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Concrete Wall

How AI Turned My 2-Week Prototype Into a 30-Minute Win

July 10th , 2025

The Challenge

While working on a banking system, I needed to design a loan restructuring form that functioned as a dynamic calculator. Creating a functional prototype for user testing was complex and time-consuming using traditional tools.
 
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Step 1: Writing the prompt with ChatGPT

I started by asking ChatGPT to create a Figma Make prompt:
  • Explained the form's logic and field constraints
  • Uploaded a screenshot of the initial design
  • Defined the prototype's purpose and testing goals
Key insight: I invested significant time in the initial prompt since everything builds on it.
 
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Step 2: Implementation in Figma Make

I copied the prompt to Figma Make and uploaded the form as a base frame. The result was an almost perfectly functioning form. I then tested edge cases and fixed several logic issues.
 
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Step 3: Interview Preparation

In the same ChatGPT conversation, I requested a structured interview flow focusing on:
  • Input field relationships with calculator visibility
  • Scanning and readability of specific areas
  • User behavior patterns
This gave me confidence I wasn't missing important aspects.
 
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The User Testing

Our UX researcher recruited a Canadian banker for remote testing. Due to security constraints, I couldn't share the prototype directly, I showed my screen while the user guided me where to click.
Critical principle: I smiled and nodded whenever the user gave negative feedback to make them feel this was exactly the feedback we wanted.
The session was automatically transcribed using Google Gemini.
 
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Surprising Insights

The user revealed issues I would never have discovered:
  1. Completely ignored an important button in the form
  2. Misunderstood a component I thought was obvious, the loan header contained the total amount, but because of a nearby "overdue" chip, the user thought it showed the overdue amount
Key realization: I was trapped in the system's conventions and couldn't see it through fresh eyes.
 
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Processing Results

I immediately documented all feedback on the Figma file, then asked ChatGPT to summarize the Gemini transcript. This created an excellent summary divided into:
  1. Facts - What the user did and said
  2. Insights - What I understood and could improve
 
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Impact

  • Prototype creation: Reduced from 2 weeks to 30 minutes
  • Interview prep and analysis: Significantly faster
  • Focus shift: More time for the exciting parts, observing live user feedback and creative problem-solving
 
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Conclusion

AI tools in user testing don't replace design thinking. They free us up to focus on what truly matters: understanding users and creative problem-solving. The time saved on technical and administrative tasks allows designers to invest more in the human insights that drive great products.
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