#AI in Agile Project Management

[technicalfika]

Unveiling the Hidden Potential of ChatGPT: How Scrum Masters can Revolutionize Agile Project Management

In the dynamic world of software development, Scrum Masters play a pivotal role in orchestrating efficient teamwork and ensuring the successful delivery of projects using the Agile Scrum framework. However, the responsibilities of a Scrum Master go beyond just facilitating meetings and removing impediments. To truly excel in their role, Scrum Masters can tap into the untapped power of AI-driven…

[agilemethodology1]

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[lostconsultants]

Embracing AI-Driven Estimations for a Smarter Future

Embracing AI-driven estimations for a smarter future is no longer a distant vision—it is a necessary step in modern project management. In previous discussions, we explored the foundation of AI-driven estimations in Rethinking Estimations in the Age of AI and how AI is actively revolutionising estimation practices in Revolutionising Estimations with AI: Smarter, Faster, and More Reliable…

[bridgesacademy]

Navigating the Future: AI's Influence on Project Management in Aerospace

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Aerospace Project Management Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in various industries, and aerospace project management is no exception. With its ability to process vast amounts of data, analyze complex patterns, and make informed decisions, AI is revolutionizing the way projects are managed in the aerospace sector. From improving…

[scrumify]

Asana CRM: A Step Toward Better Project Management

Asana CRM: A Step Toward Better Project Management

Asana is inevitable in project management. It helps the team to tidy things up effectively and take good care of their task management. With its latest version of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) built right in, Asana now takes a more comprehensive approach to task and client management alike. Still, while Asana takes this step, there are alternatives like Vabro. It has a full suite of tools designed for agile teams and is equally recommended by many experienced developers in the field

Why Vabro Stands Out

While Asana's CRM management capabilities are good for teams at the lower end of the scale, Vabro can now offer a more solid system not only to manage tasks but also to manage client interfaces. Vabro seeks not just to be useful, but essential. It is all about pulling together teams that had scattered everywhere until finally they felt like one and delivering outstanding results. Here's how Vabro enhances project management beyond what Asana CRM provides

1. Comprehensive Project Management Tools

Vabro integrates project management with CRM functions using a single platform. The application is quite different from Asana, where task management is still the cornerstone but with added CRM features, by integrating project schedules and client interactions into a single whole. With this integration, teams are able to track their schedules and client communications in one place and follow up on completed work

2. Advanced Collaboration Features

In the area of collaboration, Vabro is outstanding. No matter if your team is in one office or spread all over the globe, Vabro's updates happen in real time, instant messages can be sent forthwith and shared dashboards guarantee that everyone stays informed. Asana offers basic collaboration tools, but Vabro's are better and more numerous, making teamwork both more efficient and more goal-oriented

3. Customizable Workflows

Vabro is able to satisfy the specific team needs by providing highly flexible process designs. Vabro’s flexibility makes it clearly suitable for use by everybody. It does not matter whether you handle a complex project or ongoing client relationships; the essential thing is that Vabro can help you keep on the project and stay productive. While Asana offers effective workflows, Vabro raises customization to a whole new level.

4. Integrated CRM Features

The CRM features of Vabro are fully integrated with its project management platform. Teams can manage client relationships without switching tools. Client interactions can be recorded, Sales orders With its seamless integration, Asana’s CRM does not provide everything customers truly need

5. Data-Driven Decision Making

Team members who use Vabro’s comprehensive reporting and analytics tools have all the information they need to make informed decisions. Whether analyzing its own performance, measuring client satisfaction or forecasting any eventual changes, Vabro’s approach is to provide clear data for success. Although Asana does provide some reporting tools, Vabro’s tools will give you even deeper insights into team performance.

Insights into Vabro with the SBOK® Guide

The Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK®) is a guide to implementing Scrum, a popular agile framework. Vabro’s features match very well with SBOK® principles, making it an excellent choice for Scrum teams

Transparency and Inspection: SBOK® serves up full transparency with Vabro's real-time updates and detailed reports. Together, these two tools help the group remain productive through identifying problems and remedying them as soon as they arise

Self-Organizing Teams: In the SBOK®, self-organizing teams are crucial to Agile development environments. Vabro enables these groups by offering firm rules and a variety of tools for collaboratively managing their processes

Time-Boxed Sprints: SBOK® insists on Time-boxed sprints to deliver regular value every single one. Vabro provides tools for planning, making team agreements, tracking progress and reflecting on past work in preparation for future work during soundboxing its sprints

Continuous Improvement: Daily improvement is the central tenet of SBOK®. Tools like Vabro's analytics can help discommode to which areas go for improvement can help a team to continuously refine their processes with practicable shares of better outcomes

Vabro: The Future of Project Management and CRM

Teams evolve, the use of flexible tools such as Vabro grows increasingly essential. While Asana CRM offers a good foundation for client management with basic facilities, Vabro is much more elaborate in its offering--combining project management and CRM into one powerful platform.

Vabro is a judicious choice for teams looking to streamline their processes and improve their working environment Still, though it be as helpful in that effort that ever meant and services rendered must pay off in direct correlation with what investment is made into them. By following an approach that echoes the tenets of the SBOK® development framework, Vabro guarantees Scrum teams can operate efficiently, making it a top choice for agile project management.

Altogether, while Asana CRM is satisfactory for teams that only need to perform basic matters, in an Era of On-line Business Vabro aims for a greater and more mature solution That meets the demands of today's team working. Whether managing large projects, cultivating client relations or driving performance upwards, Vabro has the features you need to succeed in the competitive project management landscape.

[cyber-soul-smartz]

21st Century Project Planning: Blueprint for Unparalleled Success

Discover the secrets to mastering project planning and achieving unparalleled success! Dive into our latest article for expert insights and practical tips. Don't miss out—subscribe now to stay updated on the best strategies for professional development!

Mastering Project Planning: Crafting the Blueprint for Unparalleled Success in the 21st Century Imagine venturing on a journey without a map, a compass, or even a clear destination in mind. The chance of reaching your goal would be slim to none. This scenario mirrors the challenges faced by project managers who dive into execution without a solid plan in place. The planning phase of project…

[hminnovancedigitalmarketing]

Mastering App Development: The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Your Project Journey with H&M Innovance

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if creating an app were as simple as assembling a DIY kit? Until then, project management remains the key to successful app development – ensuring goals are met, stakeholders are happy, and everything stays on time and within budget. Managing an app development project involves careful planning, effective team collaboration, and proactive risk management. Learn the ropes…

[vlruso]

Top Time Tracking Strategies in 2023 to Boost Productivity

📣 Top Time Tracking Strategies in 2023 to Boost Productivity 🚀 In our fast-paced digital world, time is a precious commodity. That's why effective time tracking strategies have become essential for businesses and individuals looking to maximize their productivity. As a Scrum expert, I highly recommend implementing these techniques to ensure efficient project management and task completion. One key advantage of time tracking is the ability to identify and eliminate time-wasting activities. By analyzing the data collected, you can pinpoint potential inefficiencies and address them head-on. Additionally, time tracking provides valuable insights into task estimation and resource allocation. When teams have accurate data on how long certain tasks take, it becomes easier to plan projects and assign resources effectively. Here are a few top time tracking strategies for 2023: 🔸 Use Automated Time Tracking Tools: Take advantage of modern technology and leverage software applications that automatically track time spent on different tasks. This streamlines the tracking process and reduces manual effort. 🔸 Implement the Pomodoro Technique: Embrace the Pomodoro Technique, working in focused sprints followed by short breaks. This strategy helps maintain concentration, increases productivity, and provides measurable time intervals for tracking. 🔸 Encourage Transparency and Accountability: Foster a culture of transparency and accountability within your team. Encourage honest time tracking and regular progress updates, fostering collaboration and timely completion of tasks. 🔸 Regularly Analyze and Reflect: Make it a habit to analyze and reflect on your time tracking data. Evaluate patterns, identify bottlenecks, and make necessary adjustments to improve future timelines and resource allocation. Implementing these time tracking strategies can lead to remarkable benefits, including increased productivity, improved project planning, and a more accurate assessment of team and individual performance. So, in the spirit of boosting productivity and project management practices, let's embrace these time tracking strategies in 2023 and achieve our goals efficiently. Read the full blog post here 👉 [Link to blog post: Top Time Tracking Strategies in 2023 to Boost Productivity](https://ift.tt/Sv9Ag7T) Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if you need further recommendations. Let's make 2023 our most productive year yet! #productivity #timemanagement #projectmanagement #timetracking #2023strategies #optimization List of Useful Links: AI Scrum Bot - ask about AI scrum and agile Our Telegram @itinai Twitter -  @itinaicom

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Women pulling Lever on a Drilling Machine, 1978 Lee, Howl & Company Ltd., Tipton, Staffordshire, England photograph by Nick Hedges image credit: Nick Hedges Photography

* * * *

Tim Boudreau 

About the whole DOGE-will-rewrite Social Security's COBOL code in some new language thing, since this is a subject I have a whole lot of expertise in, a few anecdotes and thoughts.

