Episode 40

The Future of Software Development

Published on: 29th July, 2025

On this episode of the Smart IT Podcast, I welcomed Eknauth Persaud from Ayoka Systems to the show to chat about the future of software development. We explored the evolving landscape of software development, the impact and role of AI, and the human experience of using technology.

Eknauth shared a forward-looking perspective on how technology should enhance human relationships and user experiences. We discussed developers shifting roles, and the need to reimagine both technology and human roles to deliver better, more meaningful outcomes. We talked about the difference between automation for cost savings versus innovation for growth. We explored real world examples from healthcare and retail.

Eknauth explained the DCM model (Discern, Construct, Manage) as a foundational framework for building more intentional, human-centered solutions. It is a timeless framework that can be used in help building useful technology solutions, emphasizing that the declining cost of software development can help bring the focus back to discerning user intent.

🔑 Key Takeaways

- DCM Model: The Discern → Construct → Manage cycle. With AI and automation lowering development costs, discernment (intent and purpose) becomes even more critical.

- DCM model:

→ Discern the intent

→ Construct with purpose

→ Manage for lasting value

- Commander's Intent: Originating from military strategy, this concept stresses the importance of understanding the higher purpose behind initiatives to avoid misalignment in outcomes. Technologist can leverage this in their efforts to maintain alignment with their organizations.

- Human-Centered Technology:

- The best tech enhances human relationships.

- Tech shouldn't create friction; it should make experiences (like dining, shopping, healthcare) smoother and more personal. Tech as a tool to reduce friction, not add to it.

- Businesses should reimagine job roles (e.g., cashiers as experience enhancers).

- AI's Role:

- It's not a replacement but an augmentation tool.

- Helps surface better questions, not just provide answers.

- Useful for complex tasks like analyzing contracts or medical trends, with human judgment for effectiveness.

- Reimagining the Developer Role:

- Future developers must be curious, business-savvy, and human-focused.

- How developers must shift toward systems thinking and business empathy

- Coding becomes a tool for prototyping and understanding user needs.

- Entry-level roles may diminish, but demand for sophisticated, systems-thinking developers will grow.

- A/B Testing Human Experience vs. Tech Efficiency:

- Organizations should experiment with AI-first models vs. human-centric models to find optimal balance.

- Physical presence, like receptionists and frontline workers, may still be preferred in certain industries.

- Rethinking Maintenance as Management:

- Focus not just on keeping systems running, but on continuously adding value and improving user experience.


#smartIT #AI #SoftwareDevelopment #HumanCenteredDesign #Leadership #Innovation #ITStrategy #DigitalTransformation


Link to this episode: https://youtu.be/jhq6OOkajZs


Production: @Brilliant Beam Media @Syya Yasotornrat


Show notes:

- Link to this episode: https://youtu.be/jhq6OOkajZs

- Eknauth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eknauth/

- Ayoka Systems: https://ayokasystems.com/

- Get out of Jail Software (Rent My Software): https://rentmysoftware.com/

- The Mouse Software: https://themousesoftware.com/use-cases/


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About the Podcast

The Smart IT Podcast
Where IT explores what's next...
The Smart IT Podcast, where IT professionals can assemble and hear from each other, industry leaders, thought leaders, and those in adjacent fields to collaborate and learn from each other and explore what’s next for IT.

The Smart IT Podcast explores what’s next for IT as it continues to find ways to get the important things done for our organizations.
Preparing for the next decade, we need to think differently about how we approach our work to continue to thrive into the future.

Smart IT is an approach, conceptual framework, and development model to getting the important things done by transforming the way traditional IT thinks, works, and leads. It supports the disruption of the status quo, simplifies the complex, reduces uncertainty, and improves risk mitigation.

There has never been more pressure to deliver for our organizations; but I know IT is up to the challenge.

That will require IT to lead by working smarter. Let’s do it together.

About your host

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William Reed

I am an advisor of technology for business use, have seen the possibilities, the challenges, the constraints, and the risks. I have seen firsthand the technical debt, silos, broken communication, despair of IT, and business frustrations. And, I have seen the possibilities, the hopes, and the opportunities while working in the trenches of IT.

As someone that has analyzed, designed, built, and supported technology infrastructure for many businesses over the years, and followed the technology trends and cyber threats, I see the opportunities for our organizations and for the professionals of IT as a fulfilling and thriving career.

I believe we have been blessed with great opportunities to continue to improve ourselves and organizations. If it’s possible, there is no reason enterprise IT cannot reach new heights and help our businesses thrive in age of disruption, complexity, and risk.

I have a passion is bringing a fresh perspective to the challenges in front of IT and help inspire a team to tackle and win. And to help individuals and organizations make better decisions to improve outcomes and experiences.

I advise on matters of technology use for organizational benefits. He has over 20 years’ experience in the Information Technology field. He has worked for multiple technology value added resellers, representing the major vendors and technologies in the industry. He has consulted across the major industries, including banking, health care, retail, oil & gas, education, government, finance, and legal.