FROM AI IDEA TO BUSINESS SOFTWARE
Before building with AI: five things to decide
A small start helps you learn.
Decide which problem to investigate, which small workflow to start with, what data is allowed, who controls the project and how to test the idea. That is enough to start a prototype. It is not approval to use it with real customer data.
1. The problem and first user
Describe the task in the user’s words rather than starting with screens. For example: “The order administrator should not have to enter the same details in two systems.” Speak to the person doing the work today. Use our two-minute checklist if the need is still unclear.
2. One workflow and a later list
Ask the AI tool to help with one meaningful task from start to result. Write down what is excluded. Reporting suites, more user groups and unusual exceptions can often wait. Do not turn every new idea into a feature that must be built immediately.
Choose one first workflow. Save the remaining ideas until you have learned more.
3. Data and permitted connections
Start with fictional test data. Decide what information may be sent to the tool and which connections it may use. Do not add customer lists, personal passwords or production keys just to make the demo more realistic. Involve the responsible person before connecting real business data or systems.
4. Company control of the project
Agree on account ownership, budget and where work is versioned or can be exported. Ensure another person can get access when needed. Check actual terms for source code, data and portability; capabilities differ between tools. Version history helps explain changes but does not replace data backups.
5. What the next test should establish
Schedule a short test with the first user. Ask them to complete the task rather than only comment on appearance. Decide what would make you continue, change or stop. If the prototype demonstrates a real need, plan the next step and a technical review before live use.
Start with the two-minute checklist ↗
PRACTICAL TEMPLATE
Copy as a starting instruction for your AI tool
Use the headings as a starting point for your conversation. Leave secrets and customer records out of the document.
We want to investigate this problem for this user: … The first workflow starts with … and ends with … Out of scope for now: … Use only fictional test data. Do not connect external services without asking. Describe assumptions and propose the smallest solution before building. We will test whether the user can …Download template (.txt) ↓
Common questions
Do I need to know how to code to start?
You can explore needs and workflows with AI without writing code yourself. This does not mean you can assess every technical risk. Involve appropriate expertise when the data, integrations or consequences of failure require it.
Do I need a full specification first?
Not for a small exploratory prototype. Start with the user, problem, one workflow, exclusions and a test. Record important decisions as you learn more.
Sources and method
The review structure, examples and templates are Miller Development’s practical recommendations, informed by Sven Miller’s description of our approach. The references explain related principles; they do not validate these templates or certify a solution. Platform features and terms can change. This guide does not replace a review of your specific system.
MILLER DEVELOPMENT
Want help taking the next step?
We help prioritise business value, review AI-built solutions and develop secure, stable systems integrated into your business. The next step may be a small test, a technical review or a bounded first delivery.
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