Behind the Craft A Proven 5-Step System to Prototype Apps with AI | Xinran Ma
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Nov 30, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Xinran Ma, a top AI instructor and founder of the Design with AI newsletter, shares his expertise on prototyping with AI. He highlights five vital techniques, starting with using custom GPTs to create perfect specs and the innovative Magic Patterns canvas for tracking iterations. Xinran unveils how to generate unique design variations instantly and mix components from different prototypes. He also explains the power of reverse prompting to enhance design consistency, making AI work smarter for creators.
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Clarity Before Your First Prompt
- Vibe coding follows a linear prompt-to-iteration loop but misses structured design exploration upfront.
- Xinran Ma argues that gaining clarity before the first prompt prevents wasted tokens and circular iterations.
Generate A Prototype Spec With A Custom GPT
- Use a custom GPT to walk through focused setup questions like users, platform, and key flows before prototyping.
- Copy the generated spec as a code block and paste it into prototyping tools to jumpstart accurate prototypes.
Track Iterations Side‑By‑Side
- Keep parallel iterations visible using Magic Patterns' Canvas so you can compare and revisit options.
- Open each preview to iterate in a chat-like editor and reflect updates back on the canvas.