Don't Panic Labs
@dontpaniclabs.com
Don’t Panic Labs brings innovators' visions to life through experienced product ideation and management, thoughtful design, and disciplined software engineering.
AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a shortcut to bypass critical thinking. Using it with discipline and intent is the key to avoiding a mess.
In his latest post, Chad Michel shares our current framework for harnessing AI effectively.
In his latest post, Chad Michel shares our current framework for harnessing AI effectively.
Harnessing the Hype: A Pragmatic Guide to Using AI in Development | Don't Panic Labs
Chad Michel outlines a framework for using AI in development. Learn productive practices and essential guardrails to harness AI's power with discipline and intent.
dontpaniclabs.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:55 PM
AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a shortcut to bypass critical thinking. Using it with discipline and intent is the key to avoiding a mess.
In his latest post, Chad Michel shares our current framework for harnessing AI effectively.
In his latest post, Chad Michel shares our current framework for harnessing AI effectively.
We have some big news to share today.
After 15 years, Don’t Panic Labs Managing Partner Doug Durham is stepping away from daily operations.
In his latest post, Doug reflects on his career and shares his perspective on what's next.
After 15 years, Don’t Panic Labs Managing Partner Doug Durham is stepping away from daily operations.
In his latest post, Doug reflects on his career and shares his perspective on what's next.
Finding Joy in the Work and in What Comes Next | Don't Panic Labs
Doug Durham shares words of wisdom as he announces his stepping back from daily operations at Don't Panic Labs.
dontpaniclabs.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:36 PM
We have some big news to share today.
After 15 years, Don’t Panic Labs Managing Partner Doug Durham is stepping away from daily operations.
In his latest post, Doug reflects on his career and shares his perspective on what's next.
After 15 years, Don’t Panic Labs Managing Partner Doug Durham is stepping away from daily operations.
In his latest post, Doug reflects on his career and shares his perspective on what's next.
At @nebraskacode.bsky.social this summer, we wanted to do something different at our booth. Instead of distributing handouts or giving demos, we asked conference attendees three questions - and the responses were eye-opening.
Beyond the Booth: How We Talk About Coaching and Growth in Engineering (and Everywhere) | Don't Panic Labs
At the 2025 Nebraska.Code() conference, we asked engineers about coaching and growth. Here’s what they shared and what it means for the future of development teams.
dontpaniclabs.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:24 PM
At @nebraskacode.bsky.social this summer, we wanted to do something different at our booth. Instead of distributing handouts or giving demos, we asked conference attendees three questions - and the responses were eye-opening.
What happens when you let AI help you build a facial recognition system from scratch?
That’s the experiment Everett Rhodes recently ran. Armed with Python, a vector database, and Cursor, he set out to see how far AI-assisted coding could go in tackling a real (but lightweight) prototype.
That’s the experiment Everett Rhodes recently ran. Armed with Python, a vector database, and Cursor, he set out to see how far AI-assisted coding could go in tackling a real (but lightweight) prototype.
Vectors, Python, AI, and Your Face | Don't Panic Labs
Everett Rhodes dives into Python, AI, and vector databases showing how a prototype facial recognition system took shape with Cursor.
dontpaniclabs.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:32 PM
What happens when you let AI help you build a facial recognition system from scratch?
That’s the experiment Everett Rhodes recently ran. Armed with Python, a vector database, and Cursor, he set out to see how far AI-assisted coding could go in tackling a real (but lightweight) prototype.
That’s the experiment Everett Rhodes recently ran. Armed with Python, a vector database, and Cursor, he set out to see how far AI-assisted coding could go in tackling a real (but lightweight) prototype.
Kansas City, here we come!
We’re proud to be back again as a sponsor for the Kansas City Developer Conference (@kcdc.bsky.social). This year, we’re bringing big ideas, a brand-new AI booth activity, and a lineup of talks from Bill Udell, Brian Zimmer, and Doug Durham.
See you at #KCDC2025!
