With AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude at our fingertips, being able to leverage AI to design systems is a new non-negotiable for all developers.
AI is good at handling tasks of a small scope. But for large-scale systems, we need a more structured approach involving:
Breaking systems into smaller parts
Editing and stitching together AI outputs
This involves a new skill set that I call Prompt-Led System Design, wherein you stay in charge, define the goals, and steer the architecture, while AI streamlines your process with tactical outputs and edge-case considerations.
Using AI effectively in System Design requires core knowledge of System Design and a working grasp of AI (prompt engineering).
Today I'll share how you can use Prompt-Led System Design to design large-scale systems like Netflix with AI.
We'll cover:
What is Prompt-Led System Design?
SCOPED, a six-step framework for designing systems like Netflix with AI
A bonus hack I like to use for faster prototyping
Let's dive in.