We set ourselves a challenge: Is it possible to go from an idea to a prototype in just five days, using AI-powered tools?
As a designer, I was particularly interested in how far we could push design quality without slowing down delivery, and what I learned is that speed and good design don’t have to be opposites.
We kicked things off with a structured in-person workshop using Miro. The day was split into two parts:
Morning:
Afternoon:
To keep things moving, we used Whisper to transcribe the discussion live, turning rich conversations into actionable documentation.
This was where design set the pace. Using Subframe, we rapidly transitioned from low-fidelity to polished, interactive screens. Subframe’s smart use of AI meant we could scaffold out layouts in seconds, but the real magic was in how it supported systematic design.
Subframe’s features allowed us to:
This approach gave us a flexible, scalable design system in hours, not weeks. It also meant our UI could evolve without constant redesign — we were building with reusable parts, not throwing pixels at the wall.
Subframe also allowed developers to directly export flows, components, and screens into Cursor. That meant designs weren’t just reference material — they were starting points for code. It cut out friction, reduced ambiguity, and gave our engineers the confidence to move fast without guesswork.
Design and development didn’t happen in silos — we worked in tandem. Feedback loops were short. Cursor’s live-coding environment meant our design intent could be implemented (and refined) in real time.
We made decisions together — adjusting spacing, refining interactions, even adapting flows — without waiting for separate cycles. The prototype evolved through co-creation, not handoff. This kept the momentum high and made the experience stronger across the board.
With designs refined and aligned, we moved into build mode. Using Cursor, we implemented the frontend and backend in parallel. It wasn’t just about wiring up screens — we built real functionality: user authentication, dashboard logic, LLM integration, and dynamic emissions data.
Cursor’s AI features and collaborative tooling let us ship fast without cutting corners. When something needed changing, design and dev resolved it together, on the spot.
We wrapped with a stakeholder playback session, showcasing the prototype, walking through the user journey, and capturing feedback. We also shared key decisions, risks, and a clear plan for next steps.
The feedback? It didn’t feel like a ‘prototype’. It felt like a product. Allowing Fynlo to articulate their product to new investors and clients easily.
Here’s the stack that kept us moving:
In just five days, we produced:
This sprint wasn’t just fast — it was focused, energised, and creatively fulfilling. We proved that velocity and design quality can go hand-in-hand.
We didn’t cut corners, we cut friction.
If you’re wondering whether this kind of rapid innovation could work for you, try it in five days.
You might be surprised how far you can go.