How this Yelp AI PM works backward from “golden conversations” to create high-quality prototypes using Claude Artifacts and Magic Patterns

10/20/25
Source: Lenny’s Newsletter by Claire Vo. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Designing AI-Powered Products with Example Conversations

This article reveals how starting AI product design with example conversations rather than traditional wireframes leads to more natural interactions. It highlights a step-by-step workflow using Claude to generate and refine conversation prototypes and create interactive demos without complex coding. Additionally, the use of Magic Patterns’ Inspiration mode enables rapid exploration of multiple UI designs, improving AI feature development efficiency.

Optimixed’s Overview: Innovative Strategies for Prototyping Conversational AI Products

Introduction to Conversation-First AI Design

Priya Badger, a product manager at Yelp, pioneers an AI product design methodology that begins with crafting example conversations rather than starting with conventional wireframes or product requirement documents (PRDs). This approach facilitates a more intuitive design process that centers on how users naturally interact with AI assistants.

Step-by-Step Workflow Using Claude

  • Generating Sample Conversations: Using Claude, designers can prompt the AI to create realistic conversational flows that serve as the foundational “wireframes” for AI products.
  • Refining Interactions: Iterative qualitative assessments refine the conversation samples, ensuring the AI assistant behaves naturally and contextually.
  • Interactive Prototyping: Claude Artifacts allow building interactive prototypes powered by actual large language model (LLM) responses, eliminating the need for complex API integration.

UI Design with Magic Patterns

Magic Patterns’ Inspiration mode empowers designers to quickly generate and test multiple user interface variations tailored for AI features. This flexibility accelerates product iteration and helps identify the most effective UI designs.

Benefits and Application

  • Starting from conversations and working backward to system prompts fosters more natural and user-centric AI interactions.
  • The techniques demonstrated are applicable not only in professional settings but also for personal projects, helping individuals build robust AI product management skills.
  • Combining conversational prototyping with UI exploration tools streamlines the entire AI product development lifecycle.