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Base 44
A deep dive into Base 44 and how to create prototypes to streamline the design process.
Graduate Assistant Project
Base 44 Overview
What is it?
Base44 is an AI-powered app builder that uses natural language prompts (sometimes called "vibe coding") to generate fully functional web and mobile prototypes. It handles the UI, database, and backend logic, allowing you to focus purely on the user experience (UX) and product features without writing code.
Why I chose Base 44
Base44 allowed me to rapidly validate BeanStreak, NetCable, and Aurelia Travel by instantly generating functional apps. Eliminating the coding phase let me focus strictly on design and user experience, significantly accelerating the feedback loop.
1. BeanStreak Project
What is it?
BeanStreak is a prototype that improves the DailyBean mood tracker by adding game-like features.
Goal: to make people use mood tracking apps every day by adding powerful game-like features.
Features
I wanted to integrate Duolingo-style accountability by:
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Personal Streaks: A counter and commitment goals (7, 14, 30 days) rewarded with in-app currency (Clovers).
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Shared Streaks: A system for users to invite friends to commit to a joint logging goal, fostering social accountability.
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Dedicated Streaks Tab: A central dashboard to manage both personal progress and pending/active shared streaks.
Prompting
Starting Prompt:
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"Build a mobile-first mood tracking application called 'BeanStreak' that mimics the clean, minimalist aesthetic and five-bean mood system of the DailyBean app. The main screen should be a calendar. Include a full-screen pop-up on launch for daily mood selection. Use the primary color hex code #1E1E1E for the background and #82B24C for accents."
Pro tip: Screenshots are your best friend use them constantly!
Final Prototype!
2. Aurelia Travel
What is it?
A luxury travel website for an experienced travel agent.
Goal: to create a landing page that showcases the travel agent's talents and services in a professional and elegant way
Features
3 specific features needed to be showcased: ​
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Featured Destinations: Showcase the most popular destinations that travelers have requested recently
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Experience: Explain the travel agent's experience over the years
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Services: Give an overview of the services that the travel agent offers
The most recent popular destinations are featured
The travel agent's overall experience
The service the travel agent provides
The most recent popular destinations are featured
Prompting
Starting Prompt:
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"Create a luxury website"
Pro tip: Starting with a vague prompt is fastest and most successful
Final Prototype!
3. NetCable
What is it?
A landing page for an IT and structured cabling company.
Goal: to create a landing page that sells the company and is trustworthy for potential clients
Features
3 specific features needed to be showcased: ​
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Services: Give an overview of the services offered
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Why Choose Us: Explain why clients should choose the company
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Testimonials: Showcase testimonials from happy clients
Services offered by the company
Reasons to choose this specific company
Testimonials from recent clients
Services offered by the company
Prompting
Starting Prompt:
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"Create a site for an IT and Structured Cabling company"
Pro tip: Giving specific hex codes will help your prototype be more consistent
Final Prototype!
Final Thoughts
Base44 is a great tool to start the brainstorming process. As a designer, it was helpful to have a prototype immediately available to showcase and receive feedback on quickly. However, it can be a bit clunky and requires additional prompting to look more professional and to avoid looking like it was made by AI. Overall, I think it's a great tool with a lot of potential.