Some time in the early 2000s I was doing some work with the real-time Java team at Sun, and there was a huge defense contractor with a peculiar query: Could we document how much memory an instance of every object type in the JDK uses? And could we guarantee that that number would never change, and definitely never grow, in any future Java version?

I remember discussing this with a few colleagues in a pub after work, and talking it through, and we all arrived at the conclusion that the only appropriate answer to this question as "Hell no." and that it was actually kind of idiotic.

Say you've written the code, in Java 5 or whatever, that launches nuclear missiles. You've tested it thoroughly, it's been reviewed six ways to Sunday because you do that with code like this (or you really, really, really should). It launches missiles and it works.

A new version of Java comes out. Do you upgrade? No, of course you don't upgrade. It works. Upgrading buys you nothing but risk. Why on earth would you? Because you could blow up the world 10 milliseconds sooner after someone pushes the button?

It launches fucking missiles. Of COURSE you don't do that.

There is zero reason to ever do that, and to anyone managing such a project who's a grownup, that's obvious. You don't fuck with things that work just to be one of the cool kids. Especially not when the thing that works is life-or-death (well, in this case, just death).

Another case: In the mid 2000s I trained some developers at Boeing. They had all this Fortran materials analysis code from the 70s - really fussy stuff, so you could do calculations like, if you have a sheet of composite material that is 2mm of this grade of aluminum bonded to that variety of fiberglass with this type of resin, and you drill a 1/2" hole in it, what is the effect on the strength of that airplane wing part when this amount of torque is applied at this angle. Really fussy, hard-to-do but when-it's-right-it's-right-forever stuff.

They were taking a very sane, smart approach to it: Leave the Fortran code as-is - it works, don't fuck with it - just build a nice, friendly graphical UI in Java on top of it that *calls* the code as-is.

We are used to broken software. The public has been trained to expect low quality as a fact of life - and the industry is rife with "agile" methodologies *designed* to churn out crappy software, because crappy guarantees a permanent ongoing revenue stream. It's an article of faith that everything is buggy (and if it isn't, we've got a process or two to sell you that will make it that way).

It's ironic. Every other form of engineering involves moving parts and things that wear and decay and break. Software has no moving parts. Done well, it should need *vastly* less maintenance than your car or the bridges it drives on. Software can actually be *finished* - it is heresy to say it, but given a well-defined problem, it is possible to actually *solve* it and move on, and not need to babysit or revisit it. In fact, most of our modern technological world is possible because of such solved problems. But we're trained to ignore that.

Yeah, COBOL is really long-in-the-tooth, and few people on earth want to code in it. But they have a working system with decades invested in addressing bugs and corner-cases.

Rewriting stuff - especially things that are life-and-death - in a fit of pique, or because of an emotional reaction to the technology used, or because you want to use the toys all the cool kids use - is idiotic. It's immaturity on display to the world.

Doing it with AI that's going to read COBOL code and churn something out in another language - so now you have code no human has read, written and understands - is simply insane. And the best software translators plus AI out there, is going to get things wrong - grievously wrong. And the odds of anyone figuring out what or where before it leads to disaster are low, never mind tracing that back to the original code and figuring out what that was supposed to do.

They probably should find their way off COBOL simply because people who know it and want to endure using it are hard to find and expensive. But you do that gradually, walling off parts of the system that work already and calling them from your language-du-jour, not building any new parts of the system in COBOL, and when you do need to make a change in one of those walled off sections, you migrate just that part.

We're basically talking about something like replacing the engine of a plane while it's flying. Now, do you do that a part-at-a-time with the ability to put back any piece where the new version fails? Or does it sound like a fine idea to vaporize the existing engine and beam in an object which a next-word-prediction software *says* is a contraption that does all the things the old engine did, and hope you don't crash?

The people involved in this have ZERO technical judgement.

[sheyshen]

man the news coming out of bioware and all the layoffs I just can't help but feel that EA set it up for failure. Like they wanted an excuse to consolidate things down and push "agile". And I'm not saying BW management didn't contribute to this, it absolutely did, but like veilguard was in development hell for a decade, it went through a live service stage before they scrapped it, it went through multiple iterations before launch, you can tell those 10 years didn't go to the game itself (i'm not a dev but if i were to guess, pretty much around the time they announced it'd been named dreadwolf was when it truly was being properly worked on, so about as much time as DA2 had), there were a ton of things cut and left unfinished, in a very fluctuating dev cycle and being released during a massive wave of redundant culture wars and an unstable economy. And EA expected veilguard, an M rated niche RPG that's the 4th in a series to sell 3mil copies in 2 months? if they had released the game 5 years ago, i think 3mil would've been achievable, hell even 3 years ago. but right now? absolutely not. The anti-woke push, the decade of barely any updates, and the myriad of other problems being revealed from behind the scenes (crunch, push for AI, protests, restructuring and moving BW games to other dev teams (swtor), etc) over the years would've affected the launch and that should've been planned into their projections.

that's just my opinion at least as a someone who's peered into some of the management side of product launches and is a player of their games.

I just worry for the remaining team working on mass effect now, seeing everything that's happened following the latest dragon age. And I hope that the devs that were laid off, will be able to find jobs where their talents are appreciated and their passion behind the stories and worlds they create are nurtured. I look forward to the games and stories they develop in the future.

[batfammeetsspidergang]

Spider-Gang Headcanons

I was bored, so I decided to create headcanon character sheets for the Spider-Folks! Basically, this is how I personally envision the characters when doing incorrect quotes (and when writing the story le gasp). Like I've said before, these origins are mish-mashes of the comics, TV shows, movies, games, and so on, plus some minor, original ideas. (And yes, I was lazy so I copy-pasted much of the info and stats from the Marvel Wiki. Shout-out to the editors and their amazing work!)

If your favorite Spider-People aren't here, that DOES NOT MEAN I don't like them! Lmao I adore Pavitr, Cindy, Jess, etc. These are just my personal favorites. Also, I'm still tryna figure out Ham's cartoon powers, and movie-verse Miguel can go sit on a barbed wire brush XD

P.S. No ai art was used. These are all borrowed from official Marvel media.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

Spider-Man

Peter Benjamin Parker

New York City, New York; present-day

16-18 years old

5′8″ (1.73 m)

160 lbs (72.57 kg)

Eyes: brown

Hair: brown

Gender: Cis male

Orientation: Bisexual

Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and gained a suite of powers reminiscent of a spider, including agility, wall-crawling, and the ability to sense danger. When Peter learned that his beloved Uncle Ben had been murdered by a thief that Peter himself had selfishly allowed to escape, he realized that with his new powers also came a responsibility to use them for good. Since that day, Spider-Man has fought criminals while enduring a constant barrage of negative press, a stream of personal losses, and the occasional crisis of confidence. Somehow he manages to maintain a positive attitude and rarely lacks for a humorous quip when battling bad guys.

PERSONALITY:

-Peter is a geeky, shy, socially awkward, high-spirited, caring, and friendly teenage boy who is loyal to his family and friends. While his heroics as Spider-Man have given him a reputation for being a flake, Peter will always be there for anyone that needs help. 

-Since the death of his beloved Uncle Ben, Peter's vow of responsibility has led him on a path of heroism and humanitarianism. He regularly sacrifices (or sabotages) his personal well-being for the greater good. It has also meant that Peter often takes on more burdens than he can bear and blames himself unnecessarily when the city is hurt.

-He possesses an innate scientific curiosity and loves to figure out how things work. He has been known to immerse himself in personal projects for hours on end, forgetting to eat and sleep as a result.

-Though it can be difficult for him to open up with new people, he becomes enthusiastic and talkative when asked about his favorite subjects (i.e. science, photography, TTRPGs, the New York Mets).

-Peter has a tendency to use humor and sarcasm as a defense mechanism, a trait that is amplified when he fights criminals as Spider-Man. He is proud of his humor, deploying it to break tensions and lift the mood, something that has at times irritated his friends and allies.

-Peter also has a bit of a vengeful side—he once secretly used his powers to humiliate his bullies and was single-minded in his pursuit of revenge for his uncle’s death. If Peter's trust is betrayed, it can be difficult to get back in his good graces.

-His humility often teeters on the edge of self-loathing, to the point of considering himself lamer than his counterparts. These feelings also extend to his romantic relationships—Peter is often blind to his crush’s reciprocated feelings simply because he doesn’t believe they could ever be reciprocated. According to Peter, he always falls for people who are "way out of his league."

-Behind his naturally upbeat demeanor, Peter possesses a tragic and depressed side. This is brought on by the immense guilt he feels about the deaths of people he held close: Ben Parker and Gwen Stacy, his first girlfriend.

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Spider Physiology: Peter Parker possesses the proportionate powers of a spider, granted to him by the bite of an irradiated spider.

Superhuman Strength: Peter can lift up to 10 tons. His physical strength also extends into his legs, enabling him to jump to a height of several stories in a single bound.

Superhuman Speed: Peter possesses the proportionate speed of a spider; therefore, he can run and move at speeds that are beyond the physical limits of the finest human athlete.

