Leading With AI: What Helped Me Through the Hard Parts
A behind-the-scenes look at how I used AI to support engineering, communication, and leadership during the Monocle.com rebuild — from debugging and MVPs to staying calm under pressure.
Daine Mawer
Articles and guides about software development, engineering management, and technology.
Latest posts
The Rise of No-Code and Low-Code in Frontend Development | Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of AI
No-code and low-code platforms like Webflow, coupled with AI tools, are transforming the way we approach frontend development. Discover their benefits, limitations, and the opportunities they create for businesses and developers alike. Learn how these tools empower designers, streamline workflows, and complement traditional development in this comprehensive guide.
Using CSS Custom Properties with Fallbacks for Efficiency
CSS Custom Properties can be tricky to deal with and aren’t always as intuitive as one might hope. However, when used right, they can significantly reduce boilerplate code and keep things efficient, making our work more productive.
What Is Google Baseline and Its Impact?
Learn about Google's latest efforts to effectively increase interoperability across browser vendors: Google Baseline. We'll discuss what the initiative strives to achieve, how it works, and what to look out for.
Determine When A Sticky Element is Stuck in JavaScript
Using position: sticky is a handy CSS positioning property that allows elements to stick to the top of a relative parent on scroll. It's a considerable step forward compared to the older methods of scrolling down the page, past a specific offset and dynamically "fixing" the element to the browser window using position: fixed.
Unlocking Project Success: Mastering Task Estimation with the FATE Framework
Task estimation is an art that every front-end engineer and engineering manager should master. With a well-structured framework that covers F.A.T.E (Feedback, Admin, Technical, Engineering), you can give accurate timelines, optimise resource allocation, and, most importantly, deliver a happy client.
Enhance Your React App's Scalability using Storybook and Chromatic
Learn the art of scaling your React application with Storybook and Chromatic integration. Unlock the power of a robust component library, clear documentation, and efficient visual regression testing for enhanced team productivity.
Understanding Chromes Coverage Panel
In this article, we'll discuss using Chromes Code Coverage panel and how you can leverage its insights to optimise performance.
How to Effectively Set Up NextJS with a Component Library using Monorepos
Learn how to set your next project up for success by effectively configuring Storybook and NextJS within a monorepo archictecture that will scale with your project.
10 Proven Techniques for More Effective Code Reviews
Code reviews are an essential part of the software development process. In this article, we'll discuss 10 best practices for conducting effective code reviews, including starting early, having a clear process, and following up on feedback.
4 Tips for Properly Using the Return Statement in Your Code
Learn how to use the return statement effectively in your code with these 5 tips. Proper use of the return statement is crucial for ensuring the correct functioning of your programs and can save you from bugs and errors.
Waking Up Early: A Crash Course for Software Engineers
Discover how the 5AM Club can benefit software engineers by providing uninterrupted work time, helping with task prioritization, improving mental and physical health, and staying up to date with industry developments.
4 Surprising Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Software Engineers
Discover the numerous benefits of intermittent fasting for software engineers, including weight loss, improved cognitive function, and better cardiovascular health. Find out how this dietary pattern can help you stay focused and productive while promoting good health.
Leveraging CommitLint for Consistent Commit Messages
Learn how CommitLint can help improve the quality and clarity of your project's commit history by enforcing a consistent commit message style. Find out how to easily integrate CommitLint into your continuous integration pipeline and start reaping the benefits today.
Five Front-end File Architectures For Better Code Organisation
Explore the different front-end file architectures available to you, including flat, hierarchical, modular, component-based, and feature-based. Consider the size, complexity, and needs of your team when choosing the best file architecture for your project. Find out which approach works best for your project to better organize and maintain your code.
Understanding The Environmental Impact of Slow Websites
Slow websites can have a significant impact on the environment due to the energy required to keep them running. Learn about the various ways in which slow websites contribute to environmental degradation and discover strategies for making the web a more sustainable place.
How To Motivate and Inspire Individual Contributors
Want to inspire and motivate your individual contributors? Try setting clear goals and expectations, providing ongoing feedback and support, encouraging career development, recognising and rewarding contributions, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Best Front-End Development Extensions for Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is one of the newest kids on the IDE “block” and it’s making a lot of noise. It’s taken a little while to gain traction, perhaps because it’s one of Microsoft’s few open source...
State of the Web Industry in South Africa
For the next few minutes, I’m going to give you a peek into the country I call home; its culture, the web industry, and some of our unique and interesting challenges when it comes to the...
The Future of Frontend Development in 2025: Trends, AI, and the Evolving Role of Engineers
Frontend development is changing fast. In 2025, the role goes far beyond UI—blending full-stack thinking, AI-powered tooling, and modern CSS capabilities. This post explores what’s next and how to stay ahead.