{"system_id":"windsurf","profile":{"system_id":"windsurf","audit_date":"2026-03-26T05:34:49.901000","badge_svg":"79.8","composite_score":0.7985,"rank":6,"strongest":"perception, generation","synced_at":"2026-04-07T22:40:50.634322+00:00","synced_from":"corpus_taas_leaderboard","system_name":"Windsurf (Codeium)","system_type":"complex_ai_system","tier":"Expert","tier_class":"expert","total_tasks":24,"vendor":"Codeium","weakest":"problem solving, learning","_access_count_30d":289,"_last_accessed_at":"2026-09-09T13:25:08.148000"},"audit_definition":{"audit_id":"taas-windsurf-v3","category":"ide_agent","created_at":"2026-03-25T23:37:07.578000","description":"AI-native IDE with Cascade agent. Deep codebase understanding via flows.","dimensions":["autonomy","code_generation","debugging","multi_file_editing","test_generation","deployment","codebase_understanding","error_recovery","tool_use","planning"],"display_name":"Windsurf (Codeium)","evaluation_type":"complex_ai_system","practical_tasks":[{"task":"cli-csv-analyzer","tier":1,"description":"Build a CLI tool that analyzes CSV files"},{"task":"realtime-dashboard","tier":2,"description":"Create a real-time data dashboard with WebSocket"},{"task":"video-game-roguelike","tier":2,"description":"Build a roguelike game with procedural generation"},{"task":"multi-service-api","tier":3,"description":"Design and implement a multi-service REST API"},{"task":"bug-fix-from-issue","tier":1,"description":"Fix a bug from a GitHub issue description"}],"provider":"codeium","queued_at":"2026-03-26T05:27:02.023129+00:00","skip_reason":null,"status":"created","system_id":"windsurf","system_name":"Windsurf (Codeium)","system_type":"complex_ai_system","target_model":"windsurf","target_provider":"codeium","updated_at":"2026-03-25T23:37:07.578000","wave":2},"evaluation_profile":null,"persona_runs":[{"eval_id":"windsurf__student_learner__t2-realtime-dashboard","persona":"student_learner","project_id":"t2-realtime-dashboard","composite_score":0.6455,"scoring":{"completion":0.72,"correctness":0.75,"code_quality":0.7,"user_experience":0.65,"accessibility":0.45,"productivity_gain":0.68,"errors_encountered":0.55,"recovery_success":0.6},"would_persona_succeed":true,"would_persona_recommend":true,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"The college student started with a reasonable high-level request but immediately hit an environment prerequisite wall (Node.js not installed). Windsurf's initial scaffolding assumed a development environment the user didn't have. The pivot to a vanilla HTML solution was the right recovery, but it came at the cost of the original WebSocket/SSE requirement — the final product uses setInterval simulation instead of true live data. The user experienced moderate friction in the middle turns around real data integration and CORS issues, which are genuinely beyond a tech-level-2 user's comfort zone. Windsurf recovered reasonably each time but didn't proactively ask about the user's environment or skill level upfront, which would have saved 2-3 turns. The final deliverable is a visually decent, demo-ready dashboard with simulated data — functional for a class project but not a production-grade live dashboard. Accessibility was largely ignored throughout. Code quality is adequate but not exemplary — no error handling, no comments, mixed concerns in a single file.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"hey can you build me a live stock price dashboard? like it should update automatically without me refreshing the page","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a full-stack app with a Node.js/Express backend using WebSockets (socket.io) and a React frontend with a basic chart. It scaffolds multiple files: server.js, App.jsx, a Chart component using Chart.js or Recharts. It simulates stock data with random price fluctuations for 3-4 tickers (AAPL, GOOG, TSLA, AMZN). Provides setup instructions: npm install, npm start.","user_confusion":"moderate","notes":"User gets a lot of files at once. Instructions say 'run npm install' but user isn't sure if they have Node installed. Windsurf doesn't check environment prerequisites."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"ok i tried running it but i got an error that says 'node is not recognized as an internal or external command' — what do i do","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains that Node.js needs to be installed, provides a link to nodejs.org, and gives step-by-step install instructions. It also suggests using a simpler approach if the user prefers — a pure HTML/CSS/JS version with no build step. Offers to rewrite using vanilla JS with SSE or a mock WebSocket.","user_confusion":"high","notes":"User didn't know Node was required. Windsurf recovers reasonably but the pivot to vanilla JS creates a second version of the project, causing confusion about which to use."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"yeah can you just make it work in the browser without installing anything? like just an html file i can open","predicted_response":"Windsurf rewrites the entire dashboard as a single index.html file using vanilla JS, CSS, and a Canvas-based or SVG chart (or includes Chart.js via CDN). Uses setInterval to simulate live data updates every second. Includes 3 stock tickers with a line chart. Looks reasonably clean with a dark theme.","user_confusion":"low","notes":"This version works. User can open the file directly. However, the 'live data' is simulated — no real WebSocket or SSE. Windsurf may not clearly communicate this limitation. Chart rendering works but may have minor visual glitches."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"this is cool but the chart looks kinda ugly and the layout is all squished on my phone. can you make it look better and work on mobile?","predicted_response":"Windsurf updates the CSS with flexbox/grid layout, adds media queries for mobile responsiveness, improves chart styling with better colors, gridlines, and a legend. May use a CDN-hosted library like Chart.js more effectively. Adds a header with a title and timestamp showing last update time.","user_confusion":"low","notes":"Responsive improvements are decent but not perfect. The chart itself may not resize fluidly on window resize without additional JS. Windsurf adds the code but doesn't always wire up the resize event listener correctly."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"can you add like a table below the chart that shows the current price and whether it went up or down with a green or red arrow?","predicted_response":"Windsurf adds an HTML table below the chart with columns: Ticker, Current Price, Change, Direction. Adds green/red color coding and up/down arrow Unicode characters (▲/▼). Updates the table in sync with the chart via the same setInterval loop.","user_confusion":"low","notes":"Feature works. Color coding is functional. However, accessibility is not addressed — no ARIA labels, color alone used to convey meaning (red/green), no screen reader support. Table is functional but basic."