From Prompt to Product: My AI Prototyping Workflow

The Problem

Most AI product ideas die in the gap between "I have a prompt that kind of works" and "I have a product people can use." The goal of my workflow is to make that gap as short as possible.

Step 1: Start with the Ugly Version

Don't build a UI first. Don't write a framework. Write a script that takes input and produces output. If the core loop doesn't work in a terminal, it won't work in a web app.

Step 2: Wrap It in Something Thin

Once the core works, wrap it in the thinnest possible interface. For me, that's usually:

• A single API route
• A minimal frontend (Next.js + Tailwind)
• Deploy to Vercel

The point is to get something live that you can share and test with real people.

Step 3: Iterate Fast

Once it's live, the feedback loop tightens. You see what breaks, what confuses people, what's actually useful. Then you iterate — not on the idea, but on the experience.

The Tools

• Next.js for full-stack apps (frontend + API in one project)
• Vercel for instant deployment
• Tailwind CSS for fast UI iteration

That's it. No fancy stack, no over-engineering. Just the tools that get me from idea to live product fastest.