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Your First App in 5 Minutes

Ready to build your first business app? This guide will take you from idea to working application in just 5 minutes.

What Is Taskade Genesis?

Genesis is the HyperCard moment for the AI era.

In 1987, Apple launched HyperCard - a tool that let anyone build software by stacking cards. It was simple, playful, powerful. For a brief moment, the tools to build were in the hands of everyone. Then they disappeared.

For decades, software creation was locked behind IDEs, APIs, gatekeepers, and teams. Until now.

Taskade Genesis is the HyperCard of the AI era. One prompt. One app. A new system for a new generation.

Genesis is an AI app builder that creates complete business applications from a single prompt. You describe what you need, and Genesis builds a working app in minutes. Not a mockup or prototype, but fully functional software.

We build for people like us:

  • The ones spinning 15 plates

  • Founders with ideas but no engineering team

  • Students, misfits, tinkerers

  • The ones who never quite fit in but always knew they were meant to build something that does

Unlike other app builders, Genesis gives you:

  • Complete Applications - Not just interfaces, but working business logic

  • Instant Deployment - Your app is live and shareable immediately

  • AI-Powered Intelligence - Apps that understand and process your data

  • Zero Technical Complexity - Focus on business value, not code

Why This Approach Works

Traditional Development 🥱
With Taskade Genesis ❤️

❌ Write technical specifications, wireframes, and database schemas

✅ Describe your business needs like talking to a trusted colleague

❌ Hire developers, configure servers, and manage development environments

✅ Your idea becomes a working app in just a few minutes. It's that simple!

❌ Debug API endpoints, handle authentication, coordinate teams

✅ Changes happen through simple conversations with Taskade AI

❌ Implement SSL certificates, security audits, and vulnerability management

✅ Security and compliance are handled automatically within Taskade

❌ Maintain servers, apply patches, monitor performance, handle scaling

✅ Focus on your business while we handle technical details

❌ Months of development cycles, testing phases, and deployment

✅ Start getting real user feedback today and iterate quickly

Before You Start

What You Need

  • ✅ A Taskade account - Sign up free if you don't have one

  • ✅ A business problem to solve - Something that wastes your time or frustrates customers

  • ✅ 5 minutes of focused time - No distractions, just you and your business challenge

What You Can Build

By the end of this guide, you'll have built and published a fully functional app. It can be a client portal, tracker, or dashboard. The only limitation is your imagination. Genesis handles the technical complexity, you focus on business value.

What You'll Learn

  • How to turn business problems into app descriptions

  • How to use Genesis to build complete applications

  • How to test and refine your app

  • How to share and use your app with customers or team members

Step 1: Identify Your Business Problem (1 minute)

Start by thinking about something in your business that could work better. Common problems Genesis solves:

Customer Frustrations

  • "Customers keep calling to book appointments when we're busy"

  • "People submit support requests through random channels"

  • "Clients don't know the status of their projects"

Team Inefficiencies

  • "We lose track of inventory and run out of popular items"

  • "Following up with leads happens inconsistently"

  • "Important tasks fall through the cracks"

Data Chaos

  • "Customer feedback is scattered across emails and reviews"

  • "I can't see which products are performing well"

  • "Team performance data is hard to track"

Your turn: Write down the ONE business problem you want to solve first.

🧬 Understanding Your Workspace DNA

Before we build your app, it's important to understand what makes Genesis apps so powerful: your workspace's living DNA.

Your Workspace = Your App's Brain

Every Genesis app is powered by your workspace's intelligence:

🧠 AI Agents - Your digital team members with specialized knowledge

  • Customer service agents that know your products

  • Marketing agents that understand your brand voice

  • Research agents that can analyze data and trends

📊 Projects - Your business knowledge and data

  • Customer information and interaction history

  • Product catalogs and inventory data

  • Team processes and standard operating procedures

⚡ Automations - Your business reflexes

  • Automatic follow-ups and notifications

  • Data processing and categorization

  • Integration with your existing tools

Why This Matters for Your App

When you describe an app to Genesis, it doesn't build from scratch. Instead, it awakens the intelligence already living in your workspace:

  • Your booking app knows your services because your workspace knows your services

  • Your support app responds like your team because it's trained on your team's knowledge

  • Your inventory app understands your products because your projects contain your product data

This is what makes each Genesis app unique - it carries the DNA of your specific business.

