Field Notes: How Does Brainbox Labs Turn Developer Fundamentals Into Better AI Judgment?

In this Ask AI Field Note recorded at the 2025 SaaS North conference, Brainbox Labs founder Kris Nicolaou explains why core skills matter more than ever when developers use AI. Without strong fundamentals, teams can’t spot bad output, or confidently improve the good.

Recorded at SaaS North, this Ask AI Field Note features Kris Nicolaou, founder and CEO of Toronto-based Brainbox Labs, a people-centric digital partner known for combining thoughtful culture with high-quality product work.

In the clip, Kris describes how his team approaches AI inside the development process.

“If you don’t have the foundation, you don’t know what good looks like, and even more important, you don’t know what bad looks like.” - Kris Niclaou, CEO, Brainbox Labs

For him, AI is a powerful tool “like Thor’s hammer in your toolbelt” but only if developers have the right foundations. Without a clear sense of what good and bad output look like, junior team members can’t safely assess or correct AI-generated work.

Kris also shares what happened when Brainbox Labs rolled out AI tools to a small group of developers. Everyone used the tools differently, and bringing those approaches together sparked new energy and cross-learning inside the team.

Some developers gained noticeable efficiency. Others used the saved time to write automated tests they normally wouldn’t get to. The result: stronger confidence in the codebase and better outcomes for clients.

For Brainbox Labs, this early experimentation reinforces a simple principle:

AI works best when solid fundamentals, curiosity, and team culture are already in place.

Explore more Ask AI Field Notes.

About Ask AI

Since 2017, Ask AI has operated as an independent nonprofit helping people spot the opportunities and navigate the challenges associated with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence at work. Our volunteers produce a podcast, short videos, free resources, and open research.

We provide a trusted, balanced perspective on this transformative technology that is reshaping the future of work and redefining professions and industries worldwide.

• Curious about AI and future of work? Join newsletter

• Event organizer? Let's collaborate