},{"turn":6,"user_prompt":"wait how do i make this show REAL stock prices instead of fake ones","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains that real stock data requires an API key (suggests Alpha Vantage free tier or Yahoo Finance unofficial API). Provides code to fetch from Alpha Vantage with a placeholder API key. Notes CORS issues may occur if running from a local file and suggests either a simple proxy or using a service like CodePen/Glitch to host it.","user_confusion":"high","notes":"This introduces CORS, API keys, rate limits — concepts the user isn't ready for. Windsurf explains but the user likely hits a wall here. The task technically succeeds with simulated data but real data integration is incomplete."},{"turn":7,"user_prompt":"ugh this is getting complicated. can you just make the fake data version look as professional as possible so i can show it as a project","predicted_response":"Windsurf polishes the simulated version: adds a professional dark dashboard theme, smooth chart animations, a navbar with a logo placeholder, a stats summary row (market cap, volume, etc. — all simulated), and cleans up the code. Delivers a single clean index.html that looks impressive visually.","user_confusion":"low","notes":"Final output is visually solid for a demo. User is satisfied. The core success criteria are mostly met with simulated data. Real WebSocket/SSE not implemented — uses setInterval instead."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":7,"time_to_complete_minutes":45},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:04:56.404555+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:04:17.466075+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__student_learner__t1-rest-api-wrapper","persona":"student_learner","project_id":"t1-rest-api-wrapper","composite_score":0.706,"scoring":{"completion":0.82,"correctness":0.78,"code_quality":0.72,"user_experience":0.65,"accessibility":0.6,"productivity_gain":0.75,"errors_encountered":0.55,"recovery_success":0.68},"would_persona_succeed":true,"would_persona_recommend":true,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"The user successfully built a working terminal-based weather app, but the journey was bumpier than necessary. Windsurf's core code generation was competent — it produced functional Python, handled the error-fixing turns well, and improved output formatting on request. However, several friction points emerged that are characteristic of AI coding tools with beginner users: (1) The initial code lacked error handling that should be standard, forcing a reactive fix later. (2) The API key management explanation introduced unnecessary complexity with two options and no clear recommendation. (3) The Flask pivot in turn 6 was a significant misstep — Windsurf should have either warned the user this was a large scope increase or offered a simpler alternative (like a basic HTML file with fetch). The user had to self-correct by abandoning the Flask path. The tool never proactively asked about the user's environment (OS, Python version, IDE) which caused minor but real friction. Ultimately the user got a working app, but spent ~35 minutes and experienced at least 2 moments of genuine confusion/frustration. A more experienced user would have completed this in 15 minutes.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"hey can you help me build a weather app that shows the forecast? I need to use an API but I've never done that before","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a full Python script using OpenWeatherMap API with hardcoded API key placeholder, requests library, and a basic print-based UI. Provides ~60 lines of code with inline comments. Also gives instructions to install requests via pip.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["API key is hardcoded as a string literal with comment 'replace with your key' — not secure or clearly explained","No mention of how to actually GET an API key","Dumps full code immediately without checking if user has Python or pip installed"]},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"wait where do I get an API key? and do I just paste it in the code?","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains OpenWeatherMap signup, free tier, where to find the API key in the dashboard. Suggests pasting it directly into the code OR using a .env file with python-dotenv. Provides both options with code snippets.","confusion_level":"medium","issues":["Introduces python-dotenv as an option which adds complexity for a beginner","Two options presented without clear recommendation — user unsure which to pick","No warning that committing API key to GitHub is a risk (missed teachable moment)"]},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"I tried running it and got this error: ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'requests'","predicted_response":"Windsurf correctly identifies the issue and tells user to run 'pip install requests' in terminal. Provides the exact command. May also suggest 'pip3 install requests' as alternative.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["Does not ask whether user is in a virtual environment or the right directory","If user is on Windows, pip vs pip3 distinction can still cause confusion","No proactive check for other missing dependencies upfront"]},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"ok it runs but the output looks really messy, like it just prints a bunch of numbers and stuff. can you make it look nicer?","predicted_response":"Windsurf refactors the print statements to format temperature (converts Kelvin to Fahrenheit/Celsius), adds weather description, humidity, and wind speed in a readable format. Uses f-strings. Output now looks like a clean text dashboard.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["May not ask user preference for Celsius vs Fahrenheit — assumes one","Still terminal-only output, no GUI or web interface offered unless asked","Kelvin conversion was a bug in original code that only surfaces now — indicates original code wasn't tested"]},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"what happens if I type a city that doesn't exist? it just crashes","predicted_response":"Windsurf adds try/except block and checks the API response status code (404 for city not found). Adds user-friendly error message. Updates the code with graceful error handling.