We’re proud to be back again as a sponsor for the Kansas City Developer Conference (@kcdc.bsky.social). This year, we’re bringing big ideas, a brand-new AI booth activity, and a lineup of talks from Bill Udell, Brian Zimmer, and Doug Durham.
See you at #KCDC2025!
August 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Kansas City, here we come!
We’re proud to be back again as a sponsor for the Kansas City Developer Conference (@kcdc.bsky.social). This year, we’re bringing big ideas, a brand-new AI booth activity, and a lineup of talks from Bill Udell, Brian Zimmer, and Doug Durham.
See you at #KCDC2025!
We’re proud to be back again as a sponsor for the Kansas City Developer Conference (@kcdc.bsky.social). This year, we’re bringing big ideas, a brand-new AI booth activity, and a lineup of talks from Bill Udell, Brian Zimmer, and Doug Durham.
See you at #KCDC2025!
Read how Sarah dealt with the strict pop-up rules enforced by Safari on iOS.
Understanding window.open() Behavior on iOS Safari | Don't Panic Labs
Read how Sarah dealt with the strict pop-up rules enforced by Safari on iOS.
dontpaniclabs.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Read how Sarah dealt with the strict pop-up rules enforced by Safari on iOS.
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Next Tuesday August 5th we will be at Salt Mine City Brewing Co. in the Haymarket from 6:30 to 8:30pm!
July 29, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Next Tuesday August 5th we will be at Salt Mine City Brewing Co. in the Haymarket from 6:30 to 8:30pm!
Imagine being able to ask your database questions in plain English and getting visualizations quickly.
In his latest post, Branden Barber shows us how to make data analysis possible for technical and non-technical users alike.
#SoftwareDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #AI
In his latest post, Branden Barber shows us how to make data analysis possible for technical and non-technical users alike.
#SoftwareDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #AI
MCP Magic: AI-Powered Azure SQL Analysis in Plain English | Don't Panic Labs
Branden Barber demonstrates how to make data analysis accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
dontpaniclabs.com
July 22, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Imagine being able to ask your database questions in plain English and getting visualizations quickly.
In his latest post, Branden Barber shows us how to make data analysis possible for technical and non-technical users alike.
#SoftwareDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #AI
In his latest post, Branden Barber shows us how to make data analysis possible for technical and non-technical users alike.
#SoftwareDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering #AI
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Nebraska.Code() Full-Day Workshops are this Wednesday, July 23rd!
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#ProductDiscovery #OKRs #Personas #Storymapping #InteractiveMapping #JavaScript #React #Kubernetes #ProblemSolvingToolbox #RAGSolution #AWS #CSharp #AsynchronousProgramming #SustainableIT #Tech #Nebraska
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#ProductDiscovery #OKRs #Personas #Storymapping #InteractiveMapping #JavaScript #React #Kubernetes #ProblemSolvingToolbox #RAGSolution #AWS #CSharp #AsynchronousProgramming #SustainableIT #Tech #Nebraska
July 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Nebraska.Code() Full-Day Workshops are this Wednesday, July 23rd!
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#ProductDiscovery #OKRs #Personas #Storymapping #InteractiveMapping #JavaScript #React #Kubernetes #ProblemSolvingToolbox #RAGSolution #AWS #CSharp #AsynchronousProgramming #SustainableIT #Tech #Nebraska
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#ProductDiscovery #OKRs #Personas #Storymapping #InteractiveMapping #JavaScript #React #Kubernetes #ProblemSolvingToolbox #RAGSolution #AWS #CSharp #AsynchronousProgramming #SustainableIT #Tech #Nebraska
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Nebraska's startup scene is growing and changing. Organizations like 1 Million Cups, @dontpaniclabs.com and Open Range are working to create community and resources for the new companies.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
Nebraska startup community continuing to grow, add connections
Nebraska’s startup community has been working to create more ways for new businesses to connect and find resources.
journalstar.com
July 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Nebraska's startup scene is growing and changing. Organizations like 1 Million Cups, @dontpaniclabs.com and Open Range are working to create community and resources for the new companies.
