Article
Prototype with AI before committing to a roadmap.
Build a throwaway version in days to validate the idea before quarter-long builds.
Why this matters
The most expensive bug is shipping the wrong feature. AI coding tools have made it cheap to build a rough working prototype in a day or two, enough to put in front of real users and see what they actually do. That feedback loop saves months later.
What to do
- Before spec'ing a multi-quarter project, scope a 2–3 day prototype.
- Use Claude Code or v0 to build a working version with mock data.
- Get it in front of 3–5 real users.
- Decide whether to invest based on what they did, not what they said.
- Then throw the prototype away; production code has different requirements.
Common pitfalls
- Don't let the prototype become the production code; shortcuts compound.
- Don't show the prototype to stakeholders without context; they'll mistake it for the real thing.
- Don't skip user testing because the prototype "feels right" internally.
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