Vibe Coding in Action : Build An App with Ai
“Anyone studying computer science?”
On a brief glance around the room of 50 students and startups, there were barely a few hands up. The workshop’s greatest strength was that, despite its promise to open up the world of app creation, the majority of participants were not coders.
AI Belongs to Everyone: No Coding Degree Required
The notion that developing an app requires extensive technical knowledge has persisted for years. Software engineering students frequently predominate at major events, hackathons and demo days. That story was turned upside down by this Launch Pad’s hands-on workshop, which made participants aware that AI can make app development accessible to everyone
"The program was great, I would highly recommend this and hope future programs incorporate teamwork and creating stuff"
The facilitator Lailei Huang, AI Literacy founder of Western Sydney Tech Innovators – WSTI, set the tone with a statement that resonated long after, stating, “It is not about the car, it’s about you knowing how to drive the car. It’s not about the car, really. It’s about the driving skills.” By redefining AI as a tool that anybody wanting to study and experiment with can use, rather than just as a club to join, the quote did more than just open doors for non-programmers.
Vibe Coding: Building Apps in Plain English
Instead of mastering syntax, the session adopted a rapid-fire method called ‘vibe coding,’ which uses natural language to develop code and design. Lailei encouraged attendees to “win at least one app with AI,” referencing Andrej Karpathy’s widely shared ‘Vibe Coding’ tweet from earlier this year.
“The AI building app session was so informative and creative. The teacher was excellent and encouraging and tailored to a beginner audience making it simple to understand.”
Method Over Tools: The 4 Ps
The 4 P’s, Plan, Prompt, Perfect, Publish, were the real hidden ingredients of the technique. By rationally organising an idea, asking AI for features or code, improving the app and launching it. Anyone, regardless of experience level, can participate. Insinuating a fundamental truth about empowerment while evoking laughter from the audience.
In less than an hour, each group had the opportunity to design, prompt and prototype the workshop’s sample project, “HydrateMe,” an app that encourages users to drink more water. Teams from various backgrounds are learning how to interact with AI and direct it using concepts rather than just code.
When the App is Personal, The Learning Sticks
During the presentations, there were standout moments. A few groups showcased the effectiveness of personalisation by customising the HydrateMe app for each user. This increased user engagement. It reaffirmed that non-programmers contribute priceless viewpoints. Those who comprehend people rather than just machines create features that stick.
The Real Takeaway: Breaking the Barrier
So what’s the most important takeaway from AI Coding Workshop? For many, it was the revelation that, with the correct process, creating AI is completely possible. The first hurdle for adopting AI is far lower than most people think, regardless of whether you are planning your first side project or just want to create something useful. When asked, ‘did this session increase your interest in using AI to build an app?’ The enthusiasm in the room and the fact that the majority of people there were trying it for the first time gave that impression. The response was an enthusiastic yes!
Everyone’s in the driver’s seat
Software programmers aren’t the only ones creating apps in the future. AI has empowered creators, thinkers and innovators to transform their ideas into reality, regardless of their background and experience. It is not about the tools; it is about knowing how to drive. The message encapsulates. Now everyone is in control, whether they are programmers or not.
It is not about the tools; it is about knowing how to drive. That message encapsulates the workshop. Now everyone is in control, whether they are programmers or not.
"It was so interesting to learn about building an app also learned innovative ways to explore features.”