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
journalstar.com/news/local/b...
In her latest blog post, Lindsey Hruby-Yardley draws from her background in military intelligence to introduce the Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) framework and shows how it can level up your business intelligence game.
What Military Intelligence Taught Me About Business Intelligence | Don't Panic Labs
Learn how a military intelligence framework can sharpen your business strategy and reveal new opportunities for growth and clarity.
dontpaniclabs.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
In her latest blog post, Lindsey Hruby-Yardley draws from her background in military intelligence to introduce the Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) framework and shows how it can level up your business intelligence game.
Struggling to get Microsoft Entra External ID working with Google Workspace?
Andrew Tarr walks through the step-by-step setup of a custom SAML identity provider to connect your Google Workspace users with your Entra-integrated application.
#SoftwareDevelopment #Entra #GoogleWorkspace
Andrew Tarr walks through the step-by-step setup of a custom SAML identity provider to connect your Google Workspace users with your Entra-integrated application.
#SoftwareDevelopment #Entra #GoogleWorkspace
Signing into Entra External ID with Google Workspace | Don't Panic Labs
Learn how to connect Google Workspace with Microsoft Entra External ID using SAML with a step-by-step setup for seamless single sign-on.
dontpaniclabs.com
July 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Struggling to get Microsoft Entra External ID working with Google Workspace?
Andrew Tarr walks through the step-by-step setup of a custom SAML identity provider to connect your Google Workspace users with your Entra-integrated application.
#SoftwareDevelopment #Entra #GoogleWorkspace
Andrew Tarr walks through the step-by-step setup of a custom SAML identity provider to connect your Google Workspace users with your Entra-integrated application.
#SoftwareDevelopment #Entra #GoogleWorkspace
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Tomorrow July 1st we will be at Salt Mine City Brewing Co. down in the Haymarket from 630-830!
June 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Tomorrow July 1st we will be at Salt Mine City Brewing Co. down in the Haymarket from 630-830!
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Christian Peters, Brian Zimmer, Anne Ruskamp, and Kevin Van Cott have Full-Day Workshops in July at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechWorkshop #Nebraska #TechConf #DontPanicLabs #ModernReact #TechToolbox #TechConference #July2025 #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechWorkshop #Nebraska #TechConf #DontPanicLabs #ModernReact #TechToolbox #TechConference #July2025 #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering
June 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Christian Peters, Brian Zimmer, Anne Ruskamp, and Kevin Van Cott have Full-Day Workshops in July at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechWorkshop #Nebraska #TechConf #DontPanicLabs #ModernReact #TechToolbox #TechConference #July2025 #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechWorkshop #Nebraska #TechConf #DontPanicLabs #ModernReact #TechToolbox #TechConference #July2025 #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering
In the third and final post of his AI-Assisted Development series, Chad Michel uncovers a hidden but powerful ally: the copilot-instructions.md file.
AI prompting gets a lot of attention, but it’s this behind-the-scenes pre-prompting file that can make or break the usefulness of AI-generated code.
AI prompting gets a lot of attention, but it’s this behind-the-scenes pre-prompting file that can make or break the usefulness of AI-generated code.
CodeBreak: AI-Assisted Development – Part 3 | Don't Panic Labs
In the final post of his AI-Assisted Development series, Chad Michel uncovers a hidden but powerful ally: the copilot-instructions.md file.
dontpaniclabs.com
June 24, 2025 at 1:25 PM
In the third and final post of his AI-Assisted Development series, Chad Michel uncovers a hidden but powerful ally: the copilot-instructions.md file.
AI prompting gets a lot of attention, but it’s this behind-the-scenes pre-prompting file that can make or break the usefulness of AI-generated code.
AI prompting gets a lot of attention, but it’s this behind-the-scenes pre-prompting file that can make or break the usefulness of AI-generated code.
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Chad Michel will do his Podcast 'This Week in Za' at Nebraska.Code() July 25th.