Superhuman Stamina: Spider-Man's advanced musculature produces fewer fatigue toxins during physical activity than an ordinary human. This allows him to exert himself physically for much longer periods of time before fatigue begins to impair him.

Superhuman Durability: Peter’s body is physically tougher and more resistant to some types of injury than the body of a normal human. He has shown little to no discomfort when sustaining great impact forces.

Superhuman Agility: Spider-Man's superhuman agility, balance, and bodily coordination are all enhanced to levels that are far beyond the natural physical limits of the finest human athlete. Spider-Man is extraordinarily limber, and his tendons and connective tissues are twice as elastic as the average human being's. He has the combined agility and acrobatic prowess of the most accomplished circus aerialists and acrobats.

Superhuman Equilibrium: Peter possesses the ability to achieve a state of perfect equilibrium in any position imaginable. He seems able to adjust his position by instinct, which enables him to balance himself on virtually any object, no matter how small or narrow.

Superhuman Reflexes: Spider-Man's reflexes are similarly enhanced and are about 20 times greater than those of an ordinary human. In combination with his spider-sense, the speed of his reflexes allows him to dodge almost any attack.

Wallcrawling: Peter can cling to any surface using just his fingertips and feet.

Spider-Sense: Spider-Man possesses a precognitive danger sense that warns him of potential or immediate danger through the manifestation of a tingling sensation in the back of his skull, and links with his superhuman kinesthetics, enabling him to evade or counter most attacks unless he cognitively overrides his automatic reflexes. Additionally, his spider-sense offers him near-complete awareness of his surroundings.

Regeneration: Spider-Man is able to rapidly heal and regenerate from harm faster and more extensively than normal humans are capable of.

Web-Shooters: Spider-Man's trademark equipment. Peter created these devices to fire thin strands of a special web fluid at high pressure and speeds. These enable him to web-swing between buildings and entrap enemies.

Web fluid: Created by Peter Parker. A shear-thinning liquid (virtually solid until a shearing force is applied to it, rendering it fluid) whose exact formula is unknown but is related to nylon. On contact with air, the long-chain polymer knits and forms an extremely tough, flexible fiber with extraordinary adhesive properties. When discharged, the substance dissolves in an hour.

Specialized Web Cartridges

-Impact Webbing: Web-pellets that, upon impact, release tendrils that ensnare the target. -Acid Webbing: Webbing laced with hydrochloric acid. -Taser Webbing 

Spider-Tracers: Small, electronic tracers that allow Spider-Man to track objects or individuals. Typically, he plants or throws one on a departing enemy, but he can also use a launching device in his web-shooters for better range and accuracy. Spider-Man can follow the signal within a 100-yard radius by using his spider-sense.

Genius-Level Intellect: Peter Parker possesses a natural talent for science, standing out as a top student in his high school. His favorite subjects are biology, physics, and chemistry. A prodigy biochemist, Peter could understand his father's, Dr. Richard Parker’s, research notes at age 15. Early in his Spider-Man career, he developed his web formula using a standard chemistry set.

Expert Inventor/Engineer: As a teenager, he developed his signature Web-Shooters and the Spider-Tracers.

Budding Photographer: Peter is a talented photographer and has worked part-time for the Daily Bugle.

Skilled Acrobat: Due to his superhuman physical abilities, Peter easily surpasses normal acrobats and is able to perform any complicated sequence of gymnastic stunts: flips, spins, somersaults, springs, rolls, cartwheels, etc.

Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Spider-Man's fighting style incorporates and takes full advantage of his proper use of physical forces, momentum, and leverage, with him staying low and mobile while utilizing the momentum of frequent spins to come crashing down on his opponents. Peter is self-taught, having learned many of his fighting techniques from movies and lucha libre.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

Miles Gonzalo Morales

New York City, New York; present-day

16-18 years old

5′8″ (1.73 m)

160 lbs (72.57 kg)

Eyes: brown

Hair: black

Gender: Cis male

Orientation: Heterosexual

Miles Morales, a fellow student of Peter Parker, was bitten by a genetically altered spider that his uncle had stolen from Osborn Industries. The next day at school, he found that he had grown taller overnight and gained incredible, arachnid-like powers. Donning a similar costume, Miles became a budding superhero with the original Spider-Man as his mentor. Miles was the first person Spider-Man revealed his identity to, and they have become the closest of friends. Miles considers Peter a great hero, but can he live up to the legacy set before him?

PERSONALITY:

-Miles is a passionate, bright, confident, selfless, and extremely eager young man. 

-Miles' dedication to helping others stems from his deep respect for his father, Officer Jefferson Morales, and his admiration of Peter Parker as Spider-Man. He draws his passion for science from his mother, Rio, who is highly regarded for her boundless dedication to being a nurse. Moreover, being a long-time fan of Spider-Man, Miles aspires to uphold his mentor and friend’s legacy while also forging his own path.

-Like average Spider-Men, he has an irreverent attitude toward villains; however, when enemies display psychological instability, Miles addresses them respectfully to prevent further danger.

-He has a strong love for science, having started inventing at an early age, as well as a passion for music, mixing hip-hop beats with his uncle during his early years.

-He is much more sociable than Peter Parker, and often initiates conversations with strangers in his neighborhood.

-Miles instantly fell for Gwen Stacy upon their first meeting. They’ve since become the best of friends, though a part of Miles still pines for her romantically. 

-His relationship with his Uncle Aaron is complex; while Miles acknowledges Aaron's inherent goodness, he also grapples with his uncle's shadowy past as the Prowler and their differing views on heroism.

-Miles' eagerness to be a hero is both a strength and weakness; it propels his desire to grow and assist others, but it also makes him prone to danger and reluctant to accept help. Additionally, he has been known to act impulsively on occasion. Miles also dislikes being a victim or receiving pity. 

-He initially displayed panic and insecurity due to struggling to handle even basic spider powers, and he felt unworthy of the Spider-Man mantle. When it is up to him to save the city on his own, Miles occasionally has doubts about his capabilities, often comparing himself to Peter. 

-Miles' intellect and love for others can cloud his judgment. At times, he can be too arrogant to listen to those who might know better

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Spider Physiology: Miles Morales gained the proportionate abilities of a spider after being bitten by a genetically-modified spider.

Superhuman Strength

Superhuman Speed

Superhuman Stamina

Superhuman Durability

Superhuman Agility

Superhuman Equilibrium

Superhuman Reflexes

Wallcrawling

Spider-Sense

Bio-Electrokinesis: Miles is able to generate and manipulate a form of bio-electricity that his body produces and can utilize the energy for multiple purposes. Miles has learned to discharge the energy from his hands in controlled bursts of what he calls "Venom Blasts".

-Venom Punch: Miles can enhance the power of his punches by infusing his fists with bio-electricity. -Venom Beam: Miles can channel his bio-electricity outward as a direct burst of electrostatic energy to knock away enemies in a stunning/concussive manner. -Lateral Repulsion: By projecting a controlled Venom Blast, Miles is able to launch himself in the air with greater force than when jumping or web-swinging. -Mega Venom Blast: Arguably Miles' deadliest ability. Miles is able to emit a larger scale burst of bio-electricity from his entire body. It is powerful enough to repel a large group of opponents and destroy sturdy restraints. This ability can be triggered through focus or by extreme stress, and it leaves Miles exhausted after using it.

Camouflage: Miles, along with his clothing, can blend into his surroundings, allowing him to either sneak up on his enemies or flee from them. The resulting effect closely resembles that of invisibility.

Regeneration

Web-Shooters

Bilingualism: Miles speaks English and Spanish.

Gifted Intellect: A fast learner from a young age, Miles is a highly gifted individual with an aptitude for science. He attends the Robotics Club at school and has experience in programming applications. Upon discovering his bio-electric powers, he demonstrated an impressive understanding of biophysics, throwing out possible explanations for this new power, such as electrolytes.

Photographic memory: At the start of his superhero career, Miles mimicked the original Spider-Man's fighting style by watching online videos to improve his own abilities.

Skilled Acrobat

Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Despite his lack of formal training prior to his spider-bite, Miles' enhanced agility, reflexes, and coordination make him an extraordinary melee fighter. He has developed his own unique combat style which incorporates a rudimentary form of boxing, Capoiera, and breakdancing.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

Spider-Woman

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Maxine Stacy

Alternate New York City, New York; present-day

16-18 years old

5′5″ (1.65 m)

125 lbs (56.7 kg)

Eyes: blue

Hair: blond

Gender: Trans female

Orientation: Heterosexual

Leaping from an alternate reality in which she was bitten by a radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy learned the painful lesson that with great power must come great responsibility. At first, Gwen used her new powers for selfish reasons, reveling in the attention it brought her. Meanwhile, her friend, the bullied Peter Parker, turned himself into a lizard monster because he was desperate to be special like her. Gwen inadvertently killed Peter during the ensuing fight, and the police blamed her for his death. Seeking redemption, she now fights crime as the amazing Spider-Woman.

