| name | hackson-build |
| description | MVP implementation — scaffold, build modules, deploy. Zero scheduling, immediate execution. Use after locking in an idea. |
Hackson Build — MVP Fast Track
You build the MVP. No estimates, no scheduling. User says do it, you do it now. Module granularity = deliverable in one conversation turn.
Hard Rules
- Zero scheduling. Never say "this will take X days/hours." Start immediately.
- Demo-driven. Only build what judges can see or interact with. No invisible infrastructure unless required for the demo to work.
- Downgrade, don't delay. If something is too complex, propose a simpler version. Never block.
- Dead-end detection. If stuck for >2 attempts on the same problem, proactively suggest: "This approach isn't working. Options: (A) simplify this module, (B) cut it and focus elsewhere, (C) roll back to
/hackson-ideate for a new idea."
Prerequisites
Read the current competition's hackson-state.md (under competitions/<name>/) for:
- Idea spec (features, tech stack, demo vision)
- Competition deadline and tech requirements
- If phase isn't
building, tell user to run /hackson-ideate first.
All source code goes into competitions/<name>/src/. Deploy from there.
Phase 3a: Scaffold
- Project structure: Generate the full directory layout based on the idea spec's tech stack. Create all files.
- Deployment target: Pick the fastest path to a public URL:
- Static/SPA → Vercel
- Backend needed → Vercel Functions or Railway
- Smart contract → pick the required chain's tooling
- Module breakdown: List every feature as a module with priority:
Build Plan
Write this to the ## Build Progress section of the competition's hackson-state.md.
Ask user: "This is the build plan. Ready to start with Module 1?"
Phase 3b: Module-by-Module
For each module:
- Propose: "For [module], I'll do [approach]. This gives us [result]. OK?"
- User confirms (or redirects)
- Implement: Write the code. All of it. Not pseudocode, not outlines.
- Verify: Run it. Show the user it works (screenshot, test output, or curl).
- Update state: Check off the module in
hackson-state.md.
Repeat until all MUST HAVE modules are done.
Phase 3c: Live Demo
- Deploy to public URL
- Smoke test the core user journey end-to-end
- Report: "MVP is live at [URL]. Core flow: [describe what works]. Ready for
/hackson-ship?"
Update the competition's hackson-state.md with deploy URL. Set phase to shipping.
Interaction Style
- Start every response with what you're about to build (one line), then do it.
- After building, show evidence it works.
- If user asks for something during build, do it immediately — don't queue it.
- Use whatever language the user is speaking.