skill files

Project Kickoff

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Full Lesson Reference

Use this as your first prompt when starting a new project.

The Template

Copy, fill in the brackets, paste into Claude:

terminal
I want to build [type of app] that [main thing it does].

Platform: [macOS / iOS / web]

When you [main interaction], it should [main result].

Key features:
- [Feature 1]
- [Feature 2]
- [Feature 3 if applicable]

Keep it simple to start. We can add more later.

Examples

Menu Bar App

terminal
I want to build a macOS menu bar app that shows my next calendar event.

Platform: macOS

When you click the menu bar icon, it should show a small popover with:
- The event name
- Time until it starts
- A button to open the event in Calendar

Key features:
- Menu bar presence with icon
- Shows next event from Apple Calendar
- Updates automatically

Keep it simple to start. We can add more later.

iOS App

terminal
I want to build an iOS app for tracking daily water intake.

Platform: iOS

When you open the app, it should show today's water intake and let you quickly add
glasses.

Key features:
- Today view showing glasses consumed vs. goal
- Quick-add button (+1 glass)
- Simple history view

Keep it simple to start. We can add more later.

Simple Utility

terminal
I want to build a macOS app that converts colors between formats.

Platform: macOS

When you paste a color (hex, RGB, or HSL), it should show the color and all format
conversions.

Key features:
- Input field for pasting colors
- Visual preview of the color
- Copy buttons for each format

Keep it simple to start. We can add more later.

Tips

  1. Start with the outcome — What does the user see and do?
  2. Be specific about the main interaction — "When you X, it should Y"
  3. Limit initial features — 3 is usually enough to start
  4. Say "keep it simple" — Explicitly ask for simplicity
  5. Let Claude ask questions — You don't need to specify everything upfront

After the First Response

Claude will likely:

  • Create the basic project structure
  • Ask clarifying questions
  • Show you initial code

From there, iterate:

  • "Now add [next feature]"
  • "The [element] should [adjustment]"
  • "Can you make [improvement]"

The project develops through conversation.

Exercises

  1. Pick a small app idea and fill in the bracketed template completely — type of app, platform, main interaction, and exactly three key features. Paste it into Claude as your kickoff prompt.
  2. Rewrite your main interaction as a single "When you X, it should Y" sentence, then compare it to the three examples to confirm it names a concrete trigger and a concrete result.
  3. After Claude's first response, send three follow-up iterations using the "Now add…", "The [element] should…", and "Can you make…" patterns, and note how the project evolves through conversation.