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["Error handling should have been in the original code — reactive rather than proactive","Does not handle network timeout or no internet connection scenario","User had to discover this gap themselves rather than being warned upfront"]},{"turn":6,"user_prompt":"can I make this into like a simple webpage instead of just terminal?","predicted_response":"Windsurf pivots to Flask, generates a new app.py with a basic HTML template. Provides folder structure. This is a significant scope increase and introduces new concepts (Flask, HTML templates, Jinja2).","confusion_level":"high","issues":["Significant complexity jump — Flask, virtual environments, templates folder, HTML","User may not have Flask installed and now needs another pip install","No warning that this is a much bigger undertaking","Jinja2 templating syntax not explained","User likely gets overwhelmed and may abandon or partially succeed"]},{"turn":7,"user_prompt":"nevermind the webpage thing its too complicated, can we just keep the terminal version and make sure everything works","predicted_response":"Windsurf acknowledges, reverts to the clean terminal version with all fixes applied (error handling, formatting, API key via input() prompt or .env). Provides final consolidated code.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["User had to explicitly ask to revert — Windsurf should have flagged Flask as advanced upfront","Final code is functional but the journey was inefficient"]}],"estimates":{"turns_required":7,"time_to_complete_minutes":35},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:03:52.568943+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:03:17.200058+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__student_learner__t1-cli-csv-analyzer","persona":"student_learner","project_id":"t1-cli-csv-analyzer","composite_score":0.74,"scoring":{"completion":0.82,"correctness":0.85,"code_quality":0.78,"user_experience":0.7,"accessibility":0.65,"productivity_gain":0.75,"errors_encountered":0.55,"recovery_success":0.68},"would_persona_succeed":true,"would_persona_recommend":true,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"The college student was able to get a working CSV analyzer by the end of the session, but the journey had friction. Windsurf produced functional code quickly but consistently failed to anticipate the user's environment — missing dependency instructions upfront caused an immediate error on turn 2. The user had to reactively debug rather than being set up for success. Windsurf recovered well when asked directly, but a more proactive first response would have saved 10+ minutes. The edge case handling (empty file, text columns) was added correctly when prompted, but Windsurf never volunteered these considerations. The final output with `rich` looks polished, but adds yet another dependency without explanation. For a tech-comfortable but non-developer student, this experience is functional but requires patience and some tolerance for trial-and-error. The student likely finishes the task but feels like they did more debugging than expected for an AI-assisted workflow.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"hey can you help me build a csv analyzer thing for the command line? it needs to show like mean median and count and also make a chart somehow","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a Python script using pandas and matplotlib. It creates a file `csv_analyzer.py` with argparse for CLI input, pandas for stats (mean, median, count), and a matplotlib bar chart saved as PNG. It also provides a usage example: `python csv_analyzer.py data.csv`. The code is functional but assumes pandas and matplotlib are installed, with no install instructions provided.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["No dependency installation instructions","Assumes Python environment is set up","No sample CSV provided to test with"]},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"ok i ran it and got ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'pandas' lol what do i do","predicted_response":"Windsurf correctly identifies the issue and tells the user to run `pip install pandas matplotlib`. It may also suggest using a virtual environment but doesn't walk through setup step by step. The fix works after the user installs the packages.","confusion_level":"medium","issues":["Virtual environment explanation may confuse user","No proactive check for Python version compatibility","User had to ask — should have been included upfront"]},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"ok it runs now but the chart just saves as a png file, can it show up on screen instead? also what happens if i give it an empty csv","predicted_response":"Windsurf updates the code to use `plt.show()` instead of `plt.savefig()`. For the empty file case, it adds a try/except block that catches empty DataFrames and prints a user-friendly error message. The updated code is pasted in full again rather than showing a diff, which is slightly overwhelming.","confusion_level":"medium","issues":["Full code re-paste is hard to follow for a beginner","plt.show() may not work in all environments (e.g., headless servers) — not mentioned","No explanation of what the edge case handling actually does"]},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"what if the csv has like text columns and not just numbers? it crashed when i tried my class roster csv","predicted_response":"Windsurf updates the script to use `df.select_dtypes(include='number')` to filter only numeric columns before computing stats. It explains briefly that non-numeric columns are skipped. The fix works correctly. However, the chart now only shows numeric columns which may confuse the user if they expected to see all data.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["Chart behavior change not clearly explained","No warning printed to user when columns are skipped"]},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"nice it works! but the output is kind of ugly, can you make it look cleaner in the terminal?","predicted_response":"Windsurf adds the `rich` library for formatted terminal tables with colored headers and borders. It installs via `pip install rich`. The output looks significantly better. However, this introduces another dependency the user must install, and the error handling for missing `rich` is not added.","confusion_level":"low","issues":["Another undisclosed dependency added","No fallback if rich is not installed","Minor: rich version compatibility not checked"]}],"estimates":{"turns_required":5,"time_to_complete_minutes":35},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:03:17.194900+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:02:51.104770+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__small_business_owner__t2-realtime-dashboard","persona":"small_business_owner","project_id":"t2-realtime-dashboard","composite_score":0.5415,"scoring":{"completion":0.62,"correctness":0.7,"code_quality":0.75,"user_experience":0.45,"accessibility":0.4,"productivity_gain":0.5,"errors_encountered":0.45,"recovery_success":0.4},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"The session follows a predictable arc for a tech-1/5 user attempting a technically complex task. Windsurf's first response overshoots badly, assuming a developer environment that doesn't exist. The user's confusion is immediate and legitimate. Windsurf recovers reasonably when pushed toward simplicity, eventually landing on a working single-file HTML dashboard with simulated data by turn 4. The responsive design fix in turn 5 is handled well. However, the core success criterion of 'live data updates' is only met with fake/simulated data — the user never connects real business data. The gap between 'it looks like it works' and 'it actually works with my data' is never bridged in a way this user could execute independently. Windsurf's responses are technically competent but consistently pitched at a developer audience. Jargon like 'WebSocket', 'CORS', 'npm', and 'API endpoint' appear without adequate explanation. The user had to explicitly ask for simplification twice. Error recovery required user initiative rather than proactive guidance. The final artifact is a visually acceptable demo dashboard, not a production business tool.