Vibe Coding:
From PRD to
Quick Prototypes

What Is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding is the practice of describing what you want in plain English and letting an AI tool build it for you — no programming knowledge required. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy in early 2025 and describes a fundamental shift: instead of learning to code or hiring a developer, you act as the director and the AI acts as the builder.

For non-technical stakeholders, this means you can turn a finalized PRD into a clickable, shareable prototype without writing a single line of code. That prototype is not a finished product. It is a communication tool — something concrete enough that stakeholders can react to it, validate it, or reject it — before any real engineering time is spent.

This workshop starts after your PRD is complete. Ideation and requirements gathering are already done. Your only job now is to translate your locked requirements into a visual, interactive prototype for concept validation.

Workshop Overview

Why Rapid Prototyping After a PRD?

Your PRD (Product Requirements Document) is the blueprint. A prototype is the physical model you show to stakeholders, users, or investors before building the real house.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Transform your completed PRD into a working throwaway prototype
• Choose the right AI-powered platform for your specific needs
• Communicate effectively with AI tools using natural language
• Use advanced prompting techniques for faster, better results
• Avoid common mistakes that slow down the prototyping process
• Gather meaningful stakeholder feedback on your concepts
• Make informed decisions about next steps (Kill, Iterate, or Validate)

What This Workshop Is NOT About

The "Throwaway" Mindset

Your goal is validation, not perfection. The prototype's only purpose is to find flaws. Celebrate broken assumptions — they just saved the project.

You Can Do This: A Note for Non-Technical Participants

Vibe coding was invented specifically for people like you.

The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, one of the world's leading AI researchers. His definition: "You fully trust AI and don't even read the code — you just follow the vibes."

What Non-Technical Actually Means Here

The Mindset Shift

⭐ 10 Principles of Vibe Coding

Before you touch any tool, internalize these principles. Vibe coding isn't a technical skill — it's a management style. The first five are core to the practice; the next five are practical wisdom for non-technical builders.

Tool Comparison Matrix

Feature Comparison Detail

✅ = Full support  |  ⚠️ = Partial/Limited  |  ❌ = Not available

⭐ Quick Decision Guide — Pick Your Tool in 60 Seconds

Pre-Production: Building Your "Vibe Assets"

Before you prompt, gather your "Component Library." This ensures your prototype doesn't look like a generic template.

Method 1: The Screenshot Strategy

Don't try to describe your brand in words. Take a screenshot of your current website or a site you admire.

"Analyze this screenshot. Match this visual design 
(spacing, shadows, font hierarchy) as closely as possible 
for the prototype I'm about to build."

Pro Tips: Capture the WHOLE page, not just a section. Include multiple screenshots for different styled sections. Use browser "Responsive Mode" (F12 → device icon) for mobile screenshots.

Method 2: Logo & Image Injection

Method 3: Brand Color Extraction

BRAND ASSETS FOR AI
===================
Primary Color: [#HexCode] 
Secondary Color: [#HexCode]
Background: Light gray or white
Font Style: Modern sans-serif (like the one on [example site])
Logo: [attached/linked]

Step-by-Step Tutorial: PRD to Prototype

Step 1.1: Identify the "Hero Flow"

Re-read your PRD. What is the one primary task the user accomplishes?

Template: "As a [user type], I can [action] and [see result]."

• "As a freelancer, I can upload a receipt and see its category."
• "As a team lead, I can post an event and see who's registered."
• "As an editor, I can submit an article and see it in the approval queue."

Step 1.2: Map the 3–5 Key Screens

HERO FLOW SCREENS
=================
1. Entry Point (e.g., Login/Dashboard)
2. Main Action Screen (e.g., Upload Receipt) ← THE HEART
3. Result Screen (e.g., Categorized Receipt)
4. (Optional) Confirmation/Next Step
5. (Optional) Secondary flow

Step 1.3: Convert PRD to AI-Ready Prompt

The Master Prompt Template

Build me a [type of app] for [target user].

The main purpose is to [problem it solves].

It should have these pages/screens:
1. [Screen 1]: [What it shows and what the user does here]
2. [Screen 2]: [What it shows and what the user does here]
3. [Screen 3]: [What it shows and what the user does here]

The user flow is:
- User starts at [Screen 1]
- They [action], which takes them to [Screen 2]
- They [action], which takes them to [Screen 3]

Design style: [clean/modern/minimal/corporate/playful]. Use [color preference if any].

This is a quick prototype for concept validation, not a production app. 
Use placeholder/sample data.

📝 Master Prompt Example (Filled In)

Build me a web app for field sales representatives.

The main purpose is to help them quickly find customer information 
and log visits while on the road.

It should have these pages/screens:
1. Dashboard: Shows today's scheduled visits, a search bar, and recent activity
2. Customer Profile: Shows customer name, contact info, purchase history 
   (use sample data), and a "Log Visit" button
3. Visit Log Form: A simple form with fields for date, notes, and 
   follow-up needed (yes/no)

The user flow is:
- User starts at the Dashboard
- They search for a customer → taken to the Customer Profile
- They click "Log Visit" → opens the Visit Log Form
- They submit the form and return to the Dashboard

Design style: Clean and modern with a blue and white color scheme.
This is a quick prototype for concept validation. Use placeholder data.

