What My Day Looks Like When I "Code" Without Being a Programmer

Many believe that creating a technological product requires deep programming knowledge and specialized education. However, as an economist by my second degree and a landscape designer by calling, I can confidently say: this is not always the case. My day, when I "code" formspace.design, looks completely different from a traditional developer's day, but it is just as full of tasks, problem-solving, and the joy of the result.

My Path to Code Without Code: From Business to AI

My professional journey began in sports and painting, then moved into enterprise economics and business consulting. Already in the 90s, while leading NPF "Alkar," I set tasks for programmers regarding management accounting, although I never wrote code myself. Later, after founding "Dom i Sad" (House and Garden), I faced a shortage of convenient tools for designing and managing landscape projects. I used AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, but always felt that something was missing for a comprehensive solution. This experience of setting tasks, understanding business needs, and the "artist's eye" in design became the foundation for what I do now. At 61, after a forced business shutdown, I decided to create formspace.design, and AI became my main assistant in this endeavor.

Morning: From Idea to AI Task

My workday usually starts early. First and foremost, I formulate the problem or new feature I want to implement in formspace.design. This can be anything: from improving the user interface to optimizing the plot zoning algorithm. I don't write a technical specification in the usual sense, but I describe the desired result, operational logic, input data, and expected output in great detail. For example, if I need to implement a new function for calculating soil volume during terracing, I recall my experience at "Dom i Sad" and imagine how an engineer would solve this problem. I don't just tell the AI "write code"; I explain, "I need a Python script that will take terrain data (a list of heights or a 3D model), consider a specified slope angle, and output the volume of moved soil in cubic meters, as well as suggest the optimal placement of terraces." Clarity of formulation is 80% of success.

Daytime Rhythm: Dialogue with an AI Assistant

Most of my day is a continuous dialogue with AI. I input my task, receive the first draft of code or an algorithm, and then begin to analyze it. Here, my ability for systemic thinking, developed over years of working in business and teaching, helps me. I look not only at the syntax but also at the logic: "Why is the AI suggesting this approach? Does it align with my vision?" If something is wrong, I ask clarifying questions, request parts of the code to be rewritten, add comments, or suggest alternative solutions. For example, if the AI gave me an image processing script that requires a specific library, I might ask it to suggest options that use more universal tools, or immediately provide instructions for installing the necessary software. Creating a simple but new function can take 1-2 days of such interactive engagement.

Typical "Errors" and How to Fix Them

Of course, AI is not perfect. Often, I encounter generated code that doesn't work immediately or doesn't work as expected. This is like a typical mistake of a novice landscape designer who first plants, and then realizes they haven't considered lighting and soil composition. In programming with AI, this manifests as inaccuracy or incompleteness of the code. My approach to "debugging" is to break the problem into smaller parts. I ask the AI to explain each line of code, looking for discrepancies between my description and its implementation. Sometimes the error lies in a misunderstood context, and then I rephrase my request, supplementing it with specific usage examples. For instance, if a script for calculating plot area gives incorrect values, I might ask the AI to show intermediate calculations or check boundary conditions, such as irregularly shaped plots with an area less than 600 sq m or more than 2000 sq m. Sometimes debugging and rephrasing requests take several hours, but it's always a productive learning process.

Evening: Integration and Testing

By the end of the day, when the main code blocks are ready, I proceed to integrate them into formspace.design. Here, my basic knowledge of web application structure and experience with various platforms help me. I check how the new functionality interacts with existing modules. For example, if I've added a new option for automatic placement of small architectural forms, I ensure it works correctly with already created zones and doesn't conflict with budget calculations. I perform manual testing, simulating user actions, to ensure everything is intuitive and works without glitches. My goal is not just working code, but a useful and convenient tool for plot planning. This stage often requires attention to detail, similar to how I controlled the quality of cottage construction and landscaping at "Dom i Sad."

