2 min lesson
Layered review: AI as an independent signal
Take this situation: "In the layered review model, which layer must NEVER collapse into the others and why?" Lead with your decision, then add the reason.
Step 1 of 4
Review is defense in depth, not a single gate. Each layer catches a different class of failure and each one stays independent of the others. The moment two layers share a blind spot, you've spent process without buying safety.
The architecture exists so the cheap, fast, deterministic layers catch the boring stuff. That frees scarce human attention for where it's irreplaceable: design fit, intent, risk and the things only a domain expert sees.
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Author self-review → deterministic checks → AI review (independent signal) → specialist review → required human code-owner approval. The code-owner gate never collapses into the others. It is the accountable signature.
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Full explanation
Layered review: AI as an independent signal
If the same model that wrote the code also reviews it, the review inherits the author's blind spots and rationalizes the same flawed assumption it baked in. Independence is what makes a second signal worth anything. BugbotCursor's automated PR reviewer that posts inline findings and can push fix commits from isolated VMs. Press Enter for the full definition. reviewing an agent's PR is valuable because it brings different context and a fresh read of the final diff. A human code-owner reviewing both is still required, because the human carries accountability and judgment no model layer provides.
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Optional practice
Practice: Layered review: AI as an independent signal
QWhy is it valuable to have an AI review (BugbotCursor's automated PR reviewer that posts inline findings and can push fix commits from isolated VMs. Press Enter for the full definition.) read an agent's PR, even though both are 'AI'?