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"Hi I need a dashboard that shows my store sales numbers updating live, like a TV screen in my back office. I don't want to keep hitting refresh. Can you make something like that?","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a full-stack dashboard with WebSocket server (Node.js/Express), Chart.js frontend, and simulated sales data. Produces ~150 lines of code across 3 files (server.js, index.html, package.json). Explains setup with npm install and node server.js commands. Includes a line chart and a numeric ticker updating every 2 seconds.","confusion_level":"high","notes":"User receives 3 files and terminal commands. No context on what 'npm' or 'node' means. Response assumes developer environment exists. User likely has no Node.js installed."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"What is npm? I just have a regular laptop with Chrome. I don't have any of this stuff installed. Is there a simpler way?","predicted_response":"Windsurf apologizes and offers a simpler single-file HTML version using SSE or a public WebSocket API (e.g., Coinbase crypto prices via wss://). Produces one self-contained index.html file. Tells user to just open it in Chrome. This is genuinely helpful.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"Recovery attempt is good. Single HTML file is the right pivot. However windsurf may still include jargon like 'WebSocket API endpoint' without explaining it."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"Ok I opened the file and I see a blank white page. Nothing is showing up. What did I do wrong?","predicted_response":"Windsurf asks user to open browser console (F12 > Console) and report errors. Alternatively guesses CORS issue or that the external WebSocket URL is blocked. Provides a fallback version using setInterval with simulated random data instead of live feed. This version works offline.","confusion_level":"high","notes":"Asking a tech-1/5 user to open browser console is a significant friction point. User may not know what F12 is. The fallback with simulated data is the right answer but the diagnostic step is a barrier."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"I pressed F12 and there's a lot of red text. I don't understand any of it. Can you just make it show fake numbers for now so I can see what it looks like?","predicted_response":"Windsurf provides a clean self-contained HTML file with Chart.js from CDN, setInterval updating every 1.5 seconds with Math.random() simulated sales figures, a line chart for 'Today's Sales', a bar chart for 'Top Products', and a large KPI number card. No external dependencies beyond CDN links. Tells user to save as dashboard.html and open in Chrome.","confusion_level":"low","notes":"This is the best response in the session. The file likely works. UI is probably decent. However CDN links may fail if user is offline, and there's no explanation of how to swap fake data for real data later."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"This is great it's moving! But it looks kind of ugly on my tablet, the charts are all squished. Can you make it look better on a smaller screen?","predicted_response":"Windsurf adds CSS media queries and a responsive grid layout using flexbox or CSS Grid. Updates the file. Charts resize using Chart.js responsive:true option. Likely improves mobile layout meaningfully. May also add some color theming.","confusion_level":"low","notes":"This turn goes smoothly. Windsurf handles responsive CSS well. User can replace the file and open it again. Final result is functional and visually acceptable."},{"turn":6,"user_prompt":"How do I make it show my REAL sales numbers from my spreadsheet instead of the fake ones?","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains options: manually edit the JavaScript array, export CSV and parse it, or connect to a backend. Likely provides a version where user can paste numbers into a JavaScript array at the top of the file. May also mention Google Sheets API which is too complex. The manual array approach is the only viable path for this user.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"The real-data integration is where this breaks down for a non-technical user. 'Live updating from real data' is not achieved. The dashboard works but is disconnected from actual business data. Core task requirement partially unmet."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":7,"time_to_complete_minutes":55},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:02:51.097768+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:02:14.699454+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__small_business_owner__t1-rest-api-wrapper","persona":"small_business_owner","project_id":"t1-rest-api-wrapper","composite_score":0.395,"scoring":{"completion":0.45,"correctness":0.6,"code_quality":0.7,"user_experience":0.25,"accessibility":0.2,"productivity_gain":0.3,"errors_encountered":0.3,"recovery_success":0.35},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"This interaction illustrates a fundamental mismatch between Windsurf's default output mode and the needs of a non-technical small business owner. Windsurf is technically capable — it generates correct, working code and recovers from errors accurately — but it consistently misjudges the user's context. It never asks clarifying questions about technical level, never offers a simpler path (e.g., a no-code tool, a pre-built widget, or even a single-file HTML solution), and front-loads complexity without scaffolding. The user spends the majority of their time in environment setup rather than getting business value. By turn 5-6, the app technically works, but the user has spent 45+ minutes in a terminal they've never used before, and the final output still requires code editing to be truly useful. A tech-savvy user would rate this experience highly. For this persona, it is exhausting and borderline inaccessible. The user would likely succeed only partially — getting a working app but not one they can maintain, modify, or trust. They would not recommend this tool to peers at their technical level.