The PM/dev handoff isn't what it used to be | LIVE167
Courtney Webster and Burke Holland discuss how AI-driven, prototype-first workflows are changing the traditional PM-to-developer handoff, including PMs contributing directly via pull requests and teams iterating faster with tighter feedback loops.
Overview
This Microsoft Build 2026 session focuses on how modern AI tools (including agent-style workflows that can turn a rough idea into a working pull request quickly) change collaboration between product management and engineering.
Key themes covered:
- Moving from document-heavy handoffs to faster prototyping and real-time feedback loops
- PMs contributing directly in codebases (including submitting PRs)
- What “prototype-first” looks like for teams that ship on a weekly cadence
- Practical challenges that come with faster PR generation, especially review volume and keeping quality high
Session structure (from the published chapters)
Intro and context
- Courtney (VS Code team) joins to discuss how AI tools are changing workflows.
Adapting PM workflows to AI-enabled iteration
- The session contrasts traditional PM work (longer cycles, heavier documentation) with faster iteration enabled by AI-assisted development.
PMs contributing via pull requests
- The speakers describe a shift where PMs can participate more directly in implementation by creating changes and submitting PRs.
Demo: improving VS Code settings navigation
- A demo shows a workflow where user feedback drives a quick prototype to improve settings navigation.
AI-assisted cycle: PR creation to merge within a day
- The session highlights an end-to-end loop where a change can go from idea to PR to merge in a very short timeframe.
Operational challenges: review volume
- The speakers call out that faster PR creation can increase review load, requiring teams to adapt their review and collaboration practices.
Additional prototype: tool permissions and customization
- Another prototype is showcased around permissions/customization concepts.