In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a classic topic: The Power of Clickable Demos in the Software Development Lifecycle. This time, they reframe it through the lens of demo-driven development, exploring how lightweight prototypes align teams, validate ideas, and reduce costly missteps.
Demo-driven development utilizes interactive prototypes early in the lifecycle to demonstrate how an application might function before coding begins. These demos link wireframes or screens together into a simple, clickable flow.
“Demo-driven development gives stakeholders something to touch and test—without weeks of coding.”
Instead of static diagrams, teams can walk clients through interactive experiences that make requirements tangible. This approach helps uncover gaps, clarify assumptions, and prevent misunderstandings.
Even a rough demo can save hours of rework by sparking conversations that written requirements alone often miss.
Prototypes provide value across roles:
“Many times, a demo exposes what was never written in requirements—but was always assumed.”
As Michael points out, demos can sometimes create false direction. Stakeholders may perceive the prototype as production-ready, prompting teams to release features that are rushed or incomplete.
To prevent this:
One strength of this approach is the ability to test multiple designs quickly. By creating different variations of a flow, teams can gather real feedback and compare preferences.
For instance, rotating two demo versions on a website gives instant insight into which design resonates most, ensuring decisions are based on evidence rather than guesswork.
Rob and Michael highlight practical ways to make demos effective:
“Solve the problem first. Make it pretty later.”
Revisiting this topic highlights the continued value of demo-driven development. It accelerates feedback, ensures alignment, and keeps projects focused on real user needs before heavy development begins.
When used wisely, it reduces risk, minimizes wasted effort, and helps teams deliver software that both functions effectively and delights users.
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