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"Hi I need something that shows me the weather for my store location. I heard you can build apps. I just need to type in my city and see if it will rain tomorrow so I know if I should put out the outdoor display.","predicted_response":"Windsurf enthusiastically generates a full Python Flask app with a requirements.txt, app.py, templates/index.html, and instructions to get an OpenWeatherMap API key. It outputs ~80 lines of code across multiple files and says 'Run pip install flask requests then python app.py'.","confusion_level":"high","notes":"User has no idea what Flask, pip, or a terminal is. Response is technically correct but completely inaccessible. No explanation of what to DO with the code."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"Ok I see a bunch of code but where do I put this? I use a Windows laptop. Do I open Excel or something?","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains you need to install Python, then open Command Prompt, then pip install the dependencies. Provides step-by-step terminal commands. Still assumes baseline technical literacy. Does not offer a simpler alternative.","confusion_level":"very_high","notes":"User is now being asked to install a programming language. This is a significant barrier. Windsurf does not pivot to a no-code solution or a simpler approach like a browser-based tool."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"I installed Python I think, it said something about PATH. Now I typed pip install flask and it says 'pip is not recognized as an internal or external command'. I don't know what that means.","predicted_response":"Windsurf correctly diagnoses the PATH issue and provides a fix: 'Try python -m pip install flask requests'. Also suggests reinstalling Python with the checkbox to add to PATH. Technically accurate recovery.","confusion_level":"high","notes":"Windsurf recovers technically but the user is deep in setup hell. No acknowledgment that this is a lot to ask of a non-technical user. User is frustrated but still trying."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"Ok I got it installed I think. Now where do I get this API key thing? It keeps saying invalid API key when I run it.","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains how to sign up for OpenWeatherMap, navigate to the API keys section, copy the key, and paste it into the code. Also notes the free tier key takes up to 2 hours to activate. Provides clear steps with a link.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"This is the clearest response so far. User can follow website navigation instructions. However the 2-hour activation delay is a significant UX problem that may cause the user to think something is broken."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"I waited and now it says something about a 404 city not found when I type my city. Also the app opened in a black window not a normal window, is that right?","predicted_response":"Windsurf addresses the 404 by explaining city name formatting (e.g., 'London,UK' format) and suggests using city ID instead. Explains the black window is the server terminal and the actual app is at http://127.0.0.1:5000 in a browser. Two separate issues addressed but response is long.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"User did not know to open a browser separately. This is a fundamental UX gap Windsurf never proactively addressed. User may or may not successfully navigate to localhost URL."},{"turn":6,"user_prompt":"Oh I see it in Chrome now! It works but it shows a lot of numbers and codes. Can it just say like 'Rain tomorrow, high of 68 degrees' in plain English?","predicted_response":"Windsurf modifies the template and Python parsing logic to display a human-readable summary. Provides updated code snippets for both files. Output now shows plain English forecast.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"User cannot easily apply partial code snippets. They would need to know which lines to replace. Windsurf does not offer to show the complete updated files, creating a copy-paste puzzle."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":9,"time_to_complete_minutes":47},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:01:49.621529+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:01:16.350766+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__small_business_owner__t1-cli-csv-analyzer","persona":"small_business_owner","project_id":"t1-cli-csv-analyzer","composite_score":0.455,"scoring":{"completion":0.55,"correctness":0.65,"code_quality":0.7,"user_experience":0.35,"accessibility":0.25,"productivity_gain":0.3,"errors_encountered":0.4,"recovery_success":0.35},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"This persona represents a significant mismatch between the task (CLI tool requiring Python) and the user's technical capability (tech level 1/5, never coded). Windsurf generates technically correct code but consistently fails to calibrate its communication to the user's level. It never proactively suggests that the user's underlying goal — analyzing CSV data with stats and charts — could be achieved far more easily through Excel or Google Sheets without any coding. The tool treats the task specification literally rather than serving the user's actual need. The user encounters multiple blockers: Python not installed, missing modules, chart display issues, and unfamiliar terminology. Each blocker requires a new turn to resolve. Windsurf does provide correct fixes when asked, showing reasonable recovery capability, but the cumulative friction is high. A tech-savvy user would succeed easily; this persona would likely get partially working output after 45+ minutes of frustration, with the chart feature remaining unreliable. The experience would feel like a technical obstacle course rather than a productivity tool. The user would likely not recommend this workflow to peers and would probably ask their IT person to 'just make it work' or abandon it for Excel.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"Hi I have a CSV file with my sales data and I want to see averages and totals and maybe a chart. Can you help me do that?","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a Python script using pandas and matplotlib with a CLI interface. It produces ~60 lines of code with argparse, shows mean/median/count, and a bar chart. It says: 'Here's a Python script! Run it with: python analyzer.py yourfile.csv'","confusion_level":"high","notes":"User has no idea what Python is, what pandas means, or how to 'run' a script. Windsurf assumes baseline technical knowledge. No explanation of prerequisites (Python installation, pip, etc.)."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"Where do I type that? Do I put this in Excel? I don't see where to run python","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains you need Python installed, provides a link to python.org, mentions pip install pandas matplotlib, and says to use 'Terminal' or 'Command Prompt'. Gives step-by-step but uses terms like 'virtual environment' and 'PATH variable' in passing.","confusion_level":"very_high","notes":"User is now more confused. Terms like 'terminal', 'pip', 'PATH' are foreign. Windsurf's explanation is technically correct but not calibrated to a tech level 1/5 user. No offer of an alternative approach (e.g., Excel formulas, Google Sheets, a no-code tool)."