IIdea2App

The Framework

Idea → Prototype → Database → Code → Backend → Mobile → Testing → App Stores → Launch

Ten steps. Each one tells you exactly what to build, what tool to use, and what to hand the AI. Steps 1–2 are open to everyone — the full walkthrough for Steps 3–10 is part of the DIY Playbook.

  1. 01

    Define Your Idea

    Easy1–2 hours

    Turn a vague idea into a clear product specification before you touch any tools.

    Claude
    View step
  2. 02

    Prototype

    Easy2–4 hours

    Create a visual, clickable prototype so you can see and feel the app before any real code exists.

    Claude
    View step
  3. 03

    Design the Database

    Moderate2–3 hoursDIY Playbook

    Design entities, relationships and permissions before letting an AI coding agent build the full app.

    Neon (PostgreSQL)
    View step
  4. 04

    Build With AI

    ModerateOngoingDIY Playbook

    Give an AI coding agent your specification and database, then build incrementally, feature by feature.

    ClaudeCursorGitHub
    View step
  5. 05

    Backend & Hosting

    Moderate1–2 hoursDIY Playbook

    Set up hosting, environment variables, and separate development, staging and production databases.

    VercelNeon (PostgreSQL)GitHub
    View step
  6. 06

    Turn It Into a Mobile App

    Advanced1–2 weeksDIY Playbook

    Turn your web app into a real iOS and Android app from a single codebase.

    FlutterReact Native
    View step
  7. 07

    Notifications & Communications

    Easy2–4 hoursDIY Playbook

    Add push notifications, email, and transactional messaging so your app can talk back to users.

    OneSignal
    View step
  8. 08

    Testing

    Moderate1–3 daysDIY Playbook

    Test the complete user journey — locally, in staging, end-to-end and on real devices — before you ship.

    GitHub
    View step
  9. 09

    App Stores

    Advanced3–7 days (incl. review)DIY Playbook

    Set up developer accounts, certificates and metadata, then submit to the App Store and Google Play.

    Xcode / App Store ConnectGoogle Play Console
    View step
  10. 10

    Launch

    Moderate1 dayDIY Playbook

    Run your final launch checklist and take your app live — for real, in public.

    VercelNeon (PostgreSQL)
    View step