SXSW Tip #2 - Use a Tuned Harness

Microsoft Developer shares John Maeda’s second SXSW tip: AI models are powerful, but they need a “tuned harness” so they don’t wander.

Full summary based on description

What a “tuned harness” means for AI work

• The idea is to shape and constrain model behavior so outputs are more reliable.
• This spans multiple layers of guidance:
  • Prompting (how you ask)
  • Tool calling (what tools the model can invoke and how)

Tools mentioned

• GitHub Copilot CLI is called out as a practical way to move from “interesting” results to something actually useful.
• GitHub Copilot SDK is linked for building or extending Copilot-based experiences.

Links

• GitHub Copilot SDK: https://msft.it/6056vEQrO
• Cozy AI Kitchen episodes playlist: https://aka.ms/CAIK-YTPlaylist