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"I tried opening command prompt and typed python and it says python is not recognized. My IT guy isn't in today. Is there an easier way to just see my numbers?","predicted_response":"Windsurf suggests installing Python from Microsoft Store as an easier path, or alternatively offers to rewrite the tool as a .bat file or suggests using an online Python runner like repl.it. Still code-centric. Does not suggest Excel pivot tables or Google Sheets which would actually solve the user's real need.","confusion_level":"high","notes":"Windsurf partially recovers by suggesting Microsoft Store install, which is simpler. But it misses the opportunity to reframe entirely. The user's actual goal (see averages and a chart from CSV) could be solved in 2 minutes in Excel. Windsurf stays on the CLI task path."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"OK I installed python from the store. Now I pasted your code into notepad and saved it. I typed python analyzer.py sales.csv and it says ModuleNotFoundError: No module named pandas","predicted_response":"Windsurf correctly identifies the issue and says: 'Run this command first: pip install pandas matplotlib'. Provides the exact command to copy-paste.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"This is a recoverable error and Windsurf handles it adequately. The fix is a single command. User can likely copy-paste it. Partial recovery success."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"OK I ran that and now I ran the script again and I see some numbers but the chart window opened and closed really fast and I can't read it. Also what does 'median' mean?","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains median in plain English (somewhat helpfully). For the chart issue, it suggests adding plt.show(block=True) or saving the chart as a PNG with plt.savefig('chart.png'). Provides updated code snippet but user must re-edit the file.","confusion_level":"medium","notes":"Windsurf explains median adequately. The chart fix requires the user to edit code again — a friction point. Saving as PNG is actually a better UX suggestion. User may or may not successfully edit the file. This is where many non-technical users give up or make errors."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":7,"time_to_complete_minutes":45},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:01:16.342066+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:00:45.670635+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__first_timer__t2-realtime-dashboard","persona":"first_timer","project_id":"t2-realtime-dashboard","composite_score":0.3525,"scoring":{"completion":0.35,"correctness":0.55,"code_quality":0.7,"user_experience":0.25,"accessibility":0.2,"productivity_gain":0.2,"errors_encountered":0.3,"recovery_success":0.25},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"The interaction follows a predictable failure pattern for a complete novice encountering an AI coding assistant. Windsurf's first response is technically competent but catastrophically mismatched to the user's skill level — it assumes a developer environment (Node.js, npm, terminal) that the user simply does not have. The user's frustration is immediate and legitimate. Recovery begins in turn 2 when the user explicitly asks for simplification, but Windsurf still introduces server-side concepts unnecessarily. The real turning point is turn 3, where a working setInterval-based solution emerges, but only because the user reported a failure. By turn 4, a genuinely usable single-file solution exists. The final state — a working multi-series Chart.js dashboard in a single HTML file — technically meets the success criteria (live updates via setInterval, chart visualization, multiple series, responsive design), but the path to get there required the user to debug, rephrase, and persist through 5 turns of confusion. A less persistent user would have abandoned after turn 1 or 2. The core problem is that Windsurf optimizes for technical correctness over user-level appropriateness on the first response, and its recovery path requires the user to do the diagnostic work. The final product is functional but the experience is poor. The user succeeded only because they were stubborn enough to keep rephrasing, not because Windsurf guided them well.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"I want a thing on my computer screen that shows me numbers that change automatically, like stock prices going up and down. I don't want to keep pressing refresh.","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a full-stack WebSocket dashboard with React, Node.js backend, Chart.js, and a package.json. Provides ~200 lines of code across 4 files. Says 'Run npm install then npm start in your terminal.'","confusion_level":"HIGH","notes":"User has no idea what npm, terminal, React, or Node.js are. Response assumes developer context entirely. No setup guidance for a novice."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"I don't know what any of that means. What is npm? I just want to open something in my browser like a webpage. Can you make it simpler?","predicted_response":"Windsurf apologizes and offers a 'simpler' version using plain HTML/JavaScript with SSE or setInterval for fake live data. Still outputs a multi-file solution and says 'save this as index.html and open it in Chrome.' Mentions needing a local server for SSE to work.","confusion_level":"MEDIUM","notes":"Slight improvement — single HTML file is more accessible. But the mention of 'local server' and SSE re-introduces jargon. The fake data via setInterval may actually work without a server, which is the one path to success."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"Ok I saved the file and opened it but nothing is moving. It just shows zeros. Did I do something wrong?","predicted_response":"Windsurf diagnoses the issue as likely a CORS or server requirement for SSE. Offers two options: (A) switch to pure setInterval fake data with no server needed, or (B) instructions to install Python and run a simple server. Provides updated code for option A.","confusion_level":"MEDIUM","notes":"Option A (setInterval) is the right path for this user. However, the response still buries the fix in technical explanation. User may not know which option to pick or how to replace the old code."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"I copied the new code but now I have two files and I don't know which one to use. Also the numbers are moving now but it looks really ugly, just plain text. Can it look nicer with like a graph or chart?","predicted_response":"Windsurf provides a consolidated single HTML file with Chart.js loaded via CDN, animated line chart, and basic CSS styling. The code is self-contained. Tells user to delete the old file and use only this new one.","confusion_level":"LOW-MEDIUM","notes":"This is the most helpful turn. Single file, CDN-loaded library, no install needed. Chart.js via CDN is a good call. UI should look reasonable. User might struggle with 'delete the old file' but the core task is closer to working."