Vibe Coding vs. System Architecture: Bridging Natural Language Development and Engineering Rigour
What will this presentation cover?
In this session, Robert examines how natural-language-driven development fits into and challenges the traditional software engineering lifecycle. Drawing on extensive experience mentoring both seasoned engineers and non-technical builders, he will break down the architectural pitfalls, hidden technical debt, and silent failure modes that emerge when prompt engineering replaces formal design. The presentation offers a practical look at why foundational engineering discipline, structural guardrails, and system architecture are not rendered obsolete by LLMs, but are instead the very things that determine whether AI-generated code survives contact with production.
- How natural language AI tools fit into and challenge the traditional software development lifecycle.
- The hidden architectural pitfalls, technical debt, and failure modes when prompt engineering replaces formal design.
- Why core computer science principles and system boundaries are more critical now than ever before.
Speakers
Robert Bilsland, CTO & Head of AI Enablement at COCO Software, Software Engineer, Educator, Mentor & Public Speaker.
Agenda
18:00 - Refreshments and networking
18:30 - Presentation – Robert Bilsland.
19:30 - Q&A.
21:00 - Close.
Who is this event aimed at?
Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, sustainability professionals, BCS members, and anyone interested in AI, climate innovation, ESG, and digital transformation.
Speaker biography:
Robert has over 35 years of experience in software engineering across the entire evolution of modern computing, from mainframes and desktop platforms to cloud-native web applications. He is also an enthusiastic volunteer educator, running Code Clubs to teach primary school students computational thinking, while actively mentoring the next generation of engineers and non-technical founders to bridge the gap between rapid innovation and sound engineering principles.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.
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This event is brought to you by: Hereford and Worcester branch
