One-Shot Prototype

One-shot prototypes represent a paradigm shift in how ideas get validated. What once required days of setup and basic implementation can now happen in a single AI interaction.

What Makes It "One-Shot"

• Single prompt — Describe the complete prototype
• Complete output — Working code, not just snippets
• Immediate usability — Can test right away
• Minutes, not days — Dramatic time compression

Ideal One-Shot Prototype Scenarios

Idea validation:

• "Would this UI make sense?"
• "Is this workflow intuitive?"
• "Does this feature solve the problem?"

Stakeholder demos:

• Quick visualizations
• Proof-of-concept presentations
• "This is what I'm thinking" conversations

Technical exploration:

• "Can this library do X?"
• "How would this architecture feel?"
• "Is this approach viable?"

Crafting One-Shot Prompts

Include:

• Core functionality
• Key UI elements
• Essential interactions
• Technology constraints

Example prompt: "Create a working prototype of a habit tracker app:

• Add/remove habits
• Mark habits complete for today
• Show weekly streak
• Dark mode toggle
• Use React and localStorage
• Clean, minimal UI"

One-Shot Limitations

Good for:

• Validating ideas quickly
• Starting points for iteration
• Simple, self-contained apps

Not ideal for:

• Complex business logic
• Production-ready code
• Multi-system integration

From Prototype to Product

One-shot prototypes aren't finished products. They're starting points:

1. Generate prototype
2. Test and gather feedback
3. Iterate on specific aspects
4. Gradually harden for production