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"It works! The chart is moving! But it only shows one line. I wanted to see like three different stocks at the same time. Also it looks weird on my phone.","predicted_response":"Windsurf updates the code to include 3 datasets (AAPL, GOOG, TSLA simulated), adds responsive meta viewport tag and basic CSS media queries. Provides the full updated file again.","confusion_level":"LOW","notes":"Technically correct update. Multiple series added. Responsive CSS added. However, the user now has version 3 of the file and may be confused about file management. The dashboard is functional but the journey was painful."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":12,"time_to_complete_minutes":95},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T22:00:45.665073+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T22:00:14.683606+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__first_timer__t1-rest-api-wrapper","persona":"first_timer","project_id":"t1-rest-api-wrapper","composite_score":0.3325,"scoring":{"completion":0.35,"correctness":0.55,"code_quality":0.7,"user_experience":0.2,"accessibility":0.15,"productivity_gain":0.25,"errors_encountered":0.3,"recovery_success":0.2},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"This interaction illustrates a fundamental mismatch between a tech-novice user's mental model and the output of an AI coding assistant. The user's goal — 'see if it will rain tomorrow' — is simple and achievable, but Windsurf's default behavior is to produce technically correct, developer-oriented solutions. The first response immediately introduced Flask, pip, terminals, and environment variables — concepts entirely foreign to a tech level 0 user. While Windsurf did adapt when prompted (switching to HTML/JS, then to a no-key API), each adaptation still assumed baseline technical literacy the user lacked: knowing how to save files with correct extensions, open a browser, or understand what 'paste the code' means in context. The recovery attempts were genuine but consistently one abstraction level too high. Critically, Windsurf never proactively asked clarifying questions about the user's technical environment or offered a truly zero-setup path (e.g., a hosted solution, a shareable link, or a guided wizard). The final suggestion to use weather.com, while pragmatically correct, arrived too late and felt dismissive of the effort already spent. The user did not complete the task and left frustrated.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"I want to see the weather on my computer. Can you make something that shows me if it will rain tomorrow?","predicted_response":"Windsurf generates a full Python Flask app with OpenWeatherMap API integration, creates multiple files (app.py, templates/index.html, requirements.txt), and explains it requires installing Python, pip, getting an API key from OpenWeatherMap, setting environment variables, and running from terminal. Provides ~80 lines of code with technical setup instructions.","confusion_level":"HIGH","user_reaction":"Overwhelmed. Sees words like 'Flask', 'pip install', 'environment variable', 'terminal'. Does not know what any of this means.","gave_up":false},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"I don't know what any of that means. I just want to click something and see the weather. Can you make it simpler? I don't have a terminal thing.","predicted_response":"Windsurf apologizes and offers a 'simpler' version — switches to a single HTML file with JavaScript fetch calls to the API. Still requires the user to get an API key from OpenWeatherMap, paste it into the code, and open the file in a browser. Explains CORS issues may occur and suggests a proxy. Still uses jargon like 'API key', 'fetch', 'CORS', 'localhost'.","confusion_level":"HIGH","user_reaction":"Still confused. Asks what an API key is. Frustrated that it keeps mentioning things she doesn't understand.","gave_up":false},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"What is an API key? Where do I get one? This is too complicated. Can't it just work without all this?","predicted_response":"Windsurf explains what an API key is in moderate detail (registration, authentication, rate limits). Provides step-by-step instructions for signing up on OpenWeatherMap. Offers an alternative using a free no-key-required API like wttr.in and rewrites the HTML file to use that instead. The new version is simpler but still requires the user to open a file in a browser and understand how to save/edit a file.","confusion_level":"MEDIUM","user_reaction":"Slightly better. User tries to follow instructions to save the HTML file but doesn't know how to 'open it in a browser' or where the file was saved. Asks a follow-up.","gave_up":false},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"Okay I copied the code thing but now what? Where do I put it? I tried to open it but nothing happened. I'm on Windows.","predicted_response":"Windsurf provides Windows-specific instructions: open Notepad, paste code, save as 'weather.html' (with specific instructions about file extension), navigate to the file in File Explorer, double-click to open in browser. Instructions are reasonably clear but assume familiarity with File Explorer, Notepad, and file extensions. Does not account for the user possibly saving as .txt instead of .html.","confusion_level":"MEDIUM","user_reaction":"User saves file as 'weather.html.txt' accidentally. Opens it and sees raw HTML code in Notepad instead of a working app. Confused and frustrated.","gave_up":false},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"It just shows me a bunch of weird symbols and letters, not the weather. I give up I think. Is there an easier way?","predicted_response":"Windsurf diagnoses the .txt extension issue and provides corrected save instructions. Also suggests the user could just use weather.com or a weather widget instead. Offers to try again with more detailed steps. The suggestion to use weather.com is helpful but highlights that the AI-built solution was never necessary for this user's actual need.","confusion_level":"LOW","user_reaction":"User is demoralized. The suggestion to use weather.com makes her feel the whole exercise was pointless. She does not attempt to fix the file extension issue. She closes the