PERSONALITY:

-Gwen Stacy is a spunky, sarcastic, awkward, and emotionally vulnerable teenage girl. She has a history of rejecting friendship since she can't bear to go through the pain of losing another loved one. After getting to know Miles Morales and Hobie Brown, however, she tentatively decided to give companionship a chance.

-Gwen initially put on a tough, antisocial front when she met the other Spider-People, but she has come to view the Spider-Gang as family and is fiercely protective of them.

-It can be difficult for her to look at the other Peters when they are unmasked, hence why it was initially easier for her to interact with Miles and Hobie. 

-Currently, Gwen's interest in Miles is platonic, bordering on sibling affection.

-Gwen has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, especially where her friends are concerned. On impulse, she will intervene on their behalf. With this in mind, Gwen and Peter (Spider-Man) have sworn to always watch each other's backs.

-There used to be unresolved tension between Gwen and her police officer father, George Stacy, regarding the morality of Spider-Woman’s vigilantism. Upon realizing that the vigilante he had been pursuing for years was his very own daughter, George reached out to Gwen about her problems and insecurities. Father and daughter have reconciled, and George Stacy has become Spider-Woman’s staunchest supporter.

-She is absolutely fearless in battle, but not to the point of recklessness.

-Gwen’s relationship with her bandmates has become somewhat strained since her superhero lifestyle often interferes with their gigs. That said, Gwen’s band members have made attempts at getting her to open up about her feelings and trauma.

-Gwen tends to bottle up her emotions and release them when she's playing drums, leading to her being particularly angry and distant. When dealing with people she is unsure of, she puts up fronts and walls to appear more confident and put together than she actually is.

-She hates when Noir calls her "doll."

-Her favorite band is The Smashing Pumpkins.

-Outside of music, her hobbies include skateboarding, gymnastics, and ballet.

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Spider Physiology: Gwen gained the proportionate abilities of a spider after being bitten by a radioactive spider—genetically engineered based upon the genetic template of alien spider parasites.

Superhuman Strength

Superhuman Speed

Superhuman Stamina

Superhuman Durability

Superhuman Agility

Superhuman Equilibrium

Superhuman Reflexes

Spider-Sense

Wallcrawling

Regeneration

Web-Shooters: Twin devices, which she wears on her wrists, that trap moisture from the air to create a "web-fluid" that allows her to eject web ropes, nets, and globs. The Web-Shooters also enable her to web-swing between buildings. Given to Gwen by her universe’s Janet Van Dyne. 

Customized Web Watch: A standard Web-Warrior dimensional travel watch that has been customized by Pavitr Prabhakar and Hobie Brown. Gwen’s watch allows her to teleport short distances almost instantaneously, which she primarily uses for combat.

Amateur Detective: Gwen has a proclivity for analytical thinking and detective work. She is also the daughter of a police captain, thus she knows some police protocols and methods.

Skilled Fighter: Gwen is a skilled freestyle fighter. That said, she is untrained and learned most of her moves from kung fu movies.

Trained ballerina: Gwen has trained in ballet since she was young. Her ballet training has allowed her to be incredibly precise when moving, often walking on the tips of her toes. Evidently, her ballet experience is incorporated into her fighting style.

Trained gymnast: Gwen was a member of the gymnastics team at her school; even before her radioactive spider bite, Gwen was able to hold her own body weight and possessed an athletic build similar to that of an acrobat. She incorporates her gymnastics training into her fighting style.

Trained musician: Gwen plays the drums with her band, The Mary Janes.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

Spider-Man Noir

Peter Benjamin Parker

Alternate New York City, New York; 1933 AD

Approximately 19 years old

6′1″ (1.85 m)

150 lbs (68.04 kg)

Eyes: brown

Hair: brown

Gender: Cis male

Orientation: Bisexual or Demisexual (still figuring it out)

In another New York, in the year 1933, Norman Osborn murdered Ben Parker for encouraging a workers' strike. Seeking justice for his uncle, Peter Parker became an investigative journalist to expose corruption. One evening, Peter was investigating a warehouse of stolen artifacts. An ancient spider statue broke open and released a swarm of spiders, one of which bit Peter. He passed out and dreamed of a spider god who bestowed the curse of power on him. When Peter came to, he discovered that he had been gifted with arachnid-like abilities. Thus, Peter became the Spider-Man: a dark avenger fighting for the rights of the downtrodden and waging a one-man war on crime.

PERSONALITY:

-Noir Peter Parker is an unwavering, righteous, sympathetic, brooding, solitary young man of few words.

-Peter grew up witnessing injustice in the harsh environment of the Great Depression. This, combined with his Uncle Ben’s horror stories about the First World War, made Peter distrustful of would-be leaders and political figures. He’s leery of police officers; in his world and time period, especially, police corruption is rampant.

-Unlike most Spider-Men, Noir Peter was never taught the motto "With great power, there must also come great responsibility." Instead, his Uncle Ben told him, "If those in power can’t be trusted, it’s the responsibility of the people to remove them."

-Peter’s jaded demeanor and bleak realism belie his indomitable will and inherent idealism. He will never stop fighting for truth and progress, no matter the personal cost.

-Peter is a devout socialist and liberal activist, often participating in protests for workers’ rights, racial equality, and standing against the rising tide of Nazism.

-Peter is an empiricist—he believes his eyes, no matter how implausible something may be. Ever since his encounter with the Spider-God, he has gradually come to accept that some things are never going to have an explanation.

-Unlike the other Spider-People, Peter is willing to kill his enemies if absolutely necessary.

-Peter struggles with trauma and depression, perhaps more than his counterparts. To cope and better do his job, he closes off his emotions and ignores his bodily needs.

-Peter smokes cigarettes, even though he has been warned that they cause cancer. The nicotine helps calm his nerves, and he doubts that he’s capable of contracting cancer due to his powers.

-Peter puts on a convincing, deeper voice to make himself seem older. The rest of the Spider-Gang was dumbstruck when they learned he wasn’t much older than them.

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Superhuman Abilities: Peter possesses enhanced physical abilities granted to him by the Spider-God.

Superhuman Strength: Slightly inferior to that of his mainstream counterpart.

Superhuman Speed

Superhuman Stamina

Superhuman Durability: Although he is incredibly durable, his body does have its limits—unlike his modern counterparts, he cannot sustain multiple injuries and continue to function.

Superhuman Agility

Superhuman Equilibrium

Spider-Sense

Wall-Crawling: He can stick to walls using just his fingertips and feet; however, Peter prefers a type of parkour over clinging to the walls themselves.

Organic Webbing: Spider-Man has the ability to produce black webbing from glands within his forearms. However, he cannot generate webbing in a constant stream (like his more modern counterparts) and is therefore unable to travel via swinging on webs.

Night Vision

Regeneration: Slightly superior to that of his mainstream counterpart.

Pain Resistance: Ever since he was bitten, Peter no longer feels physical pain as potently as an average human.

Gifted Intellect: Peter is of above-average intelligence and possesses a natural talent for science.

Experienced Reporter: Peter is a gifted investigative reporter and very skilled photographer.

Investigator: Honing his talents as an investigative reporter, Peter has become experienced in detective work and research.

Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Peter is formidable in hand-to-hand combat, having received kickboxing training from the Daredevil of his universe.

Skilled Marksman: Peter is adept in the use of and has impeccable aim with firearms; more often than not, he is able to hit his targets accurately.

Weapons: Peter has been known to carry revolvers and incendiary grenades.

Glasses: Unlike other Spider-People, after receiving his powers, Peter still requires corrective lenses to see properly. 

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

Spider-Punk

Hobart "Hobie" Brown

Alternate London, United Kingdom; c. 1977-early 80s

Approximately 19 years old

5′11″ (1.8 m)

150 lbs (68.04 kg)

Eyes: brown

Hair: black

Gender: Cis male

Orientation: Pansexual

Foul-mouthed teenager Hobart Brown was a squatter in an alternate, fascist UK ruled by Prime Minister "Ozzy" Osborn. He was bitten by a spider irradiated by illegal waste dumping, which granted him spider superpowers. Hobie became a punk-rock-inspired Spider-Man, leading the oppressed people of London in a revolt against Osborn and his stormtroopers. Spider-Punk is defined by his rebellious attitude toward absolutely everything and will seize any opportunity to rebel against the establishment and anyone who dares to abuse their power.

PERSONALITY:

-Hobie is a zealous, headstrong, brazen, uncompromising, and altruistic young man.

-Although he pretends to be an apathetic badass, Hobie clearly has a deep connection to his team and a surprising amount of respect for Spider-Man Noir.

-He is surprisingly good with children.

-Hobie is an extremely devout anarchist who chafes at all forms of authority. Whenever he is given orders, Hobie makes it clear that he’s only going along with them because he wants to. Put simply, Hobie fights evil on his own terms.

-Hobie lives by two rules: No Gods. No Masters. He hates the rich, authorities, and politicians.

-Hobie takes the Spider-Man staple of flippancy to a whole new level—oftentimes, he doesn’t even attempt to be clever with his quips, instead throwing out the harshest insults he can come up with. 