🕐 Genesis Version History

Every Genesis app includes complete version history! Track every change, collaborate with confidence, and never lose work again.

Automatic Change Tracking

  • Every Edit Recorded: Layout changes, content updates, configuration modifications - all automatically saved

  • Visual Timeline: Browse your app's evolution with clear timestamps and change summaries

  • Team Collaboration: See exactly who made which changes and when

  • One-Click Restore: Roll back to any previous version instantly

Professional Development Workflow

Genesis version history uses enterprise-grade infrastructure (Pulsar message queuing) to ensure no changes are ever lost, even during high traffic periods. This creates a bulletproof audit trail perfect for:

  • Client Work: Show clients exactly what was built and when

  • Team Projects: Track contributions and resolve conflicts easily

  • Experimentation: Try bold changes knowing you can always revert

  • Compliance: Maintain complete records for regulated industries

Access Version History: Click the version dropdown in any Genesis app to explore your complete development timeline.

Step 2: Craft Your App Description (2 minutes)

Now turn your problem into a clear description using this proven formula:

The Magic Formula

WHO uses it + WHAT they need to do + WHAT happens automatically

Template to Copy

I run a [YOUR BUSINESS TYPE] and need [WHO WILL USE THIS] to [WHAT THEY NEED TO DO].

They should be able to [SPECIFIC ACTIONS THEY TAKE], and when they do, the system should [AUTOMATIC RESPONSES/ACTIONS].

I want to [HOW YOU'LL USE THE DATA] so I can [BUSINESS OUTCOME YOU WANT].

Real Examples

Restaurant Owner:

I run a restaurant and need customers to submit feedback about their dining experience. They should rate food quality, service speed, and overall satisfaction on a 1-5 scale, plus leave optional comments and upload photos. When someone gives us 3 stars or lower, immediately alert our manager via Slack so we can follow up personally. I want to see all feedback in a dashboard so I can track trends and improve our service.

Yoga Studio:

I run a yoga studio and need clients to book classes online and pay in advance. They should see available class times, choose their preferred instructor, and pay a deposit. When someone books, send them a confirmation email with class details and add the appointment to our Google Calendar. I want to track which classes are most popular so I can schedule more of them.

Consultant:

I'm a business consultant and need potential clients to request proposals through my website. They should fill out their business challenges, budget range, and timeline, plus upload any relevant documents. When someone submits a request, send me an instant Slack notification and add their information to my CRM. I want to track which types of projects people request most so I can focus my marketing.

Your turn: Write your app description using the template above.

Step 3: Build Your App with Genesis (1 minute)

Now the magic happens - Genesis turns your description into a working app.

Access Genesis

  1. Log into Taskade at taskade.com

  2. Navigate to your workspace (create one if you don't have it)

  3. Look for the AI prompt box at the top of your workspace

  4. Click "Create with AI" or the Genesis icon

Generate Your App

  1. Paste your description into the prompt box

  2. Click "Generate" or press Enter

  3. Watch Genesis work - it will show you progress as it builds

  4. Wait 30-90 seconds for your complete app to appear

What Genesis Creates

While you wait, Genesis is building all four components of your app:

  • 📊 Database - Smart storage for all your business data

  • 🤖 AI Assistant - Learns your business and helps users

  • ⚡ Automations - Connects to email, Slack, and other tools

  • 📁 File Management - Handles uploads and document storage

Step 3.5: Add Context Files (Optional - 30 seconds)

Supercharge your app with reference materials. Genesis can analyze uploaded files to better understand your brand, requirements, and design preferences.

Why Add Context?

Genesis becomes significantly more powerful when you provide reference materials:

  • 🎨 Brand Consistency - Upload logos, color palettes, and style guides

  • 📋 Form Examples - Share existing forms or data structures

  • 🖼️ Visual Inspiration - Include screenshots or mockups of desired layouts

  • 📊 Data Samples - Provide examples of how you want information organized

Adding Context Files

  1. After app creation, click "Edit with AI" in the preview

  2. Upload files by dragging them into the chat or clicking the attachment button (📎)

  3. Describe your changes referencing the uploaded files

Example Prompt:

"Update this contact form to match our brand guidelines. Use the colors and fonts specified in the uploaded PDF. Apply our logo to the header."

