The AI-First Prototyping Loop
Before we touch any tools, you need a mental map. This loop is the foundation of everything we'll do today.
The 5-step loop:
- 1. Clarify the problem & value — Who is this for? What pain does it solve?
- 2. Constrain the scope — What's the ONE thing this prototype needs to prove?
- 3. Generate interface & flows — Turn words into screens
- 4. Make it clickable — Add just enough interactivity to feel real
- 5. Test for signal — Get it in front of real people
Most people fail at step 2. They try to build everything instead of the one thing that matters.
Where AI Helps vs. Where Humans Matter
AI Excels At
- Generating UI variations quickly
- Writing boilerplate code
- Suggesting copy and content
- Implementing common patterns
- Rapid iteration and changes
Humans Still Own
- Defining the actual problem
- Understanding user psychology
- Making strategic tradeoffs
- Knowing what NOT to build
- Interpreting feedback
Common Traps to Avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Over-prompting: Writing novels instead of clear, concise instructions
- Scope creep: Adding 'just one more feature' before testing
- Premature polish: Making it pretty before making it useful
- Fake validation: Showing friends instead of real potential users
- Tool obsession: Spending more time choosing tools than building