
Adapting LLMs to Engineer Problem-Solving Styles
Creating more inclusive AI assistants for software development
This research explores how LLMs can be adapted to match diverse problem-solving styles among software engineers, potentially creating more inclusive AI coding assistants.
Key Findings:
- LLMs can be prompted to adapt explanations to different problem-solving styles
- Matching explanations to engineers' styles may improve perception and effectiveness
- Adaptation based on the Gender Inclusiveness Magnifier (GenderMag) framework shows promise for inclusive design
- Engineers respond differently to explanations that match vs. mismatch their problem-solving approach
For engineering teams, this research provides a pathway to optimize LLM coding assistants for diverse teams, potentially improving productivity and engineer satisfaction through personalized AI interaction.