition Architect© role opens doors for consulting firms to provide invaluable services. They can develop and offer training programs to help organisations transition, supply skilled Problem Definition Architects© on a project basis, and become strategic partners in navigating the AI-centric future.
Yet, redefining roles and overcoming resistance to change is also challenging. The move away from traditional software models can be unsettling. It requires letting go of long-held practices and embracing new thinking. However, as with any significant technological advancement, adaptability is critical.
A Personal Journey into the Future
Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how effectively defining a problem can lead to extraordinary solutions. In one instance, I worked with a team struggling to optimise their supply chain. Traditional software solutions weren’t cutting it. We decided to describe the problem to an AI system, outlining every nuance, constraint, and desired outcome. AI designed and developed the solution that optimised processes and revealed insights we hadn’t considered.
That was a turning point for me. It reinforced the idea that the ability to define problems is becoming as crucial, if not more so, than the ability to solve them through coding. It’s a shift from telling machines how to do things to telling them what we need and letting them figure out the how.
Embracing the Role of Problem Definition Architect©
So, what does it take to be a Problem Definition Architect? It starts with deep domain expertise. You need to understand the intricacies of your industry — the challenges, the regulations, the unspoken nuances. But beyond that, it’s about thinking critically and analytically, breaking down complex issues into their fundamental parts.
Communication is paramount. You must articulate problems clearly and precisely, ensuring that AI systems and human stakeholders understand the objectives. This requires empathy and a user-centric focus — genuinely grasping the needs and desires of those affected by the problem and potential solutions.
Ethical considerations are not just an add-on; they’re central to the role. As AI systems make decisions that affect lives, Problem Definition Architects© must ensure these systems operate fairly, transparently, and in alignment with societal values.
Lastly, there’s a need for creativity and innovative thinking. AI is a powerful tool that requires human imagination to direct it toward meaningful and groundbreaking solutions.
Looking Ahead
The idea that AI can engineer custom solutions in real-time changes everything. It democratises problem-solving, reduces the barriers to innovation, and accelerates progress across all fields. But to harness this potential, we need people who can define problems with precision and vision.
As more organisations recognise the importance of this role, we’ll see a surge in training programs and educational pathways dedicated to developing Problem Definition Architects©. Consulting firms will play a significant role in this transition, offering expertise and resources to bridge the gap.
For those of us in the AI industry, it’s an exciting time. We’re witnessing a transformation and participating in shaping the future. By embracing the role of Problem Definition Architect©, we’re advancing our careers and contributing to a paradigm shift that could redefine how humanity interacts with technology.
A Call to Action
If you’re a professional pondering your next career move, consider the path of the Problem Definition Architect©. Leverage your domain knowledge, enhance your understanding of AI, and develop the skills to define problems AI can solve innovatively.
For organisations, the message is clear: act now. Identify the individuals within your teams who have the potential to become Problem Definition Architects© and invest in their development. The competitive advantage in the AI-driven future will belong to those who can effectively bridge human needs with AI capabilities.
Final Reflections
As I write this article, I’m reminded that technology is only as powerful as the purpose we give it. As the Operating System for everything, AI delivers more intelligent problem-solving, which is revolutionary.
AI as the OS is also about empowering people to focus on what matters most — — understanding challenges intensely and guiding AI to envision and create solutions that make a real difference.
In late October 2024, we’ve entered a new era. The tools we have at our disposal are more potent than ever before. The question is, are we ready to use them to their highest potential? I’m eager to see how we shape the future as Problem Definition Architects© and unlock possibilities we have yet to imagine.
This article serves as the priority date for the copyright claim for the phrase “Problem Definition Architect©,” dated October 13, 2024, Sydney, Australia.
About the author: Greg Twemlow, Founder of XperientialAI©.
Greg Twemlow: “Empowering future leaders and organizations by designing and delivering AI-integrated experiential learning programs that blend technology, ethics, and philosophy. Through consultancy, mentorship, innovation coaching, and thought leadership, I help CEOs, business leaders, and individuals ethically and efficiently implement AI solutions while fostering a culture of trust, integrity, and wisdom in an AI-driven world.” Contact Greg: greg@xperiential.ai