Why This Works, and What Landscape Design Contributes

My experience in landscape design taught me a systemic approach to problem-solving. Plot planning is a complex process where many factors must be considered: terrain, lighting, functional zoning (e.g., a children's playground of 10 m², a recreation area of 25 m²), plant selection. All this requires logic, foresight, and the ability to connect different elements into a cohesive whole. I approach formspace.design development in the same way. I don't just create individual functions; I see the product as a holistic system where each element serves a common goal. AI, in this context, is not a replacement for my knowledge but a powerful catalyst that allows me to realize ideas much faster than would be possible with traditional methods. My "artist's eye" helps me evaluate the visual result, and my business experience helps me assess the practical value of each function.

How to Plan in formspace.design: My Approach to a Plot

formspace.design was created by me precisely as a tool I lacked in my landscape designer practice. Imagine you want to plan a new recreation area on your plot. Instead of drawing by hand or searching for inspiration in dozens of magazines, you can use formspace.design. First, you upload your plot plan or a photo of it to module 1.x "Planning and Zoning." Here you can precisely define the boundaries of the future zone, for example, a "barbecue area" of 4x4 meters or a "rock garden" of 15 m².

Then, using module 2.1 "AI Concept," you can enter your wishes: "Japanese-style recreation area," "modern terrace with a pond," or "cozy reading nook with a pergola." The AI will offer you several concept options, considering the specified dimensions and style. You can choose your favorite idea and refine it in module 3.1 "Design by Photo," adding specific objects from the formspace.design library. This allows you not only to see what your idea will look like but also to assess its functionality before actual work begins, saving time and money. You can read more about zoning in the article: Basic Principles of Landscape Plot Zoning.

FAQ

Do you need to be a programmer to create your own product?

My experience shows that no. Much more important is a deep understanding of the subject area, systemic thinking, and the ability to clearly formulate tasks. Today, AI allows a person with vision and discipline to implement complex projects that were previously only accessible to development teams. This is a new stage in the democratization of technology.

What role does AI play in this process?

For me, AI is not just a tool, but a full-fledged co-author and assistant. It takes on the routine work of writing code, generating structures and algorithms, freeing me to solve more creative and strategic tasks. This allows me to focus on what I want to create, rather than how to code it.

What challenges arise with this approach?

The main challenges are related to the precision of formulations and the verification of results. AI can "fantasize" or interpret a task differently than I do. Therefore, I have to spend time on clarifying requests, checking logic, and adapting the generated code. This requires patience and analytical skills.

How does your landscape design experience help in developing formspace.design?

My experience in landscape design gives me a unique advantage – I am the target audience myself and deeply understand the pains and needs of users. I know which functions are truly important, what a convenient interface should look like, and what problems need to be solved. This allows me to create a product that is genuinely useful in practice, for example, when choosing plants: How to Choose Plants for Your Plot: A Beginner's Guide.

How long does it take to create a new function?

Time varies greatly. A simple function, such as a new object display type, might take a few hours. A more complex one, requiring algorithm development and integration with several modules, can extend to 2-3 days. The longest part is not writing the code, but the stage of conceptualizing the logic and testing.

Can AI completely replace a development team?

At this stage – no. AI significantly speeds up and simplifies the process, allowing one person to do what previously required a team. However, human intelligence, vision, critical thinking, and the ability for deep integration remain indispensable. AI is a powerful amplifier, but not a complete replacement.

What main tools do you use?

Besides AI itself, I actively use text editors for working with code, a browser for testing, and various cloud services for deploying formspace.design. I also use project management tools to structure my tasks and track progress. This is a relatively simple set, but the key is knowing how to use it.

What advice would you give to those who want to start their project without a technical background?

Don't be afraid to start. The most important thing is to have a clear vision for the product and a deep understanding of the problem you want to solve. Start small, use available tools, including AI, and be ready to learn every day. Discipline and perseverance will lead you to your goal.

A Look into the Future

My journey of creating formspace.design with AI is a continuous process of learning and experimentation. It shows that modern technologies open up incredible opportunities for those who are willing to think outside the box and are not afraid to explore new horizons. Perhaps your next project is also waiting for you to bring it to life, even if you don't have a programmer's diploma. The main thing is to start acting.