The Catalyst Approach

Build something real. Show people. Get feedback. Improve. Repeat until it's production-ready.

The problem we're solving

You can build fast with AI, but fast doesn't mean aligned. Projects still go sideways because stakeholders don't see the real thing until it's too late, decisions get buried in chat threads, and rough prototypes accidentally ship as the final product.

The hard part isn't building — it's keeping everyone on the same page while you move quickly.

The core idea

Show, don't tell

Put working software in front of people early. Let them react to reality, not slide decks.

Decisions that stick

Write down what you decided and why. Three months later, you'll still know.

Grow into production

Start rough, improve deliberately. Your prototype becomes the product — properly hardened.

The rhythm

Every Catalyst project follows the same basic loop.

1

Get aligned on what you're building

Use the project prompts to capture the vision, technical approach, and voice. Just enough to stay on track — not a 50-page spec.

2

Build something people can use

Ship working software that stakeholders can see and click. Pick the fastest path that proves the idea works.

3

Show it and get feedback

Put it in front of real people. Watch what they do. Ask questions. Write down what you learn.

4

Decide what's next

Stop (you learned what you needed), refine (another cycle), or advance (move toward production).

5

Harden as you advance

Early versions can be rough. Production can't. Each stage advance adds the quality needed for that level.

Two ways to start

Pick the path that fits your situation. Both lead to the same place.

Proof-first

When you know what to build

The problem is clear. Jump straight into building and let the working software guide the conversation.

  • →Use the starter prompt to brief your AI
  • →Build a focused proof in hours or days
  • →Show it to stakeholders and capture feedback
  • →Decide together: stop, refine, or advance

Best for: Clear problems, tight timelines, technical validation

Intent-first

When you need alignment first

Stakeholders need to agree before you build. Start with lightweight docs that capture what 'good' looks like.

  • →Run Vision, Architecture, and Voice prompts
  • →Draft a focused PRD for the first sprint
  • →Get stakeholder sign-off on success criteria
  • →Move into build with clear expectations

Best for: Multiple stakeholders, unclear scope, high-stakes decisions

Two ideas to know

Check-in points

Regular moments to ask: are we building the right thing? Should we keep going? What needs to change?

Learn more

Proof → Production

Early versions can be rough. Production can't. Quality increases deliberately as you advance through stages.

Learn more

Why this works

Real software reveals problems faster than documents

People give better feedback when they can click around

Written decisions don't get lost in Slack

Clear stages prevent 'oops, that's live now'

Anyone can follow the method — it's not tribal knowledge

AI works better when the codebase is predictable

Start using the approach

Jump straight into building

Use the starter prompt to brief your AI, then start building your proof.

Get the starter prompt

Align intent first

Run the Vision, Architecture, and Voice prompts to capture what matters.

See the project prompts

Ready to pick a stack?

Choose the simplest stack that lets you prove value.

Stacks