A designer now prototypes with Claude more than Figma
A Jane Street designer says he now uses Claude more than Figma for many design ideas. Instead of only drawing screens, he builds working prototypes that people can try. For solo makers, this shows AI coding tools can help test product ideas before spending weeks on them.
Key points
- He writes the idea, gives it to Claude, and builds a working prototype in the real codebase.
- A working prototype made feedback easier because people could use it, not just imagine it.
- The team treats prototype code as disposable, so reviewers can focus on the design and user experience.
- He also warns that relying on Claude may limit ideas to what the tool can easily produce.
Quick term guide
- IDE
- A software tool that combines a code editor, a way to run code, and error checking all in one app.
- build
- A chosen set of in-game abilities or items a player equips for their character.
- prototypes
- Early working versions used to test whether an idea is useful.
- prototype
- A simple, early version of a project built to test an idea.
- AI coding tool
- Software that uses AI to help write, edit, or explain code.
- codebase
- The full set of files and code that make an app or product work.
- feedback
- A response that tells a user what they did well or should fix.
- user experience
- How easy and pleasant it is for a person to use a product.