Product from Scratch #2: A First Prototype in One Week
The idea is picked, the scope is cut. Time to put it on the workbench: a working prototype in one week.
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Choosing the stack: fight with the weapon you know
Learning a new framework during prototyping means opening two wars at once. The rule is simple: the tool you build fastest with is the right tool.
The one-week plan
- Days 1-2: Data model + skeleton screens
- Days 3-4: One core flow, working end to end
- Day 5: Manual testing, tape over the broken edges
- Days 6-7: Show it to the first three users, take notes
The power of the "ugly but working" prototype
A polished demo that doesn't work lies; an ugly prototype that works tells the truth. At this stage you need the truth.
Next part: facing the first user feedback.