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechPodcast #PizzaAndTech #DontPanicLabs #Nebraska #TechnologyConference #Podcast #pizzapodcast #technologypodcast #TechPodcast #softwaredevelopment #Heartland #SiliconPrairie #Technology
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechPodcast #PizzaAndTech #DontPanicLabs #Nebraska #TechnologyConference #Podcast #pizzapodcast #technologypodcast #TechPodcast #softwaredevelopment #Heartland #SiliconPrairie #Technology
June 17, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Chad Michel will do his Podcast 'This Week in Za' at Nebraska.Code() July 25th.
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechPodcast #PizzaAndTech #DontPanicLabs #Nebraska #TechnologyConference #Podcast #pizzapodcast #technologypodcast #TechPodcast #softwaredevelopment #Heartland #SiliconPrairie #Technology
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#TechPodcast #PizzaAndTech #DontPanicLabs #Nebraska #TechnologyConference #Podcast #pizzapodcast #technologypodcast #TechPodcast #softwaredevelopment #Heartland #SiliconPrairie #Technology
In Part 2 of his series on AI-assisted development, Chad Michel dives deeper into how better prompt design can lead to cleaner, error-free code.
He revisits the common pain points of broken import statements and “hallucinated” logic, and he shows how refining our inputs can lead to better outputs.
He revisits the common pain points of broken import statements and “hallucinated” logic, and he shows how refining our inputs can lead to better outputs.
CodeBreak: AI-Assisted Development – Part 2 | Don't Panic Labs
Learn how refining prompts in AI-assisted development can eliminate errors and generate better TypeScript code.
dontpaniclabs.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
In Part 2 of his series on AI-assisted development, Chad Michel dives deeper into how better prompt design can lead to cleaner, error-free code.
He revisits the common pain points of broken import statements and “hallucinated” logic, and he shows how refining our inputs can lead to better outputs.
He revisits the common pain points of broken import statements and “hallucinated” logic, and he shows how refining our inputs can lead to better outputs.
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Brian Zimmer is 'Roadmapping with Critical Thought' July 25th at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#Roadmapping #TechConf #SoftwareCraftsmanship #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Technology #TechCommunity #HeartlandDev #DeveloperConference #Programming #Nebraska #criticalthinking
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#Roadmapping #TechConf #SoftwareCraftsmanship #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Technology #TechCommunity #HeartlandDev #DeveloperConference #Programming #Nebraska #criticalthinking
June 5, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Brian Zimmer is 'Roadmapping with Critical Thought' July 25th at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#Roadmapping #TechConf #SoftwareCraftsmanship #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Technology #TechCommunity #HeartlandDev #DeveloperConference #Programming #Nebraska #criticalthinking
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#Roadmapping #TechConf #SoftwareCraftsmanship #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Technology #TechCommunity #HeartlandDev #DeveloperConference #Programming #Nebraska #criticalthinking
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Anne Ruskamp presents 'Project Recovery: Navigating the Bumps and Getting Back on Track' July 25th at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#SoftwareCraftsmanship #ProjectManagement #ProjectRecovery #PracticalAgile #TechnologyConference #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Agile #womenintechnology
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#SoftwareCraftsmanship #ProjectManagement #ProjectRecovery #PracticalAgile #TechnologyConference #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Agile #womenintechnology
June 4, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Anne Ruskamp presents 'Project Recovery: Navigating the Bumps and Getting Back on Track' July 25th at Nebraska.Code().
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#SoftwareCraftsmanship #ProjectManagement #ProjectRecovery #PracticalAgile #TechnologyConference #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Agile #womenintechnology
nebraskacode.amegala.com
#SoftwareCraftsmanship #ProjectManagement #ProjectRecovery #PracticalAgile #TechnologyConference #Nebraska #DontPanicLabs #Agile #womenintechnology
Every software decision is an economic one. Are you making them wisely?
Bill Udell makes the case for elevating our decision-making with intentionality to improve our software projects.
