# 60-Minute Prototype Workflow

## Timeline Overview

```
Minutes  Block              Activity
0-5      Setup              Define success, gather context
5-15     Design             Create wireframe/mock
15-30    Build              Tool or clickthrough
30-45    Test               Use it, break it, refine
45-55    Iterate            One quick fix
55-60    Present            Demo & next steps
```

---

## Stage 1: Setup (0-5 minutes)

**Define Success**
- What problem does this solve?
- Who is the user and what do they do?
- How will you know if it works? (One key metric or behavior)

**AI Prompt**
```
I'm prototyping [feature description].
Success looks like: [describe the outcome]
Build for: [user type and their context]
Give me a simple wireframe outline.
```

**Decision Point:** Is the scope realistic for 60 min? If not, descope.

---

## Stage 2: Design (5-15 minutes)

**Create a wireframe** (hand-draw or use AI to generate ASCII art)

**AI Prompt**
```
Create an ASCII wireframe for [feature].
User flow: [describe steps]
Key elements: [list what must be on screen]
Keep it simple and annotated.
```

**Output:** Wireframe sketch + user flow notes

---

## Stage 3: Build (15-30 minutes)

**Tool depends on your prototype:**
- Figma for visual design (10 min mockup)
- Docs/Slides for interactive clickthrough
- Google Sheets for data workflow
- Simple HTML/CSS for web
- Loom/ScreenFlow for walkthrough video

**Key Rule:** Fake it till you make it. Use placeholder content. Links don't need to work.

**AI Prompt** (if needed)
```
Generate [HTML/CSS/pseudo-code] for:
[paste your wireframe]
Style: clean and minimal
This is a prototype, so it's okay if it's rough.
```

---

## Stage 4: Test (30-45 minutes)

**Use It Yourself**
- [ ] Follow the user flow you designed
- [ ] Can a first-time user understand it?
- [ ] Does it feel fast or clunky?
- [ ] Are there confusing moments?

**Break It**
- [ ] Try edge cases (what if there's no data?)
- [ ] What happens on mobile or slow connection?
- [ ] Try extreme inputs

**Document Issues**
- Note 3 biggest friction points
- Rate each: cosmetic / nice-to-have / blocking

**Decision Points**
- Does it solve the problem? (Yes → move forward)
- Too complex? (Descope → remove features)
- Missing something critical? (Add it if <5 min)

---

## Stage 5: Iterate (45-55 minutes)

**Pick ONE fix** (not three)
- Biggest blocker from testing
- Takes <5 minutes to implement

**AI Prompt** (if you're stuck)
```
I tested this and got stuck on: [describe the issue]
Quick fix ideas?
```

**Then iterate once.** Don't try to polish everything.

---

## Stage 6: Present (55-60 minutes)

**Ship It Checklist**
- [ ] Take a screenshot or recording
- [ ] Write the one-sentence problem it solves
- [ ] List what you tested
- [ ] Note the #1 thing to improve next
- [ ] List unknowns (what you didn't test)

**Demo Script (2 minutes)**
```
Problem: [1 sentence]
Solution: [1 sentence]
How it works: [walkthrough, 30 seconds]
Next steps: [what we learned, what to build next]
```

**Share with team** in Slack or scheduled meeting

---

## Success Criteria

✓ Did you learn something?
✓ Does the team understand the idea now?
✓ Did you validate or invalidate an assumption?

If yes to all three: prototype worked.