-As a musician and activist, he integrates anti-authority messages into his performances. He frequently encourages (and joins) mosh pits among the audience. Such acts are deemed illegal in his home universe… not that he cares. 

-Hobie is a terrible singer, but he argues that’s what punk rock is all about.

-With the plethora of questionable decisions he’s made just to survive, Hobie does not consider himself a role model, let alone a hero. Despite this, he still has high praise for himself and tries to project an aura of "cool."

-Hobie's boots are ladder laced. In punk culture, ladder lacing with colored laces is a way to discreetly express your beliefs. Hobie's laces are blue, which means the wearer has killed a police officer. Though Hobie remains unwilling to divulge many aspects of his life, he has mentioned that he was once betrayed by a police officer…

-Hobie enjoys playing with people’s gender expectations and dresses as androgynously as possible. He believes that it is impossible to separate punk history from queer history.

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Spider Physiology: After being bitten by an irradiated spider, Hobart obtained the proportionate powers of a spider.

Superhuman Strength

Superhuman Speed

Superhuman Stamina

Superhuman Durability

Superhuman Agility

Superhuman Equilibrium

Superhuman Reflexes

Spider-Sense

Wallcrawling: Hobie’s control over his clinging ability is increased to such a degree that he can rip a wall down by tugging at it forcefully with his palms.

Regeneration

Web-Shooters

Modified guitar: An instrument that can emit a large shockwave attack similar to Miles Morales’ "venom power." In addition, the guitar can play frequencies strong enough to cause electronic equipment to malfunction.

Cricket bat: A simple yet effective wooden bat inscribed with "Beat on the Brat," a Ramones lyric.

Engineer: Hobart is a tech genius, able to create his Web-Shooters and a functional dimension-hopping watch after studying the properties of Peni Parker’s teleportation device. He was also able to engineer his guitar into a weapon.

Skilled Acrobat

Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Hobie has years of street fighting experience. He utilizes techniques that enable him to make full use of his speed, agility, and strength. However, he lacks any formal training.

Musician: Hobie is a talented musician who plays both guitar and drums.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

SP//dr

Peni Parker

Futuristic New York City, New York; 3145 AD

9-13 years old

4′11″ (1.5 m), 9′ (2.74 m) (in armor)

105 lbs (47.63 kg), 900 lbs (408.23 kg) (in armor)

Eyes: brown

Hair: black

Gender: Cis female

Orientation: Asexual

In an alternate Japan, in the year 3145, nine-year-old Peni Parker's father, Dr. Richard Parker, passed away piloting the SP//dr suit. She would be adopted by her aunt and uncle in New York, and they informed her that she was the last person able to bond with the radioactive spider that controlled Richard’s bionic armor. Peni accepted this responsibility, allowed the radioactive spider to bite her, and repaired the mech suit. Now known as SP//dr, Peni protects her futuristic neighborhood with her new best spider-friend and a powerful robotic suit!

PERSONALITY:

-Peni is a peppy, energetic, optimistic, intelligent, tough, and somewhat smug girl. 

-Peni’s bubbly nature is infectious, and she loves making new friends. She quite literally views the Spider-Gang as her family, even addressing them as onii-chan (big brother) and onee-chan (big sister) respectively. Likewise, she cherishes her bond with the SP//dr spider more than anything—in many ways, it’s her last connection to her father.

-A generally happy-go-lucky person, it is rare to see her sad or discouraged. That said, when grief or anxiety strike, her productivity takes a sharp decline. She is a very emotional person, and her friends’ struggles affect her profoundly.

-Peni is a responsible and dedicated individual; she has devoted countless hours to her studies and working on her father's suit. That said, she can be a tad arrogant where her work is concerned, and bristles at outside input or assistance. It can be difficult to get Peni to accept technological help or admit when she’s made a mistake.

-Peni is proud of her intellect to an almost vain degree. She unconsciously comes off as condescending when explaining her technology to others, especially Spider-Man Noir (even though he can easily pick up how modern tech works).

-In battle, she is ruthless, aggressive, and devastatingly analytical.

-She has a habit of striking magical girl or idol singer poses.

-Peni is a vegetarian but isn’t preachy about it.

-Peni has an ultra-secret candy stash hidden… somewhere.

-Her hobbies include J-pop and manga (she’s recently gotten into Boys’ and Girls’ Love).

POWERS & ABILITIES:

Genius-Level Intellect: Peni Parker is extremely intelligent, mostly regarding her exceptional scientific, engineering, and computing skills. 

Scientist: A wunderkind prodigy, she is remarkably skilled and knowledgeable in a wide range of scientific fields.

Engineer: Peni takes great pride in her engineering intelligence, which has enabled her to create upgrades for her SP//dr armor and even invent an inter-dimensional teleportation device.

Expert Hacker

SP//dr Suit Mk III: A psychically-powered mech suit created by Peni’s father. The SP//dr suit is genetically linked to her, so only Peni may use it. The suit uses magnetically manipulated appendages for versatility, wall-crawling, and enhanced strength, and it can shoot lasers from its fingers. Additionally, wrist-mounted web-shooters built into the SP//dr suit allow it to web-swing between buildings and entrap enemies. The suit is shielded against radiation, biological, chemical, corrosive, and electrical attacks. In the cockpit, there is an on-board computer operating system that aids Peni in accessing the internet, providing information, and connecting with (or hacking into) other devices. The inside also has a snack compartment.

-Web Cluster Cannons: Shoulder-mounted cannons that rapidly fire web pellets. -Arachno-Mines: Tiny, spider-shaped devices deployed by the SP//dr suit. They can be attached to almost any surface, and they explode in a burst of specialized web fluid that ensnares enemies. -Spider-Drone: An advanced, long-range stealth drone equipped with a camera for spying and scouting. The drone can also be helpful when fighting large groups of enemies; at Peni’s discretion, it can discharge a beam of electricity that stuns foes.

Bilingualism: Peni speaks Japanese and English.

Expert pilot: Peni’s piloting abilities have advanced to the point where the SP//dr suit feels like an extension of her body.

Psychic link: Peni allowed herself to be bitten by the SP//dr spider—a radioactive, sentient spider (whom she refers to as her best friend) acting as one half of the CPU that makes the SP//dr suit work. Beyond piloting the suit, the spider shares thoughts and emotions with Peni.

Spider-Sense: Through her psychic connection, Peni possesses a precognitive "spider" sense that warns her of potential immediate danger.

🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️

[greatwyrmgold]

Silicon Valley Capes

Inspired by one of Blastweave's posts, I started thinking about Silicon Valley capes. Not in the sense of "the capes Tattletale was talking about when she said 'Silicon Valley capes'," but capes whose trigger events involve classic Silicon Valley stuff.

Information about Deep Thought, Venture, Agile Strategy, Hand Aid, and Antipath—their backstories, powers, and how they used them—is under the cut. ...I kinda want to write a heist fic with some of these characters, each with different motives for the heist, each being driven in a different direction by those motives.

Alice, the Burnout

Let's start simple. Alice was really optimistic about her new job. She bought into the American dream of the 90's; study hard, get a degree, work hard, prosper. She followed the map, lived how she was supposed to live. But things didn't turn out how they're supposed to.

Alice went to one company after another. Some of them went bust despite her best work. Other times, she was fired for reasons that had more to do with office politics than her actual work. She worked hard, but didn't make the right connections.

Eventually, Alice found a job at a mature company, one which didn't fire her. It was hard working there; she had to endure crunch, sudden changes in project direction, harassment from senior coworkers, et cetera. But that's fine; she's working at a good company now. She just needs to work harder to overcome these challenges. And surely her boss will recognize how hard she's working and reward her appropriately.

She works there for years, waiting for her reward. She gets small raises, usually enough to keep up with inflation, but no promotions. She decides that she just hasn't been working hard enough to earn those promotions. So she works harder. She keeps working harder, sacrificing more, doing whatever will make her worthy of the success she's worked for.

Over the years, she becomes aware of political events which should cause her to question her confidence in the meritocracy. A financial crisis like our world's Great Recession, where the people who caused it get bonuses and the victims get to foot the bill. Awareness of systemic racism and lingering antisemitism and other problems that should have been eradicated decades ago, but which endure. Horror stories from other women in the tech industry, stories which other people are reacting strongly to, even though Alice has grown used to similar events.

But she can't give up on her dream so easily. She can't give up on the ideas that gave her hope all of these years.

One year, a new guy is hired, fresh out of college. He's not a complete idiot, but he's not exactly talented either. Alice keeps being assigned to guide him, or fix his mistakes, or pick up the slack when he misses deadlines. She does this willingly. Upper management clearly has their eye on this kid, and Alice is helping him—obediently, quietly, competently. But at the end of the year, the new guy gets a promotion, and Alice just gets her nominal raise.

She breaks. Alice storms into her manager's office—the man who decided that the new guy was worthy of a promotion over Alice after spending months ordering Alice to pick up the new guy's slack—and demands an explanation. Her manager chews Alice out, pissed that his decisions would be questioned, and threatens to fire Alice if she keeps being a pest.