Bill Udell makes the case for elevating our decision-making with intentionality to improve our software projects.
You Are a Quantitative Analyst (but Likely Not Very Skilled) | Don't Panic Labs
Explore how applying cost-benefit analysis to software decisions enhances engineering discipline, product quality, and long-term success.
dontpaniclabs.com
June 3, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Every software decision is an economic one. Are you making them wisely?
Bill Udell makes the case for elevating our decision-making with intentionality to improve our software projects.
Bill Udell makes the case for elevating our decision-making with intentionality to improve our software projects.
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Heading back to Code Beer Co. next month, June 3rd from 6:30-8:30.
May 29, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Heading back to Code Beer Co. next month, June 3rd from 6:30-8:30.
AI tools can speed up development, but only if you know how to prompt them effectively.
In Chad’s latest blog post, he breaks down a structured prompting template that helps guide Large Language Models (LLMs) toward generating cleaner, more useful code.
#LLMs #SoftwareDevelopment #AI
In Chad’s latest blog post, he breaks down a structured prompting template that helps guide Large Language Models (LLMs) toward generating cleaner, more useful code.
#LLMs #SoftwareDevelopment #AI
CodeBreak: AI-Assisted Development – Part 1 | Don't Panic Labs
Chad kicks off a new series on how to prompt AI tools like LLMs to generate better code with a structured, developer-friendly template.
dontpaniclabs.com
May 21, 2025 at 12:44 PM
AI tools can speed up development, but only if you know how to prompt them effectively.
In Chad’s latest blog post, he breaks down a structured prompting template that helps guide Large Language Models (LLMs) toward generating cleaner, more useful code.
#LLMs #SoftwareDevelopment #AI
In Chad’s latest blog post, he breaks down a structured prompting template that helps guide Large Language Models (LLMs) toward generating cleaner, more useful code.
#LLMs #SoftwareDevelopment #AI
Our Towel Day 2025 collection drive for People's City Mission kicks off today.
We're on a mission to collect as many towels as possible over the next two weeks. Bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, used towels of any condition…we'll take 'em all.
We're on a mission to collect as many towels as possible over the next two weeks. Bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, used towels of any condition…we'll take 'em all.
Don’t Panic Labs Announces Eighth Annual Towel Drive for People’s City Mission | Don't Panic Labs
Join Don’t Panic Labs’ 2025 Towel Day Drive (May 12–25) to help Lincoln’s homeless shelter. Donate towels, any condition, at locations citywide.
dontpaniclabs.com
May 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Our Towel Day 2025 collection drive for People's City Mission kicks off today.
We're on a mission to collect as many towels as possible over the next two weeks. Bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, used towels of any condition…we'll take 'em all.
We're on a mission to collect as many towels as possible over the next two weeks. Bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, used towels of any condition…we'll take 'em all.
Reposted by Don't Panic Labs
Code Beer Co.. Tonight 6:30-8:30. Don't forget your laptop!
May 6, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Code Beer Co.. Tonight 6:30-8:30. Don't forget your laptop!
If you're working with XmlSerializer, you’ve probably hit a few snags trying to match your XML to a specific schema or keep things clean and readable.
Check out Andre’s latest post to learn some practical tips!
#SoftwareDevelopment #DotNet #CodingTips
Check out Andre’s latest post to learn some practical tips!
#SoftwareDevelopment #DotNet #CodingTips
Formatting XML When Serializing C# Objects | Don't Panic Labs
Learn to serialize C# objects to XML with XmlSerializer! Customize tags, handle nulls, and control output in this concise guide.
dontpaniclabs.com
May 6, 2025 at 1:12 PM
If you're working with XmlSerializer, you’ve probably hit a few snags trying to match your XML to a specific schema or keep things clean and readable.
Check out Andre’s latest post to learn some practical tips!
#SoftwareDevelopment #DotNet #CodingTips
Check out Andre’s latest post to learn some practical tips!
#SoftwareDevelopment #DotNet #CodingTips