Types of Context Files

File Type
Purpose
Examples

Brand Assets

Visual identity

Logos, color palettes, fonts

Reference Forms

Data structure

Existing forms, surveys, applications

Screenshots

UI inspiration

Website designs, competitor apps

Documents

Requirements

Business rules, process flows, SOPs

File Upload Tips

  • PDF files work great for brand guidelines and documentation

  • Images (PNG/JPG) perfect for logos and screenshots

  • Text files useful for code snippets and requirements

  • All uploaded files are stored in your project's Media tab for future reference

Step 4: Test Your App (1 minute)

Your app is ready! Now test it thoroughly before sharing with others.

Preview Your App

  1. Click "Preview" to see your live app

  2. Open it like a real user would - try booking, submitting feedback, etc.

  3. Fill out forms completely - use realistic test data

  4. Check your email and Slack - did you get the automated notifications?

Test Checklist

  • ✅ User experience: Is it easy to understand and use?

  • ✅ Mobile-friendly: Does it work well on phones and tablets?

  • ✅ Data capture: Is important information being saved?

  • ✅ Automations: Are emails and notifications working?

  • ✅ File uploads: Can users attach photos/documents seamlessly?

  • ✅ File processing: Are uploaded files being handled correctly by automations?

  • ✅ Professional appearance: Does it look polished and branded appropriately?

Common First-Time Issues

  • No notifications received? Check your email/Slack integration settings

  • Form looks wrong? Describe the visual changes you want

  • Missing fields? Tell Genesis what additional information you need

  • Wrong automation timing? Specify exactly when actions should happen

Step 5: Perfect Your App (30 seconds)

Need adjustments? Genesis makes changes instantly through conversation.

Common Refinements

Visual Updates:

"Make the submit button larger and green"
"Add our company logo at the top"
"Use our brand colors: blue (#4A90E2) and white"

Functionality Changes:

"Only send alerts for ratings below 3 stars instead of 4"
"Add a field for customer phone numbers"
"Send confirmation emails immediately after booking"

Automation Tweaks:

"Also post new bookings to our #appointments Slack channel"
"CC the office manager on all customer emails"
"Send me a daily summary of all submissions"

Making Changes

  1. Describe what you want to change in plain English

  2. Click "Update App" or similar button

  3. Wait for Genesis to implement your changes (usually 10-30 seconds)

  4. Test the changes to make sure they work as expected

Step 6: Share It!

Your app is ready for the real world! You've built something that solves a real business problem, and now it's time to put it in front of actual users.

Publishing Options

  1. Private Use: Keep it within your workspace for team use

  2. Custom Domain: Publish under your branded domain (e.g., app.yourcompany.com)

  3. Share with Community: Publish to the global Taskade marketplace for others to discover and fork

  4. Public Link: Get a shareable URL for external users

Getting It Live

  1. Click "Publish" in the top-right corner

  2. Choose your publishing option:

    • Public Link: Instant shareable URL

    • Custom Domain: Professional branded experience

    • Community Sharing: Help others while showcasing your skills

  3. Copy the link and share with your intended audience

Community Sharing Benefits

If you've built something that could help other businesses:

  • Share with Community: Your app appears in the marketplace

  • Help Others: Teams worldwide can fork and use your solution

  • Build Reputation: Showcase your problem-solving skills

  • Get Feedback: Community reviews help improve your solutions

Professional Deployment

For business use, consider these options:

  • Custom Domain: portal.yourcompany.com instead of random URLs

  • Branded Experience: Remove all Taskade references for white-label solutions

  • SSL Security: Automatic HTTPS for professional trust

  • Global CDN: Fast loading worldwide

Share your success story and get featured:

  • Post about your creation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, or your favorite platform

  • Show before/after: "I had this business problem, now I have this solution"

  • Tag us @taskade — we love seeing what you've built

  • Join our community to see what other makers are working on

Real Success Stories

Here are what other users built in their first 5 minutes:

Maria - Restaurant Feedback System

Problem: "Customers left reviews on Google but we saw them too late to respond to problems."

Genesis Prompt: "I need customers to rate their dining experience and leave comments, with instant Slack alerts for any rating below 4 stars."

Result: "I get immediate notifications about unhappy customers and can follow up personally. Our Google reviews improved from 3.8 to 4.6 stars in two months!"

