Why empathy might be the missing ingredient in open source AI

From code to community: Lessons on open source, AI, and creative growth.

Kevin Blanco, senior developer advocate at Appsmith, sat down with the All Things Open team to share how open source and AI can work together to empower developers, strengthen communities, and inspire creativity.

Read more: What if your AI agent could actually help?

Kevin’s 15-year journey in tech has taken him from IBM Watson to leading developer advocacy at Appsmith, but his passion for open source collaboration has remained constant. In this conversation, he shares why developers should view AI as a companion that helps accelerate innovation while keeping community at the center. For Kevin, the combination of open source and AI represents a chance to learn, build, and grow together without the limitations of proprietary tools.

He highlights practical ways developers are already using AI agents responsibly, from assisting customer support teams to detecting fraudulent invoices before they impact a business. Instead of replacing people, these agents handle the repetitive or time-consuming tasks, allowing humans to focus on empathy and problem-solving. Kevin notes that this kind of staff augmentation can improve productivity and morale when paired with thoughtful oversight and collaboration.

Beyond tools and technology, Kevin shares insights on what it means to grow as a developer in today’s landscape. He encourages developers to explore life outside of code. For example, you could watch a film, visit an art gallery, take a different path to work, because creativity often sparks from new experiences. At Appsmith, Kevin channels that philosophy into storytelling, creating short films that capture the humor, challenges, and everyday realities of developer life in a relatable way.

Key takeaways

1. AI should amplify, not replace. Let it manage the routine tasks so developers can focus on higher-level design, architecture, and creativity.
2. Community matters. Open source collaboration provides the foundation for learning, mentorship, and shared growth.
3. Storytelling builds connection. Creativity and empathy are just as important as technical skill when building tools for people.

Conclusion

Kevin’s perspective highlights that progress in open source and AI begins with people. When developers stay curious, build responsibly, and create with empathy, technology becomes a force for community and positive change.

More from We Love Open Source

• Want to get into AI? Start with this.
• What if your AI agent could actually help?
• Deep dive into the Model Context Protocol
• How I use AI agents to automate my workflow and save hours
• Skip the crowded job hunt: Find your tribe instead