I get feedback from beta testers whenever they have time to spare and then work the updates into StackDigest.
Rather than lean on my beta testers (they’re busy!) to validate bug fixes and test enhancements, I rely on a combination of automated test scripts and hands-on testing in the product…once it looks good to me, I ship it and hope for the best! 🤞🪽
Of course, best practice would be to have another person check everything before it goes live…hoping to head in that direction!
This is the most honest take on AI-assisted development I have seen. It doesn't pretend you can just whisper at ChatGPT and get a production app, but it also doesn't gatekeep by insisting you need a CS degree first.
Cursor is pretty similar to Claude Code, except it runs in an IDE and may be less expensive, depending on how much you use it and which models you pick
This roadmap is incredibly practical, a clear guide from concept to deployment. Focusing on user flows and systematic debugging is essential for shipping quality AI products.
Sharp and straight to the point. Most folks rush to stack decisions or tinker with tools before they’ve tested whether anyone actually wants what they’re building.
And the bit about prompt writing? Couldn’t agree more. OpenAI research shows that refining prompts can boost model accuracy by up to 30%- a massive difference when you’re trying to build something that actually works.
The term “vibe coding” is a little misleading…it suggests that a casual, spontaneous approach to coding and experience design, which doesn’t usually work so well. 😆
Two of my favourite substackers, so no surprise this is absolute gold!
Karen - when testing do you have a small group of people you feel confident shipping to for feedback or do you do it all in house?
I get feedback from beta testers whenever they have time to spare and then work the updates into StackDigest.
Rather than lean on my beta testers (they’re busy!) to validate bug fixes and test enhancements, I rely on a combination of automated test scripts and hands-on testing in the product…once it looks good to me, I ship it and hope for the best! 🤞🪽
Of course, best practice would be to have another person check everything before it goes live…hoping to head in that direction!
🐿️
Thanks Karen. That seems like a super sensible process. 🙏
This is the most honest take on AI-assisted development I have seen. It doesn't pretend you can just whisper at ChatGPT and get a production app, but it also doesn't gatekeep by insisting you need a CS degree first.
Great work.
Thanks so much! ❤️ Yes, if you’re willing to be patient and learn some of the technology, you don’t need a CS degree!
Yes, definitely it requires learning some of the technology.
Hey Karo! Great article! We definitely need to collaborate soon :)
Thank you Christine, yes! 🤗
The guide I wish I had before I vibe-coded my app
Me too :) It would have save me a lot of time and money 🤗
Me too! Alas, I learned much of what I know now the hard way. 😆
This is a great post with practical information!
Thank you!
Thank you! 🤗
I love how you said "Validate BEFORE you build."
I've seen literally thousands of people have "great" ideas and spend enormous amounts of time and resources building something there is no need for.
Thank you for picking up on that Dennis!
Yes, early validation is better!
That's a keeper :) Question: what do you think about Cursor? I didn't see it in your stack..
Cursor is pretty similar to Claude Code, except it runs in an IDE and may be less expensive, depending on how much you use it and which models you pick
Thanks, I’m still thinking about them
Awesome collection!
Thanks Karo and Karen for putting things together.
Now all I need to do is save it!
Thank you for saying that @Anfernee 🤗
Love this!!
Thank you! 🤗
This is a masterclass in collaborative product thinking.
You’ve mapped out what real partnership with AI looks like — part director, part teammate, all accountability.
That closing line, “AI suggests, you decide,” perfectly captures the heart of modern leadership. True builders don’t abdicate vision; they guide it.
Thank you so much Mark! 🤗
Thank you for the fantastic read. I’m all here for supporting great work
Same! Feel free to share yours in the community!
Thank you, Mark! ❤️
You’re most certainly welcome. Thanks for the informative read
This roadmap is incredibly practical, a clear guide from concept to deployment. Focusing on user flows and systematic debugging is essential for shipping quality AI products.
Thank you Sharyph 🤗
Love this collab so much!!! You girls rock!
Thank you so much Jenny 🤗
Thank you! 🥰
There are some big ones in the list!
Just some of the that come to mind:
- secure your API keys.
- proper rules
- good prompts
But literally, all of the points mentioned here are crucial to understand!
Thank you Ilia! 🤗
💯
These tips are fire! 🔥 Thank you for the mention💫
My pleasure!
Well, now I want to go make things! 😝
Thanks to you two for such a good breakdown and a view behind the scenes. Always inspiring to see!
Go and make things 😂
Go ahead, make things! It’s fun! 😄
Sharp and straight to the point. Most folks rush to stack decisions or tinker with tools before they’ve tested whether anyone actually wants what they’re building.
And the bit about prompt writing? Couldn’t agree more. OpenAI research shows that refining prompts can boost model accuracy by up to 30%- a massive difference when you’re trying to build something that actually works.
Thank you Melanie!
The term “vibe coding” is a little misleading…it suggests that a casual, spontaneous approach to coding and experience design, which doesn’t usually work so well. 😆