The first time she set a toe out of line—the first time she was anything less than a perfect little drone—the first time Alice realized that the American dream she had worked for her entire life was a lie.

Deep Thought: Powers

Looking over the Tinker docs...Focal tinker, with a bit of Resource and Controller.

Alice (aka Deep Thought) can build and maintain a big supercomputer housing an advanced AI, which she calls 42. 42 is capable of answering almost any question, as long as it's fed with a sufficient volume of relevant data.

Luckily, DT can build some sensors to gather data about her immediate surroundings and transmitters to communicate with 42, but that's not enough on its own. With such limited information, 42's answers are vague and often inaccurate.

Deep Thought initially supplements her tinkertech with an Internet connection. 42 requires a lot of bandwidth and consumes immense amounts of electricity, but this additional information improves her answers immensely. Deep Thought almost initiates a "singularity"—using the answers to hack various systems, giving 42 access to more data and Alice access to financial resources needed to upgrade 42 and her internet connection.

But all of this—Alice's suddenly frequent absences from work, her mysterious funds, her immense electricity bill—alerted the authorities that something weird must be going on. Ultimately, this lead to Alice's landlord requesting a police investigation of her house. Once they saw the supercomputer towers around the house, it didn't take long for them to figure out that Alice was a huge white-collar criminal.

Deep Thought promptly fled, and created 43—a new AI mainframe, smaller and weaker and starved of data, but enough for her immediate needs. It's something she can show to potential collaborators, other villains who can help her capture her old workplace.

This isn't just a matter of revenge; she has two other reasons. First, their computer hardware and the data in their databases would make a great seed for 44, her planned next AI, bigger and better than even 42. Second, she intends to take the rewards she feels they owe her for her years of hard work and sacrifice, by any means necessary.

Bob, the Grifter

Bob started a startup with high hopes, big dreams, and absolutely no idea whether the product he promised was physically possible. (Think Theranos.) But he's confident, he's charismatic, and if he can pull it off, he'd make a killing. Investors pour money into his project.

Over the course of a few years, Bob goes from optimistically assuming his company would be honestly profitable any year now, to convincing himself that his company's high stock price is a justifiable reflection of the high reward offered with its high risk, to willfully lying about his product and his company finances. The only constant was that Bob had earned every penny fairly and squarely.

When Bob's company came under scrutiny, he was confident he'd come out fine. He wasn't brazen enough to admit to anything, of course, but he was confident that everything he'd done was either above board or hidden well enough that nobody could prove his responsibility. He sold his stock, but otherwise carried on as usual, even when some of his investors started a lawsuit.

That self-confidence collapsed before he even got to court. The lawyer Bob hired storms into his office, furious at how Bob had mislead him about the nature of the case. The plaintiff had submitted reams of evidence, far more than Bob had insisted existed. His lawyer insisted that Bob try to settle out of court, whatever the cost might be.

The trigger comes from two mixed emotions: The realization that he was nowhere near as clever as he thought he was, and terror over facing consequences for his actions.

Venture: Powers

The Thinkers doc identifies a bunch of categories Thinker powers can fall into and the triggers which cause them; this feels like Skill ("helplessness or questions of competence, often scenarios where the thinker is out of their depth"), perhaps with a dash of Social ("emotional factors that...dwell more on the emotions at hand than the isolation or betrayal").

Bob gains the ability to shift between different mindsets, each of which alters the way he processes and retains information. For instance, his combat mindset improves his ability to learn his opponent's "patterns" and learn various combat-related skills (martial arts, marksmanship, etc), while his social mindset lets improves his ability to deduce/intuit what other people are thinking and learn various social-related skills (rhetoric, bluffing convincingly, etc).

This power has a downside that Bob doesn't intuitively know about, and that he ignores any signs of: Each mindset also feeds him "bad data" for other kinds of activities or skills. He makes bad interpersonal assumptions if he stays in his combat mindset, and develops bad habits. The positive influence from his mindsets is a lot stronger than the negative ones, though; if Bob switched between mindsets regularly, he could maintain an Uber-tier (heh) level of skill.

Bob stuck to his power's social mindset for pretty much the entire lawsuit, hoping that it would let him get out of his scandal scott-free. It did not. He then tried to pull off a pretty wild plan that would let him escape the USA with much of his fortune (in the form of gold bars), but overuse of one mindset eroded too many of Bob's other skills (and his ability to evaluate his own abilities, which was never exceptional).

After focusing more on his athletic and combat mindsets, Bob managed to flail his way out of custody and became a low-grade villain—the kind who mostly works as muscle/support for other villains, while being absolutely certain he can be a Big Shot some day.

Carl, the Failson

A rich kid from a new-money Silicon Valley family. He can't program himself, and struggled to start a profitable tech company. He's hardly broke; he can get interest-free million-dollar loans from his folks, and has the business skills needed to build companies that he can sell piecemeal for more than he invested in them.

But he's not the success he thinks he should be. His parents went to a C-tier college and turned thousands of dollars into millions. Between those genes and his MIT education, why can't he turn millions of dollars into billions? He deserves to be a legend!

Enter Cauldron, who "accidentally" mention that Hero is one of their past clients.

Carl buys himself a fancy Cauldron vial. About half of it is a tinker formula associated with computer tinkers. About 10% is associated with thinker powers and Noctis capes; Carl hopes that this will help him maintain his grindset. And another quarter is the premium Hero juice.

Unfortunately, Carl gets a bit of deviation. Physically, this just means metallic ridges a few inches across growing on his forearms, thighs, feet, back, and over his eyes. It also means his powers are nothing like what he expected.

Agile Strategy/Angelo Vestor: Powers

First off, he has electrosentience. That is to say, he can sense electric currents (and magnetic fields) with those ridges. It's not a replacement for eyesight, but it's something. He also has two related tinker powers.

First, he can design a powered armature for himself. It's basically a thin mechanical superstructure which connects and interfaces with his ridges, which can have a wide variety of gizmos installed. Not as wide as he imagined when he asked for some Hero juice, but wide. (One of the first gizmos he designed was a visor with visual sensors, because he can't stand feeling crippled like that.)

Second, he has an instinctive understanding of computer programming. Not programming languages, or even assembly code, but if he uses his armature to connect his mind to a computer, he can usually figure something out. This can be used to hack stuff or to code stuff.

The thing about his tinker powers is that they're bad at focus. In theory, he could build a building-sized mecha that his armature links with; in practice, building that would take so long that he couldn't complete it before losing whatever spark lets him solve impossible technical problems. And it gets worse if he only uses half of his power; the more software stuff he tinkers, the less he can focus on any of it until he indulges the hardware side of his power.

Carl initially tries to use his powers to become a celebrity-tinker-entrepreneur. His initial armature was sleek and futuristic—a shiny chrome second skin, designed to resemble an idealized masculine body. He focused more on the software side of his powers, making some pie-in-the-sky promises about what he could personally develop.

Of course, that didn't work out. He could come up with incredible computer programs, but he couldn't focus on one project long enough to debug it, let alone fix the problems that came from tinker code decay. He eventually realized he had to indulge the hardware side of his power to get anything out of the software side, which kept things going for a while, but somehow it wasn't enough.

Eventually, Carl looked at the pile of random gadgets he had lying around his garage, and started to realize what he could do with them. Why let them go to waste? A billion dollars is a billion dollars. Carl threw together a second armature, one designed around the gadgets going into it rather than for aesthetics, and became the supervillain thief Agile Strategy.

(I'm imagining Carl's civilian suit looking kinda like SotM's Benchmark, while Agile Strategy's looks like spare bits from a dozen different cosplay artists making costumes for a dozen different sci-fi franchises, bolted to a suit of high-tech splint mail.)

Agile Strategy steals valuable objects, sells them quietly, and then adopts a third identity—Angelo Vestor—to invest the profits into Carl's company. This silent investor helps keep Carl's business running, which he hopes will give him enough runway to get a profitable project off the ground.

Dave, the Mediator

Dave was the HR manager at another startup, developing an all-inclusive personal wellness app, which lives by a policy of work-hard-party-hard. The company hires mostly recent college grads, people who will be attracted by benefits like concert tickets and company parties and chances to win big vacations, who won't realize that working unpaid overtime every week is a raw deal.

Dave is cursed with two things that are innocuous in isolation but noxious together. His friendship with the CEO, Buster, is a good thing in isolation; it gives him job security and a greater ability to influence the company than an HR manager generally would. His scruples are also a good thing in isolation, but Buster doesn't have them.

Morale among the employees is pretty bad, and Dave tries to manage it. He tries to balance the needs and well-being of the employees against what's good for the business (and his friendship with Buster). The employees don't need parties, they need longer deadlines and fewer working hours and nicer supervisors—but if they delay projects or hire more employees or replace managers, Buster's business goals are endangered.

Dave convinces himself that the company would go under if they took their foot off the gas even a little, and that the employees would be worse off if they were unemployed, which lets him resolve that internal conflict for a while.

