Iterative prototyping
Also known as: rapid prototyping with AI, AI-assisted iteration, prompt iteration
One of the most concrete changes AI brings to the builder workflow is collapsing the time between idea and working prototype. Iterative prototyping with AI means generating a first working version rapidly, even if imperfect, getting it in front of real users or stakeholders quickly, and using that feedback to direct the next iteration.
This changes the calculus of what's worth building. When a working demo costs a few hours rather than a few weeks, you can afford to test more ideas and kill the weak ones before investing heavily. Many builders now treat AI-assisted prototyping as a discovery process: build something, learn from how people react to it, and use those reactions to sharpen the spec for the real build.
The flip side of speed is the temptation to ship prototypes. Code generated quickly without attention to security, error handling, or architecture can accumulate technical debt that slows you down later. Iterative prototyping works best when there's a clear point in the process where 'fast and exploratory' transitions to 'solid and intentional'. Knowing when to make that transition, and having the discipline to do it, is one of the distinguishing qualities of an effective AI-era builder.