ATS Hub Field Note — Using AI in Prototyping

Education Research and Development (R&D) demands efficient methods to bridge the gap between conceptualization and district-, school-, or classroom-ready solutions. This field note examines how AI-supported prototyping accelerates development, enabling R&D teams to transition from ideas to functional, testable tools. By integrating AI into structured workflows, teams can systematically incorporate real-time educator feedback to uncover usability issues early and iteratively refine designs. The authors outline four critical lessons for leveraging AI effectively: establishing clear team workflows with consistent review cycles, utilizing intentional and well-prompted AI inputs, prioritizing the development of interactive "working" prototypes over static wireframes, and maintaining visible logs of design decisions. These strategies provide a roadmap for teams to minimize costly rework, reduce reliance on opinion, and ensure that AI-enabled educational technologies are grounded in evidence, collaborative structures, and the genuine needs of educators and learners.