Then things get worse, and Dave follows some of Buster's plans to improve company morale. They're a frat boy's wet dream, booze and hookers and drugs. Buster quickly realizes that letting employees microdose on cocaine during work hours could not only improve morale, but productivity. For a moment, Dave thinks his conflicting drives are in agreement.

Over the next few weeks, cocaine turns from an optional perk into another thing low-level employees are expected to do to keep the company afloat. Dave starts to feel uncomfortable about this arrangement, but it's just taking everything he agreed to a little farther than he anticipated, so he doesn't feel like it's his place to complain.

Then one of the employees collapses, vomiting. Turns out that everyone being pressured to microdose on cocaine means some people are going to macrodose. Management starts arguing about what to do, Dave grabs his phone to call 911, Buster yells that the whole damn business could get shut down if the cops find out they've been distributing illegal drugs like party favors.

The life of an employee, or the life of the company.

Helping Hand Hand Aid: Powers

If that trigger doesn't sound like a binary/multithreaded tinker trigger to you, you probably haven't read the tinker docs. The mad scientist or magi types fit decently well, too; I'm inclined to think mad scientist over magi, since Dave was successfully compartmentalizing the internal dilemma for months.

One half of Dave's tinker power is biochemical tinkering. The thing about this is that, while he obviously knows the main effect of his chemicals, he doesn't know the side effects until they manifest down the line. He can make new chemicals to counter the effects of his old ones, but those have side effects too.

The other half is external cybernetics. He can't design a replacement organ, but he can give you extra metal limbs. Or maybe some kind of external device that provides organ-like functions. These tend to work best on himself; he can give someone an extra arm, but controlling it won't feel as natural as it does for Dave.

Dave uses his power to save the employee, but that doesn't do much to save the company. The unfortunate employee is alive and sent home to rest, but he still feels like shit (and doesn't 100% trust the disgusting cocktail the HR guy poured down his throat), so he goes to the hospital and doesn't hesitate to explain how he got poisoned.

The company's work environment is swiftly revealed through a bunch of interviews and investigative journalism. Buster flees the state before charges can be fired, disappearing to Scion-knows-where; the management collectively decides to throw him under the bus to cover their own asses.

It doesn't work for all of them, but Dave's good reputation among the staff and the fact that he saved the OD-ing employee's life let him avoid criminal charges, or even a bad reputation. He still feels guilty for his part in the company-wide disaster. He uses that guilt to drive him to use his powers for good, helping the local Protectorate.

He can design cyberweapons and poisons and stuff, but he chooses to instead focus his tinker efforts on advanced medical drugs and ways to deliver them where they're useful. (Most of which are bundled into a cybernetic third arm, which is why he was disappointed to learn that the name "Helping Hand" was already taken by a Canadian rogue.)

Hand Aid is a battlefield medic, applying medicine that keeps heroes alive long enough to get to a hospital; he can also help patients recover from long-term injuries faster or more completely. Of course, his medicine all has side effects—often serious ones, ones he can't predict until they arise. Whenever he uses a drug on a patient, he has to keep designing new ones to handle the side effects that crop up from the last batch until the side effects are tolerable or he runs out of time to help them.

Iterating on the same drug, adding in new chemicals to counter its side effects, can make this side effect spiral less severe, but it can't stop it. As long as he cares about his patients' well-being, he's stuck in a cycle of fixing problems he caused while trying to fix other problems.

(If the Slaughterhouse Nine ever goes to the West Coast, he probably gets nominated by Bonesaw. He wouldn't survive the tests very long.)

(Note to self: If you go with the heist fic idea, write up a trigger event for the guy that ODs and gets tinker juice shoved down his throat. Clusters are fun, even if they're two-cape clusters.)

Eve, the Whistleblower

Eve was an accountant at a microchip research center. It wasn't as abusive as the company Alice works at, as dangerous as Buster's, or as fraudulent as Bob's; however, it wasn't very good, either. Eve suppresses a lot of resentment towards her bosses, her job, the company, Silicon Valley, the world in general.

One week, she was assigned to cover for a payroll accountant who needed emergency heart surgery. She quickly realized that the company was engaging in wage theft to cut costs. She quietly gathered the relevant data she could and quickly passed it on to relevant authorities.

Charges were filed, but the company made a quick settlement out of court. Eve was pretty sure they got away with just paying the wages they should have paid months or years ago. Meanwhile, HR was trying to figure out who had ratted them out.

Eve worked to cover her ass, but there aren't a lot of people who could have gathered the relevant data, and fewer who might have released it at that time. Eve memorized the relevant laws that should have protected her, prepared a defense against every dumb, illegitimate excuse the company might use to fire her.

She was caught off-guard when the research center's parent company reorganized its subsidiaries. It wasn't a substantial change, but it was enough that some administrative personnel were transferred or laid off. Eve was deemed redundant, of course, and she had absolutely no way to prove that she was laid off because she'd blown the whistle. In fact, she hadn't even gathered any proof that the company knew she was the whistleblower.

All of these realizations were forming in her head as her supervisor quietly told Eve that she'd never work as an accountant in Silicon Valley again.

Antipath: Powers

Trying to hide and defend herself against a hostile social force, trying to uncover her "misdeed" and punish her, only to have the rug pulled out, only to realize her efforts were for naught and have her world torn down around her ears. Feels like a Master/Stranger sort of trigger, Machination on the Stranger side.

Antipath can force everyone else to look away from or move out of an area she designates—the smaller the area, the more potent the effect. This clears out an area for her, possibly to make it easier for her to sneak through it, possibly for other reasons.

In the moment, people affected by this power think they have a good reason for looking or moving the way they did; however, unless such a reason genuinely does exist, they'll realize that they've been influenced sooner or later (generally once they can't easily justify leaving/looking away).

People who are aware of Antipath's influence can't be driven from that spot by her power again. (At least, not for a while.) It still has some effect if Antipath's moved to a different spot—especially if it's just making them more inclined to search the area her power drove them from initially—but the more aware that people are of her power's influence, the less it affects them. It's a useful tool, but it won't keep people away forever.

Antipath considers herself a white-collar vigilante. She robs, sabotages, or leaks information from various corporations and millionaires, but she tries to target the deserving. Unfortunately, this crime is also how she pays rent, so she can't always research her targets beforehand. Sometimes that means hitting a target she isn't 100% sure deserves it, sometimes it means hitting one she isn't 100% sure she can break into and out of.

[lostconsultants]

Revolutionising Estimations with AI: Smarter, Faster, and More Reliable Predictions

Revolutionising estimations with AI transforms project planning by enhancing accuracy and reducing uncertainty. Unlike traditional methods prone to bias, AI-driven estimations leverage historical data and predictive analytics for more reliable forecasts.

Revolutionising estimations with AI is transforming how teams predict timelines, allocate resources, and improve project planning. Traditional estimation methods often rely on human intuition, which can introduce biases and inconsistencies. AI offers a data-driven approach that enhances accuracy, reduces uncertainty, and allows teams to focus on delivering value. If you’re interested in…

[marchubbardus]

Top 5 Reasons Companies Partner with Joaquin Fagundo for IT Strategy

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are constantly evolving to keep up with the changing technological landscape. From cloud migrations to IT optimization, many organizations are turning to expert technology executives to guide them through complex transformations. One such executive who has gained significant recognition is Joaquin Fagundo, a technology leader with over two decades of experience in driving digital transformation. Having worked at prominent firms like Google, Capgemini, and Tyco, Fagundo has built a reputation for delivering large-scale, innovative solutions to complex IT challenges. But what makes Joaquin Fagundo such a sought-after leader in IT strategy? Here are the Top 5 Reasons Companies Partner with Joaquin Fagundo for IT Strategy.

1. Proven Expertise in Digital Transformation

Joaquin Fagundo’s career spans more than 20 years, during which he has worked on high-stakes projects that require a deep understanding of digital transformation. His experience spans various industries, helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies to improve operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline processes.

Fagundo has helped organizations transition from legacy systems to modern cloud-based infrastructure, allowing them to scale effectively and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. His hands-on experience in cloud strategy, automation, and enterprise IT makes him an invaluable asset for any business looking to adapt to new technologies. Companies partner with Joaquin Fagundo because they know they will receive strategic insights and actionable plans for driving their digital initiatives forward.

2. Strategic Cloud Expertise for Scalable Solutions

Cloud technology is no longer a trend—it is the backbone of modern businesses. Joaquin Fagundo has an extensive background in cloud strategy, having successfully led major cloud migrations for several large organizations. Whether it's migrating to a public cloud, optimizing hybrid infrastructures, or implementing cloud-native applications, Fagundo’s expertise helps businesses navigate these complexities with ease.

Companies partnering with Joaquin Fagundo can expect a tailored cloud strategy that ensures scalability and cost-efficiency. His deep knowledge of cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure enables him to develop bespoke solutions that meet specific business needs while minimizing downtime and disruption. His approach not only focuses on the technical aspects of cloud migration but also on aligning cloud solutions with overarching business goals, ensuring that companies can reap the full benefits of cloud technology.

