Season 4 - Newsletter 06 —> Going from 0 to 0.1 in Product in an AI world
Hi Friends -
While the saying goes unless you have been under a rock, I would like to add to the global lexicon that if when I say AI, you draw a blank, the rock you been under is more like a giant boulder and you are on some distant planet not called earth. While my spotty newsletter cadence is sometimes blame to writers block or not feeling inspired, this time it has been because I used AI to build an app to help me be a better person—father, son, and partner. And while more will come out about the app and the ability to try it out, I wanted to talk about what this process has taught me about going from 0 to 0,1 in product.
Q: What should I expect from taking an AI from concept to launch and how can I navigate the challenges?
Developing an app or an idea is something that I have done in varying degrees of effort and focus for many years. In previous lives, there would always come a point, where to go from prototype or idea to testable idea, a talented technical cofounder had to be found. Today with AI an alternative pathway is emerging, one where AI code assistant are enabling folks to create apps and websites. With that in mind, I embarked on solving one of my greatest need, getting a little (AI) help to be a better human to important people in my life. As someone who thrives on action and getting things done, I found myself diving headfirst into the project, only to realize that sometimes, stepping back is just as crucial as moving forward.
Here are some key learnings from this journey:
The Illusion of Zero Cost: With AI tools readily available and often low-cost or even free, it's easy to let our bias for action take the driver's seat. I realized this, after spending two weeks to build a decently robust early version, only to quickly realize when I first demo’ed it that it was a collection of functions and not really solving the core issue. The ease of creating something tangible can set you back if you haven't clearly defined the problem you're solving. Despite the minimal financial cost, the time investment is significant, and time is a resource you can't replenish.
Chasing the 'Aha' Moment: Throughout development, I kept asking myself, "Does this create a 'Aha' moment for the user?" Inspired by Ramli "RJ" John, this question became a compass guiding my iterations. It's essential to seek that moment of delight, and sometimes that means going back to the drawing board multiple times. Don't hesitate to ask for feedback early and often, especially from those who aren't afraid to tell you the unvarnished truth.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Founder Mode: Being in founder mode isn't just about the product; it's an emotional journey. The highs of breakthroughs and the lows of setbacks can be intense. Recognizing and managing these emotions is just as important as any technical challenge you'll face. Self-awareness becomes a vital tool in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Development: AI is incredibly powerful for creating that first iteration. Tools like Claude AI, Cursor, and ChatGPT can accelerate development in ways we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. However, iterating can be tricky. As you tweak one part of your app, AI-generated features might change or disappear without warning. Additionally, the AI application space is evolving at a breakneck pace—what's cutting-edge today might be obsolete next week.
A Growing Stack: In my excitement, I incorporated a plethora of tools: Claude AI, Cursor, ChatGPT, Google Survey, Google Analytics, MongoDB, Netlify—the list goes on. It's tempting to fall in love with tools and automation, but they can distract from the core problem you're trying to solve.
My advice for aspiring product managers, founders, developers, designers and everyone who has an idea
Don't Lose Sight of the Forest for the Trees: It's easy to get bogged down in details that, in the grand scheme of things, don't move the needle. Keep your focus on the bigger picture—the fundamental problem you're addressing.
Identify the One Thing You Will Solve For: Clarity is power. Define the single most important problem your app will solve. This focus will guide your decisions and help you avoid feature creep.
Make a Plan Around That One Thing: Once you've identified your core objective, develop a plan centered around it. In practical terms create that one giant prompt with the plan. Put that prompt in Replit Agent for example.
Simplify Your Stack: Use only the tools that are absolutely necessary. Complexity can be the enemy of execution. A lean stack not only reduces potential points of failure but also makes iteration more manageable.
In Conclusion
Developing HumanBetter has so far been a journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Some of us don’t get the chance to do 0 to 1 product work and AI today removes most of the barriers for us to actually be practitioners of what we preach. But AI, even with its barrier reducing powers, remind us that technology is a means to an end, not the end itself. Stay focused on the value you're creating for users, and don't let the ease of building distract you from building the right thing.
Stay tuned! Later this week, I'll be sharing more about HumanBetter and how you can try it out. I'm excited to get your feedback.
If you're on a similar path or considering starting, I hope these insights help you navigate the exciting yet challenging world of AI product development. Feel free to reach out or share your experiences—I’d love to hear about your journey.
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