It happens all the time: A promising mobile app idea gets scoped, priced, developed-and six months (and six figures) later, it becomes clear users never really wanted it.

There’s a better way. No-code tools now let founders and teams validate assumptions, simulate features, and collect real user feedback-before writing a single line of production code.

Having run a web and mobile development agency for years, and now helping stuck AI, vibe and no-code projects get to launch at Appstuck.com, here's the rapid-prototype playbook I recommend to every founder before investing big:

🔹 Step 1: Map the Core Flow

Sketch out the 3–5 main interactions your app needs to do well. Focus on the user’s journey, not your feature list. For example: Browse → Select → Personalize → Pay → Share.

🔹 Step 2: Build it Fast (and Fake!)

Use tools like Glide, Bravo Studio, or Figma + Protopie to mock up tappable flows. It doesn’t need to “work”-it just needs to feel real.

🔹 Step 3: Watch Real People Tap

Give the prototype to users. Watch what they do (and don’t do). What’s confusing? What feels natural? This is your richest data.

🔹 Step 4: Adjust, Simplify, Repeat

Most of the time, what you think is the killer feature… isn’t. What people really value is flow, confidence, and lack of friction.

🔹 Step 5: Only THEN Scope Custom Development

Now that you know what matters to users, you can scope custom features with clarity. This saves time, budget-and avoids features you’ll later rip out.

No-code doesn’t just save money. Used early, it drastically improves your chances of building something people actually want.

If you’ve got an idea you’re thinking about validating-or if your no-code or AI-assisted project feels “stuck”-feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to connect and help you get it moving.