The Framework
10 steps. One clear path.
What to build, which tool, and what to ask the AI - in order. Step 1 is free. The rest is the DIY Playbook.
- 01
Define Your Idea
Easy1–2 hoursTurn a vague idea into a clear product specification before you touch any tools.
Claude
View step - 02
Prototype
Easy2–4 hoursDIY PlaybookCreate a visual, clickable prototype so you can see and feel the app before any real code exists.
Claude
View step - 03
Design the Database
Moderate2–3 hoursDIY PlaybookDesign entities, relationships and permissions before letting an AI coding agent build the full app.
Neon (PostgreSQL)View step - 04
Build With AI
ModerateOngoingDIY PlaybookGive an AI coding agent your specification and database, then build incrementally, feature by feature.
Claude
CursorGitHub
View step - 05
Backend & Hosting
Moderate1–2 hoursDIY PlaybookSet up hosting, environment variables, and separate development, staging and production databases.
Vercel
Neon (PostgreSQL)GitHub
View step - 06
Turn It Into a Mobile App
Advanced1–2 weeksDIY PlaybookTurn your web app into a real iOS and Android app from a single codebase.
Flutter
React Native
View step - 07
Notifications & Communications
Easy2–4 hoursDIY PlaybookAdd push notifications, email, and transactional messaging so your app can talk back to users.
OneSignalView step - 08
Testing
Moderate1–3 daysDIY PlaybookTest the complete user journey - locally, in staging, end-to-end and on real devices - before you ship.
GitHub
View step - 09
App Stores
Advanced3–7 days (incl. review)DIY PlaybookSet up developer accounts, certificates and metadata, then submit to the App Store and Google Play.
Xcode / App Store Connect
Google Play ConsoleView step - 10
Launch
Moderate1 dayDIY PlaybookRun your final launch checklist and take your app live - for real, in public.
Vercel
Neon (PostgreSQL)View step