David - Yoga Studio Booking

Problem: "Appointment booking was all phone calls and double-bookings were common."

Genesis Prompt: "I need clients to book yoga classes online, pay deposits, and get calendar invites, with automatic confirmations."

Result: "Saves me 2 hours every day. No more double-bookings, and I get paid in advance. Clients love the convenience!"

Sarah - Inventory Alerts

Problem: "I never knew when products were running low until customers complained they were out of stock."

Genesis Prompt: "I need to track inventory levels and get email alerts when items drop below 10 units, with automatic reorder suggestions."

Result: "Haven't had a stockout in 6 months! My supplier gets orders automatically and I can focus on sales instead of counting inventory."

What's Next?

Congratulations! You've built your first Genesis app. Here's how to take it further:

Immediate Next Steps

  1. Share your app with real users and customers

  2. Monitor the data coming in and usage patterns

  3. Collect feedback on what works well and what could be improved

  4. Make refinements based on real-world usage

Expanding Your App

  • Add more automation connections to other business tools

  • Create related apps for other business processes

  • Train team members to build their own solutions

  • Scale up with enterprise features as you grow

Learning Resources

Get Help

Quick Reference Card

Keep this handy for your next app:

The 5-Minute Process

  1. Identify problem - What frustrates you or your customers?

  2. Write description - WHO + WHAT + AUTOMATIC ACTIONS

  3. Build with Genesis - Paste prompt and click Generate

  4. Test thoroughly - Try all features as real user would

  5. Perfect & share - Make adjustments and go live

Magic Formula Template

I run a [BUSINESS TYPE] and need [USERS] to [ACTION].
They should [SPECIFIC STEPS], and when they do,
[AUTOMATIC RESPONSE]. I want to [DATA USAGE] so I can [OUTCOME].

Testing Checklist

  • ✅ User experience smooth and intuitive

  • ✅ Mobile-friendly design

  • ✅ All data being captured correctly

  • ✅ Automations sending notifications

  • ✅ File uploads working if needed

🎯 Writing Effective Genesis Prompts

The difference between a great app and something that barely works often comes down to your first prompt. Master this skill and you'll create powerful applications consistently.

The First Prompt Formula

Every successful first prompt answers three questions:

1. Audience - Who will use this app?

  • "My photography clients..."

  • "Our dental patients..."

  • "My sales team..."

2. Problem/Solution - What problem does it solve?

  • "...need to book sessions..."

  • "...want to schedule appointments..."

  • "...has to track leads..."

3. Action - What should happen?

  • "...and receive confirmations"

  • "...with available time slots"

  • "...and see follow-up dates"

Example: "My photography clients need to book sessions and receive confirmations"

Use Prompt Enhancement

Not sure how to describe what you want? Genesis includes a Prompt Enhancement feature that takes your rough idea and turns it into a detailed, specific request.

How to use it:

  1. Go to the main Genesis dashboard

  2. Type what you want (even if it's vague)

  3. Click "Enhance Prompt"

  4. Review the AI-generated suggestions

  5. Hit generate with the improved prompt

Starter Kit Templates

Copy these proven templates and customize for your business:

Classic Contact Form: "Build a contact form for [your business type] that emails me submissions"

Booking Tool: "Create a booking system for [service] appointments with calendar integration"

Tracker for Anything: "Build a tracker for [items] that shows status, due dates, and completion rates"

Industry Calculator: "Create a calculator for [industry] estimates that factors in [variables]"

Power Words for Better Prompts

Action Verbs:

  • Create, build, generate, track, manage, calculate, schedule, organize

  • Submit, collect, process, analyze, report, notify, update, sync

Clarity Phrases:

  • "Show me...", "Let users...", "Automatically...", "When someone..."

  • "Email me when...", "Update the status...", "Calculate the total..."

The 2-Sentence Rule

Keep your first prompt to just two sentences. Focus on the core functionality first - you can add features later through follow-up prompts.

Follow-Up Prompts

After your first app is generated:

  1. Use the Taskade Assistant Agent (TAA) chat

  2. Describe additional features or changes

  3. Use "Enhance Prompt" for better results

  4. Iterate based on what you see working

Ready for your next app? Build with Genesis →

From idea to working application in 5 minutes - every time.

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