Step 1.4: Create Your Prototype Brief

PROTOTYPE BRIEF TEMPLATE
========================

PROJECT NAME: [Name]

ONE-SENTENCE DESCRIPTION:
[What does this app do, in one sentence?]

PRIMARY USER:
[Who is the main person using this?]

THE HERO FLOW:
"As a [user], I can [action] and [result]."

TOP 3 FEATURES TO SHOW:
1. [Feature 1]
2. [Feature 2]  
3. [Feature 3]

KEY SCREENS NEEDED:
- Screen 1: [Name] - [What's on it]
- Screen 2: [Name] - [What's on it]
- Screen 3: [Name] - [What's on it]

LOOK AND FEEL:
[Professional? Playful? Minimalist? Colorful?]
[Reference site, if any]

WHAT TO EXCLUDE (for now):
[Features to deliberately leave out of this prototype]

Step 2.1: Create Account & Find the AI Feature

1. Create a free account on your chosen platform
2. Crucial Step: Find the AI feature and introduce yourself
   • In Lovable: Look for "Generate with AI" button
   • In Bolt: Open the AI Assistant panel
   • In Replit: Open the Ghostwriter chat

Step 2.2: Give the AI Context (The "PRD Dump")

I'm building a prototype for [product name].

Here's the context from my PRD:
[Paste your Prototype Brief from Step 1.3]

Read this and summarize the user flow back to me. 
DO NOT BUILD YET. Just confirm you understand.

Step 3.1: Build the Main Action Screen First

Now build the prototype. Start with the main action screen.

Create a [screen name] where [user] can [action].
Include:
- [Element 1]
- [Element 2]
- [Element 3]

Use a clean, [style] design.
This is a throwaway prototype for stakeholder feedback, not production.

Step 3.2: Review First Output — The 30-Second Scan

• Does it have the screens/pages I asked for?
• Can I click through the basic user flow?
• Does it generally look like what I described?
• Note what's wrong or missing — you'll fix it next

Don't judge the output yet. Just observe what was built. The next step is where you fix things.

Step 3.3: Lock in the Baseline

Once you have something that basically works, save/checkpoint this version — your safety net.

Good Prompts vs. Bad Prompts

Refinement Prompt Examples

Step 4.5: Remove AI Bloat

AI tools often add features you didn't ask for. Audit your prototype: Are there buttons that don't need to exist? Extra navigation? Features that complicate the core flow?

"Remove the [extra feature]. I only want to show the core flow."

Step 4.6: Add Just Enough Realism

• Use placeholder data — but make it realistic (fake names, real-looking dates)
• Use real-looking images — Unsplash photos, not clip art
• Simple interactivity — show/hide elements, change text on click
• For non-working features, label them clearly: "Coming Soon", "[Mock Button - Not Functional]"

Step 4.7: Check Mobile View 📱

This is the step most people skip — don't! AI tools default to desktop view. But stakeholders often view prototypes on phones.

Make this mobile-responsive. On mobile:
- Stack the sidebar content below the main content
- Make buttons full-width and at least 44px tall for easy tapping
- Ensure text is readable without zooming

Step 5.1: Final Review Checklist

• No Hallucinated Text — No "Lorem ipsum" in visible areas
• The Logo Check — Is the company logo crisp and real (not AI-generated)?
• Happy Path Works — Does the primary button lead to the next screen?
• The White Space Test — Does it feel professional, or cramped?
• 3 Core Journeys Tested — Did you click through the main user paths?
• Mobile View Checked — Does it look okay on smaller screens?
• Fork History — Do you have at least 2–3 saved versions?
• No Real Data — All sample data is fake/placeholder

Step 5.3: Prepare Feedback Instructions

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK REQUEST
════════════════════════════

Hi [Name],

I've created a rapid prototype of [PROJECT NAME] and would love your feedback.

👉 View it here: [LINK]

⚠️ IMPORTANT CONTEXT:
- This is a concept prototype, not a finished product
- Focus on the IDEA and FLOW, not visual details
- Some buttons may not work — that's expected
- Ignore colors, fonts, and polish — we're testing the concept

🎯 PLEASE TELL ME:
1. Did you understand the core value within 10 seconds?
2. Were you able to complete the main flow?
3. Where did you hesitate or feel confused?
4. What did you expect to see that wasn't there?
5. Does this feel like it solves the problem from our PRD?

⭐ The Gold Standard Prompt Library

These are battle-tested prompts that consistently produce great results.

Build a prototype that matches this attached screenshot exactly. 
Mirror the whitespace, the border-radius, and the typography hierarchy. 
For the data, use mock data that fits my PRD requirements.

I am going to provide a complex PRD. Before you write any code, 
I want you to act as a Senior Technical Architect. 

