Shopify Magic

Miqdad Jaffer explains how Shopify developed AI features by starting with a focused problem, shipping quickly, and learning from merchants. He describes Shopify’s Get Shit Done process, its principles of keeping merchants in control, and how Sidekick handles uncertainty through safeguards, layered product design, and human review. He also discusses evaluation with expert-written tests, including multi-turn scenarios, and prioritizing user value over adoption targets or model cost. The talk closes with Shopify’s craft-oriented culture and its support for employees experimenting with AI.