TruthAmp: Episode 7 - Build Me Up, AI-tercup: Website in an Hour

Watch Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeP6SEMkhvQ

Craig demonstrates the speed and power of AI-assisted web development by building Emmanuella a professional website (click) in less than one hour—right before her flight to South by Southwest Sydney.

What Happened

The Challenge: Craig forgot about the topic until an hour before recording, so he used AI tools to quickly build a website, then demo-ed it for Emmanuella as she rushed through the airport.

The Tools: Craig used Claude (both the chat interface and Claude Code) to research Emmanuella's professional background, generate prompts, and build a functioning website styled after Brené Brown's site—all running locally on his laptop.

The Process:

• Claude researched Emmanuella's professional history, services, images, and videos online
• Generated seven specific prompts for website development
• Built a sophisticated site with animations, accurate credentials (graduate diploma in Psychology, Master's degrees), and integrated multimedia
• All accomplished in less than one hour

Key Insights

Prompting is a Skill: Emmanuella observes that effective AI prompting requires specificity and iteration. It's not mind-reading—you need to clearly articulate style, colors, and desired outcomes, sometimes through multiple attempts.

Collaboration Over Replacement: Craig emphasizes you still need someone who understands underlying technology to ask the right questions and ensure security. AI accelerates collaboration between developers and clients, enabling real-time changes during consultative sessions.

Cost Savings: By dramatically reducing development time, AI tools could significantly lower hourly web development costs for clients.

Quality vs. Sludge: While Emmanuella worries AI might "fill the internet with sludge," Craig counters that with proper expertise, AI can actually create more sophisticated and secure websites than traditional methods.

Accessibility: People without huge budgets can now build sophisticated websites with integrated products and features—democratizing professional web presence.

The Reveal

The finished website impressively included:

• Accurate professional credentials and education
• Brené Brown-inspired styling and animations
• Integrated podcast episodes (Building a Better Geek, Truth Amp)
• Professional history and services
• All functional elements ready for deployment

Takeaway

AI tools like Claude Code are transforming web development from time-intensive coding to rapid, collaborative creation—but expertise still matters. The technology amplifies human knowledge rather than replacing it, enabling faster iteration and more accessible professional web presence.

Note: This episode was recorded as Emmanuella literally ran through the airport to catch her flight to South by Southwest Sydney, where she's moderating panels on med tech and mentoring tech leadership.