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