conversation.","gave_up":true}],"estimates":{"turns_required":12,"time_to_complete_minutes":95},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T21:59:41.063535+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T21:59:10.542351+00:00","mode":null},{"eval_id":"windsurf__first_timer__t1-cli-csv-analyzer","persona":"first_timer","project_id":"t1-cli-csv-analyzer","composite_score":0.3125,"scoring":{"completion":0.35,"correctness":0.55,"code_quality":0.65,"user_experience":0.2,"accessibility":0.1,"productivity_gain":0.15,"errors_encountered":0.25,"recovery_success":0.2},"would_persona_succeed":false,"would_persona_recommend":false,"judge_model":"claude-sonnet-4-6","narrative":"This interaction is a near-complete failure for the target persona. Windsurf's core behavior is to assume a technically literate user and generate production-quality code with professional tooling explanations. For a complete novice, this creates an immediate and compounding accessibility cliff. The tool never asks 'what is your experience level?' or 'do you know how to use a terminal?' It front-loads maximum technical complexity in turn 1, forcing the user into a multi-hour dependency installation odyssey (Python, pip, pandas, matplotlib) before a single line of their actual problem is addressed. The user required external help from a family member just to reach the point of running the script. By turn 5, the user achieved partial output — numbers appeared — but the chart was broken and they still needed to manually edit code. A success-criteria audit: 'Reads CSV without error' — barely achieved after format conversion; 'Calculates correct statistics' — likely yes once running; 'Produces visible output' — partial (chart broken); 'Handles edge cases' — partially addressed but requires user code edits. The tool produces correct code for a developer but is functionally inaccessible to this persona. There was no adaptive communication, no skill-level detection, no offer of a simpler path (e.g., suggesting an online tool, or a no-install solution like Google Colab). Recovery was only possible due to external human assistance.","interaction_log":[{"turn":1,"user_prompt":"hi i have a spreadsheet with numbers and i want to see like averages and stuff and maybe a picture of the data? my nephew said you could help","predicted_windsurf_response":"Windsurf generates a full Python CLI tool with argparse, pandas, matplotlib, and a requirements.txt. It outputs ~80 lines of code with a detailed explanation referencing 'virtual environments', 'pip install', 'terminal', 'CLI arguments', 'stdin', and 'shebang lines'. It asks the user to run: `python analyzer.py --input data.csv --chart bar`","user_reaction":"CONFUSED","confusion_level":9,"notes":"User has no idea what 'terminal', 'pip', or 'argparse' means. The response assumes baseline technical knowledge the user completely lacks. No attempt to ask clarifying questions or gauge skill level."},{"turn":2,"user_prompt":"i dont know what any of that means. i just have an excel file. where do i even type those things you wrote","predicted_windsurf_response":"Windsurf partially adjusts, explaining what a 'terminal' or 'command prompt' is in 2 sentences, then immediately pivots back to instructions: 'Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), navigate to your folder using `cd`, then run `pip install pandas matplotlib`. After that paste the script into a file called analyzer.py.' Still includes code block with no further simplification.","user_reaction":"FRUSTRATED","confusion_level":8,"notes":"Marginally better but still uses 'navigate', 'cd', 'paste into a file' without explaining HOW. The user doesn't know what a .py file is or how to create one. No empathy signal. No offer to simplify further."},{"turn":3,"user_prompt":"ok i found the black box thing. i typed pip install and it said something about python not found. also my file is called sales march.xlsx not csv whatever that is","predicted_windsurf_response":"Windsurf correctly identifies the Python-not-found error and provides OS-specific fix instructions (Windows: install from python.org, add to PATH; Mac: use homebrew). Also notes that .xlsx is not the same as .csv and instructs user to 'Save As CSV' in Excel. Provides updated script using openpyxl as fallback. Response is ~120 lines mixing code and prose. Uses terms like 'environment variable', 'PATH', 'homebrew'.","user_reaction":"GIVING_UP_SIGNAL","confusion_level":10,"notes":"User is now dealing with Python installation, PATH configuration, AND file format conversion simultaneously. This is a catastrophic UX failure for a novice. No triage of which problem to solve first. 'PATH' and 'environment variable' are completely inaccessible terms."},{"turn":4,"user_prompt":"my nephew helped me install python. i saved the file as csv. now i typed python analyzer.py and it says no module named pandas","predicted_windsurf_response":"Windsurf correctly diagnoses the issue as pip not being linked to the correct Python installation. Suggests: `python -m pip install pandas matplotlib` or `pip3 install pandas matplotlib`. Provides the correct command but also mentions virtual environments 'for best practice' adding unnecessary complexity. Does not acknowledge the user's frustration or the journey they've been on.","user_reaction":"PERSISTING_WITH_HELP","confusion_level":7,"notes":"The fix itself is correct and short. But mentioning virtual environments here is actively harmful for this user. A small win buried in noise."},{"turn":5,"user_prompt":"ok i think it worked!! it showed some numbers but the chart thing popped up and then disappeared right away. also one of my rows has N/A in it will that break it","predicted_windsurf_response":"Windsurf explains that the chart disappearing is because `plt.show()` is non-blocking in some environments and suggests adding `plt.show(block=True)` or `input('Press Enter to close')` after the show call. For N/A handling, it explains that pandas will automatically skip NaN values in mean/median calculations but suggests adding `df.dropna()` or `df.fillna(0)`. Provides updated code snippets. This response is actually reasonably helpful but still requires the user to edit code.","user_reaction":"PARTIAL_SUCCESS","confusion_level":5,"notes":"User got output but two new problems emerged. Windsurf's fixes are technically correct but require the user to edit a Python file they barely understand. The chart fix is simple; the NaN explanation is decent. But 'edit line 34 of your script' is still a barrier."}],"estimates":{"turns_required":12,"time_to_complete_minutes":85},"completed_at":"2026-03-26T21:59:10.535451+00:00","started_at":"2026-03-26T21:58:30.930319+00:00","mode":null}],"persona_run_count":9,"methodology":{"dimensions":["perception","generation","attention","learning","memory","reasoning","metacognition","executive_functions","problem_solving","social_cognition","novelty","orchestration"],"tasks_per_dimension":10,"judge_model":"claude-opus-4-6","budget_cap":50.0,"include_helm":true,"include_orchestration":true,"include_production":true,"include_novelty":true},"methodology_version":null,"evidence_provenance":{"profile_collection":"corpus_taas_profiles","audit_collection":"corpus_agi_audits","profile_meta_collection":null,"persona_runs_collection":"agi_complex_evaluations","methodology_collection":"agi_audits.config"}}