From idea to beta test: how two projects unexpectedly took off

It was only ever meant to be one project, and suddenly there were two: Flightroom and a surprise project that stays under wraps for now. Within a week I am close to launch with both of them — a pace I never saw in my years as a developer and business owner.

Using AI, Claude Code in particular, is what made that speed possible. After three years away from it, getting your own idea in front of real users this quickly is exciting.

Going back to writing code

After many years as a developer, running a company with employed engineers and delivering large six-figure projects, I stepped away from writing code for a while.

The projects I worked on were often highly complex — a banking product, for instance. Now, with AI in the loop, everything seems to move faster. Being close to launch within a week was new to me.

What real use throws at you

Once the projects met real users, problems showed up as expected. No great disasters, but UX issues and unforeseen conceptual snags gave me plenty to chew on. They were a reminder of how important it is to stay close to the people you are building for, so you actually understand what they need.

Real use is the only way to see what actually works.

AI as the game changer

Claude Code is an expensive option, but it has earned its keep. I am on the Max plan and still hit its limit now and then. When that happens I switch to the conceptual work, which is just as interesting.

One trick I picked up is working with job stories. Having the AI check them helps surface mistakes I would otherwise walk straight past.

All of this took me back to my roots in agile Scrum teams, where I learned that a product owner cannot keep everything in view. The complexity of the work demands that you stay flexible and are willing to take a different route.

Looking ahead

I do not yet know how I will fit all of this around my coaching business, but I am confident. I may well bring in outside help to keep the projects moving.

The start is made, and I am curious where this goes. The first steps are often the most interesting ones, and I am looking forward to the rest of the road.