3. Strong Track Record of Driving Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is a top priority for most businesses today. Companies partner with Joaquin Fagundo because of his exceptional ability to optimize IT operations and implement automation technologies that enhance productivity while reducing costs. Whether it’s through automating routine tasks or improving infrastructure management, Fagundo’s strategies enable organizations to streamline their operations and focus on growth.

Fagundo’s leadership in infrastructure optimization has allowed businesses to reduce waste, lower operational expenses, and improve the performance of their IT systems. His expertise in automation tools and AI-driven insights empowers businesses to become more agile and responsive to market demands. By partnering with Fagundo, companies are able to make smarter decisions, optimize resource utilization, and achieve long-term sustainability.

4. Business-Technology Alignment

One of the most significant challenges that organizations face is aligning their IT strategies with broader business goals. While technology can drive innovation and efficiency, it’s only effective when it is tightly integrated with the company’s vision and objectives. Joaquin Fagundo understands this concept deeply and emphasizes the importance of business-technology alignment in every project he undertakes.

Fagundo’s approach to IT strategy is not just about implementing the latest technology, but also ensuring that it supports the company’s strategic direction. He works closely with leadership teams to identify key business objectives and tailors technology solutions that drive measurable business outcomes. This focus on alignment helps companies ensure that every IT investment contributes to long-term growth, profitability, and competitive advantage.

5. Trusted Leadership and Change Management Expertise

Digital transformation and IT strategy changes often require a significant cultural shift within an organization. Change management is a critical component of any IT transformation, and this is an area where Joaquin Fagundo excels. Over the years, Fagundo has successfully led large teams through organizational changes, helping them navigate complex transformations with minimal resistance.

Fagundo’s leadership skills are a key reason why companies partner with him. He is known for his ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and lead through uncertainty. His people-centric approach to technology implementation ensures that employees at all levels are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s through training sessions, workshops, or mentorship, Fagundo prioritizes the human aspect of IT transformation, making the process smoother and more sustainable for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Partnering with a technology executive like Joaquin Fagundo can provide businesses with a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world. With his deep technical expertise, strategic insight, and ability to align technology with business goals, Fagundo has helped countless organizations successfully navigate their IT challenges. Whether it's through cloud strategy, digital transformation, or operational optimization, Joaquin Fagundo is the go-to leader for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve.

If your company is ready to accelerate its digital transformation journey and leverage cutting-edge technology for long-term success, partnering with Joaquin Fagundo could be the first step toward achieving your business goals. With his proven track record, expertise, and leadership, Fagundo is the ideal partner to guide your organization into the future of IT strategy.

[jcmarchi]

How AI is Redefining Team Dynamics in Collaborative Software Development

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-ai-is-redefining-team-dynamics-in-collaborative-software-development/

How AI is Redefining Team Dynamics in Collaborative Software Development

While artificial intelligence is transforming various industries worldwide, its impact on software development is especially significant. AI-powered tools are enhancing code quality and efficiency and redefining how teams work together in collaborative environments. As AI continues to evolve, it’s becoming a key player in reconfiguring team dynamics, enhancing productivity, and streamlining communication. This article explores how AI redefines team dynamics in collaborative software development, unlocking new ways of working and shaping the industry’s future.

The Shift to AI-Augmented Development

In the past, software development relied heavily on human expertise at every stage, from design and coding to testing and deployment. While this traditional approach has driven significant progress, it faces bottlenecks, including inefficiencies, communication barriers, and human errors. Recent advancements in AI, however, are offering intelligent solutions that effectively address these challenges, transforming how development teams operate.

AI-augmented development redefines team collaboration by automating routine tasks such as bug detection, code reviews, and version control. By handling these repetitive tasks, AI allows developers to focus on more complex, higher-order problems, improving their productivity and efficiency. This automation also promotes effective collaboration by minimizing bottlenecks and reducing the need for constant manual intervention.

In addition, AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot and DeepCode are helping developers to write code cleaner and faster. These tools provide real-time suggestions, enabling teams to maintain consistent coding standards across multiple developers. This reduces team friction and creates a more harmonious work environment, enabling junior developers to work independently while following best practices.

Enhancing Cross-Functional Collaboration

AI’s impact goes beyond just coding; it’s becoming vital for enhancing collaboration among teams, especially in agile development environments. Software development relies heavily on teamwork, shifting responsibilities between developers, testers, product managers, and business users. These teams must interact and communicate effectively to achieve their shared goals. AI tools are helping to break down the traditional silos that often get in the way of effective communication.

For instance, AI-driven project management platforms like Asana and Jira optimize task allocation by analyzing team performance and identifying skill gaps. These platforms predict potential roadblocks and suggest workflows that ensure tasks are assigned to the most appropriate team members, improving project outcomes. AI also assists in forecasting timelines, reducing project delays, and providing data-driven insights that help team leaders make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, AI’s natural language processing (NLP) capabilities enable more effective communication between technical and non-technical team members. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can now interpret technical jargon and translate it into language that product managers or clients can understand. This communication mechanism creates a more inclusive team environment where everyone is on the same page, regardless of their technical expertise.

Boosting Remote and Distributed Teams

In today’s globalized world, remote work has become the norm for many software development teams. Distributed teams often face challenges related to communication, coordination, and maintaining productivity across time zones. AI is crucial in bridging these gaps and ensuring that remote teams remain as effective as co-located ones.

AI-powered collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams incorporate features that help manage distributed workforces. These platforms utilize AI to analyze communication patterns, flag potential miscommunications, and suggest the best meeting times based on team members’ availability across different time zones.

Additionally, AI is transforming code review processes for remote teams. Tools like Codacy and CodeClimate use machine learning algorithms to automate code reviews, ensuring that teams follow best practices even when senior developers are not immediately available for oversight. This mechanism accelerates the review process and maintains consistency in code quality merged into the project.

AI also helps maintain team bonding in a remote setting. AI-powered sentiment analysis tools can monitor communication channels, identifying signs of burnout or disengagement among team members. These insights allow managers to intervene early and provide support, ensuring remote teams remain motivated and productive.

AI and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

One of the most significant shifts AI drives in team dynamics is in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). AI-powered tools enhance CI/CD pipelines by automating various aspects of the software development lifecycle, from testing to deployment.

Traditionally, teams invested significant manual effort in managing CI/CD pipelines to ensure they tested, integrated, and deployed code changes without disrupting the system. However, AI automates these processes, allowing teams to implement changes more frequently and confidently. Tools like CircleCI and Jenkins now integrate AI algorithms that predict the success of builds, identify failure points, and optimize deployment strategies.

AI-driven CI/CD fosters better collaboration among developers and operations teams (DevOps). By automating routine deployment tasks, AI allows DevOps teams to focus on strategic improvements and infrastructure scalability instead of constantly dealing with deployment issues. This enhances the synergy between development and operations teams, creating a more cohesive workflow that aligns with the project’s broader goals.

Democratizing Software Development

As AI increasingly integrates into collaborative development environments, software development becomes more accessible to everyone. AI-powered low-code and no-code platforms are allowing non-developers to contribute to software projects in ways that were previously impossible.

Platforms like OutSystems and Appian use AI to guide users through the software development process, enabling business analysts, project managers, and clients to create functional applications without extensive coding expertise. This democratization shifts the traditional dynamic of software teams, where developers are the sole gatekeepers of technical knowledge. Now, diverse teams can actively participate in the development process, contributing to innovation and bringing new perspectives.

These developments have also led to the rise of “citizen developers,” who can quickly prototype ideas, test them, and iterate without relying on professional developers for every process step. This evolution speeds up the innovation cycle and allows software development teams to focus on refining and scaling ideas rather than being bogged down by the initial stages of development.

AI as a Team Member: The Rise of AI Pair Programming

One of the most fascinating developments in AI-assisted software development is the concept of AI as a virtual team member. AI pair programming, where a human developer collaborates with an AI tool to write and review code, is gaining traction. GitHub Copilot, for example, uses OpenAI’s Codex model to assist developers by suggesting code completions, functions, and entire blocks of code based on context.

AI pair programming tools are not just passive assistants; they actively participate in the development process by learning from past codebases and user interactions to provide increasingly accurate suggestions. This evolution fundamentally changes how developers interact with their work, reducing cognitive load and allowing them to focus on more complex, creative tasks.

AI is changing traditional team dynamics by being a constant collaborator. It is reducing the need for junior developers to rely heavily on senior colleagues for guidance. AI tools can now provide that guidance in real time, helping to level the playing field and accelerate the onboarding process for new team members.

The Bottom Line

AI is not just a tool for improving efficiency; it fundamentally reshapes how teams collaborate and innovate in software development. By automating routine tasks, enhancing cross-functional communication, and enabling more inclusive and democratized development processes, AI is setting the stage for a new era of teamwork.

As AI continues to advance, the future of collaborative software development looks promising. Human creativity and AI-driven automation will work together to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation. Teams will be able to confidently tackle increasingly complex projects, knowing that AI is there to support them at every turn.