Before we get to AI, let me tell you a story about a cow.
Every day, the cow takes the same path across the field. It’s not straight, nor is it efficient, but it’s how the cow likes to dander. Eventually, the path gets worn. Then someone paves it. And suddenly, it’s an official road. A terribly inefficient, meandering and illogical road. But hey, it’s a road!
This is what we call following the cow’s path. And when it comes to building software solutions today, it’s a trap that’s easier than ever to fall into.
With powerful AI tools available, it’s never been easier for anyone to write code. But code isn’t the same as software and software isn’t the same as producing a digital product or solution that solves real business problems and makes real lasting business impact.
Just because AI makes it easier to build something, doesn’t mean you’re building the right thing. That’s the cow’s path problem. It’s tempting to take a process or idea and digitise it, automate it or wrap it in a shiny app – without asking if we’re solving the right problem.
GCD works with organisations building digital products and AI solutions. The hardest part of the work isn’t the engineering. It’s the thinking that comes before it. Helping people question what they’re trying to solve, and if AI is the best solution.
AI will pave whatever path you point it at. It’s our job to make sure that the path actually leads somewhere valuable.
The danger today isn’t that software is too hard to make, but rather that it has become deceptively easy to start.
You’ve got the tools and the people so you dive in. But you quickly realise the app doesn’t fit the users, or the AI solution is solving a problem no one really had. Or perhaps the thing that’s been built, isn’t actually valuable, because there was no pause to understand the context, with no consideration made to what success looks like.
My advice is – don’t digitise a broken process, don’t make an app just because you can and don’t pave the cow’s path. Challenge it first.
We love the new tools. We use them every day. But they’re just that – tools. They help with execution. They can’t replace judgment, curiosity or the deep work of problem solving and ideating.
Building great software still takes people who are willing to zoom out, ask “why?” and avoid blindly following paths just because they’re there.
Because in the end, software doesn’t succeed because it runs. It succeeds because it works for someone and ultimately delivers a positive business impact.
So next time you’re tempted to jump into build mode because it feels easier than ever, pause.
And ask: “Is this the right path – or just the cow’s path?”
If you’d like to arrange a chat, email info@gcdtech.com, or call us on +442838341205.
Originally posted in The Irish News, on 10/07/2025 Read original article here