List:
1. The main data types we're dealing with
2. Potential edge cases (e.g., what happens if user has no data?)
3. The navigation structure

Then ask me 3 clarifying questions before you start building.

Let's build this in layers:
- Layer 1: Just the Header and Sidebar navigation
- Layer 2: The main dashboard layout with empty cards
- Layer 3: Populate the cards with mock data

Confirm after each layer is done before moving to the next.

You've built the UI, but it's static. Add mock JavaScript logic so that:
- When I click 'Submit', a loading spinner appears for 2 seconds
- Then it shows a success message
- The form fields clear

No backend needed — just visual feedback.

The app is currently showing [describe problem].
I don't want to see the code. Please:
1. Analyze what changed between the last working version and now
2. Identify the likely cause
3. Provide a fix that prioritizes app stability

Don't show me the code changes — just fix it and confirm.

STOP. Listen carefully:
- Change ONLY [specific element]
- Do NOT touch the header, navigation, or footer
- Do NOT modify any other screen
- Keep all existing styling exactly the same

Only make this one change: [describe change]

Here is my current prototype. It works. 
[Paste current state description or export]

Now, starting fresh, I want to add [Feature X].
Do not change anything that's currently working.
Only add the new feature.

Generate 8 realistic sample items for my [product type].
Each item should have:
- [Field 1]
- [Field 2]
- [Field 3]

Make them diverse and realistic — no "Test Item 1" naming.
Use names, dates, and values that feel real.

You're doing an outstanding job, and I appreciate the attention and 
skill you bring to each task. I have confidence in your abilities, 
and I trust you to approach this with precision. 

Take your time, explore thoroughly, and demonstrate your brilliance 
through a comprehensive and thoughtful response. You've got this!

Now, please [your actual request here].

Always make things responsive on all breakpoints, with a focus on mobile first.
Use modern UI/UX best practices for determining how breakpoints should change the components.
Optimize for touch interactions — buttons should be at least 44px tall.
Test mentally at 375px width (iPhone size) before confirming.

I have two different directions for [feature name] and I want to test both 
in this prototype without committing to one.

Direction A: [Describe your first idea — e.g., a modal dialog flow]
Direction B: [Describe your second idea — e.g., an inline expanding panel]

Please build both versions into the prototype. 
Add a clearly visible toggle switch in the top navigation bar labeled 
"Direction A / Direction B" that switches between the two flows on the same screen.

Make sure:
- Both directions are fully functional as prototypes
- The toggle is always visible so stakeholders can switch at will
- The rest of the app (other screens, navigation) stays the same
- Label each direction clearly in the UI so reviewers know which they're seeing

This lets me test both concepts with the same stakeholder in a single session 
without building two separate prototypes.

Best Practices Guide

📓 Keep a Prompt Journal

One of the most valuable habits for improving your vibe coding skills. Record date & platform, the prompt used, what worked, what didn't, and the refined version.

## Session: [Date] - [Project Name]
Platform: [Lovable/Bolt/Replit/v0]
Goal: [What I was trying to build]

### Prompts That Worked Well:
- [Copy exact prompt here]

### Prompts That Needed Fixing:
- Original: [what I said]
- Problem: [what went wrong]
- Fixed: [what worked better]

### Lessons Learned:
- [Key insight for next time]

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Troubleshooting Decision Tree

Refactor the layout to be mobile-responsive.
Ensure the sidebar collapses into a hamburger menu on mobile.
Make all buttons large enough to tap easily on a phone.
Test at 375px width (iPhone size).

You've built the UI, but it's static. 
Add mock logic so that when I click 'Submit':
1. A loading spinner appears for 2 seconds
2. Then shows a success message
3. The form resets
No real backend needed.

Connect these screens with navigation:
- "Details" button on each card → navigates to Detail Screen
- "Back" button on Detail Screen → returns to List Screen
- Logo click → always returns to Home

STOP. This is a throwaway prototype.
I need the simplest possible version.
No real APIs. No complex logic. No authentication.
Just visual mockups with fake data.
Simplify your approach.

Please review the current prototype and give me a status:
1. What screens exist and work?
2. What navigation is connected?
3. What's currently broken?
4. What features are incomplete?
Bullet point format, please.

The Panic Protocol: When Everything Goes Wrong

Sometimes things just... break. The AI isn't responding well. Features stopped working. You're frustrated. Here's what to do.

Step 4: Try the Nuclear Options

The Panic Protocol Mantra: "This is a throwaway prototype. Nothing I do here is precious. I can always start over. The worst case is I learn what doesn't work."

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

During Building

Technical Questions

After Building

Post-Prototype Decision Framework

After gathering stakeholder feedback, make one of three decisions:

Glossary

Resources & Further Learning

Official Documentation

Recommended Reading

Free Assets

Practice Projects

After this workshop, try building:

1. A simple landing page for a fictional product
2. A dashboard with 3–4 key metrics
3. A multi-step form wizard
4. A simple task management board
5. A portfolio website

Workshop Completion Checklist