The software factory pattern lets agents run projects, not just tasks
Trying the Software Factory Pattern
Will Larson describes adopting the software factory pattern at Imprint: an agent skill reads a Linear project's goals, audits missing RFCs and metrics, then works through non-blocked tasks. It catches post-release issues like passkey adoption spikes or error rate changes. The pattern depends on Datadog MCP, Snowflake, Linear as the single source of state, and an orchestrated harness. Larson notes it forced him to stop hoarding project state and reflects on the compounding migrations.
What I particularly like about the factory pattern is that it parallels very closely how I've been working locally, while forcing me to recognize the places where I was accidentally hording parts of the state for myself regarding the goals of the project.