Archie FAQ

Frequently ASKed Questions

Archie FAQs

What is Archie?

Archie by 8base is innovative AI software that transforms your application ideas into comprehensive project plans. It generates detailed requirements, implementation strategies, and potential design outlines based on the information you type into the prompt.

How does Archie work?

In the prompt box, type in a detailed description of the idea, application, or service you want to build. You can also include any specific features, functionalities, and design preferences. Archie then processes this information and generates a Digital Blueprint that matches the described specifications.

Who else can see my project? Who can see what I type into Archie prompts?

The content that you type into Archie is not shared with anyone without your consent. Only you and people you invite to collaborate in Archie can see your project’s information. For more information, see Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Who can use Archie?

Archie is designed for use by people working to bring a software concept to life, whether technical or non-technical. This includes people sponsoring the project, such as founders, business leaders, heads of innovation and others; Archie also helps software professionals assisting sponsors with their creations, such as software development firms, solution architects, product managers, and designers). In short, Archie was designed to help almost anyone aspiring to bring a digital concept to life

What kind of prompts can I use?

Inputs can range from basic concepts like "a task management app for small businesses" to detailed descriptions including preferred programming languages, user interface ideas, and specific functionalities.

The clearer and more detailed your input, the more comprehensive the resulting plan.

How many Projects can I have?

There is no limit to how many Projects you can work on in Archie.

Is Archie a replacement for software development teams?

No, Archie is intended to assist in the planning phase of software development. It helps in organizing ideas and establishing a clear roadmap. But it does not replace the critical thinking and expertise of a professional development team.

Can I modify the plans created by Archie?

Absolutely! Most sections in the Digital Blueprint, Requirements, and Implementation plan can be modified by you or Archie. You are free to refine and adapt these plans to suit your specific needs or evolving ideas.

How detailed are the plans created by Archie?

The detail level of the plans depends on the specificity of your input. Archie aims to provide comprehensive roadmaps that include all essential aspects of software development, from initial design to final implementation stages.

Is there a limit to the complexity of my project?

Archie is equipped to handle a wide variety of projects, from simple applications to complex systems. However, highly specialized or niche projects may require more detailed inputs and subsequent manual refinement.

How do I access Archie?

Archie can be accessed in a web browser here. You will need to register for an account to start transforming your ideas into project plans.

Is there a cost to use Archie?

Archie is free for anyone to try and receive a Digital Blueprint, which offers a high-level breakdown of how an idea can be built into a software solution. For the more detailed modules, such as Requirements and Implementation. Pricing and plan details are available here.

Can more than one person work on an Project?

Yes, you can invite people to work with you in Archie by clicking Share at the top of the screen. Type in the collaborator’s email, and they will receive an invitation to work with your Idea. They will only be able to access the Project you shared with them, not other Projects you are working on.

Inviting someone gives them all of the edits rights that the original creator has.

What is the difference between the Digital Blueprint and the Project Navigator?

Your Blueprint is generated whenever you type a new idea into the prompt and click the Send button. It is your one-stop shop for anyone who wants to know the core elements of your project. It is also where your idea is refined. Because it is concise and visual, the Blueprint is a great reporting tool. Your Blueprint can be modified, until you upgrade your Idea to have a Requirements module.

Once you pay for the Requirements module, the information from your Digital Blueprint will be imported into the Requirements module. You can review and update the Requirements as needed. After the import, your Blueprint is converted to an archived document. It can be viewed at any time. Archiving a Blueprint is permanent and cannot be reversed.

The Project Navigator is a navigation tool that contains snapshots of information about your Project. It may also contain information that is not in the Blueprint. For example, if you have paid for the Requirements and Implementation modules, snapshots of those sections can be found in the Project Navigator. You cannot edit your Project in the Project Navigator.

What information is in my Digital Blueprint?

Problem to be Solved
Solution: Includes option to improve solution with AI enablement ideas.
Application Classification
Commercialization Model
User Types
Modules
Building Blocks
Design Principles
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For detailed information about these sections, see Digital Blueprint Overview.

Why should I upgrade my Project to have a Requirements module?

The Requirements module expands your Blueprint into a fully functional specification of your concept, for use by software development teams to price your project and actually build your software. Archie also uses it in the Implementation and Build Modules to design your architecture, screens, etc., and to generate parts of your application. In short, Archie’s Requirements modules helps you create these documents about 50 times faster and less expensive than traditional methods and, the output will be more thorough than what alternative methods afford.

For detailed information about these sections, see Developing Your Requirements.

Why should I upgrade my Project to have an Implementation module?

Your Implementation plan contains the technical information needed to actually build your application:

Architecture
- Enabling Technologies
- Integrations
- Infrastructure Diagrams
Infrastructure Diagrams
Features Breakdown: Includes functionality, technical requirements, and user interface requirements
Data Model: Includes entity-relationship diagram and list of data tables
Application Logic: Includes functions
User Interfaces: Includes inputs, outputs, and navigation

Archie enables you to create these plans in minutes, as opposed to traditional methods that require months of effort from highly specialized and expensive personnel.

For detailed information about these sections, see Planning Your Implementation.

What is the difference between “Chat with your Project” and “Archie Assistant”?

Both Archie AI Companion (Chat with your Project) and Archie Assistant are AI chatbots that are designed to help you.

Archie AI Companion cannot modify your project, requirements, or implementation plan. It is designed to help you iterate and improve on your original idea. This is great for when you want to disrupt your idea by asking questions, but do not want to alter your plan yet.
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Archie Assistant appears in areas of your plan that can be modified. It appears as a blue button on the right-side of the screen. For example, if you are on the Modules page, you can click the Archie Assistant button, and type in “For the user onboarding module, we need to have a detailed walkthrough showing how to use the app.” Archie Assistant will then update the modules to support that new information. You can choose to Save or Undo Archie’s suggested changes.

What’s the Story Behind Archie?

Archie was invented by the team at 8base, which has decades of experience designing and building complex software applications for their own ventures and for clients. Their belief is that the software development process is fundamentally broken. Since 8base’s inception, the team’s mission has been to make software development accessible to anyone, unlocking tech-driven innovation for anyone with the will, but perhaps not the funding, to do so.

The company’s focus has been to create tools and a platform that make the software development process more efficient. Once AI capabilities became mainstream, 8base saw an enormous opportunity to rethink and expand its approach, beginning at the concept stage all the way through to a finished software product. To this end, Archie was born, allowing anyone to express a simple prompt, expand it to a fully described specification and plans enabled with AI, and then an AI-driven software development process — all happening far faster, better, and more economically than ever before.
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