Vibekoding: A super power for innovators
As a business designer, I've spent 25+ years helping companies innovate. I've facilitated countless workshops and sprints, and unfortunately seen too many good ideas die in queues because we lack the resources to test them. But now I've discovered something that changes everything: vibe coding.
What is vibe coding?
Vibe coding is the art of building functional digital products based on intuition, creativity, and low-threshold technology. It's not about writing perfect code, but about capturing a mood, an experience, a "vibe" – and making it reality.
My first experiment: Lili Bellini Adventure Builder
Lili Bellini is my project where I create coloring books for children (of all ages! 😉). While working on the books, I had an idea: What if users could create their own personalized coloring book?
This wouldn't just provide a unique experience, but also allow me to add new illustrations continuously without having to produce entirely new books. As a bonus, I'd get tons of valuable insight into what users actually like and want.
Since I had neither the budget nor the desire to wait months for developer help, I decided to do it myself with Databutton. In just a few days, I built Lili Bellini Adventure Builder – an interactive app where children can create their own Italy adventures and personalized coloring books.
The result? A working prototype that not only captures the essence of my brand and engages my target audience, but also gives me continuous learning about what really resonates with my users.
Here is the link if you want to take a look : https://lilibellini.databutton.app/lili-bellini-adventure-builder
(And if you want to download and color, use the code CONAFFETTO 💕)
Why vibe coding is perfect for innovators
Rapid validation: From idea to testable prototype in hours
Low threshold: Minimal technical expertise required
High learning: Quick feedback from real users
Creative freedom: Focus on experience, not technical limitations
But here's the important part: Technology is just the tool
Creating a product is easy. Creating a product people want, use, and pay for? That's still difficult.
This is where my experience from business design becomes crucial:
🎯 User insight: Who are you really for?
💡 Value proposition: What problem are you actually solving?
🔄 Iteration: How do you learn quickly from mistakes?
📈 Business model: How do you create sustainable value?
Vibe Coding + Business Design = From ideas to reality!
When we combine the technical accessibility of vibe coding with solid business understanding, we get something magical: the ability to test, learn, and iterate at a pace that matches the speed of ideas.
My advice to other innovators:
Start with the problem, not the technology
Build to learn, not to impress
Test early, test often
Remember that the product is just the beginning – the business is the goal
Want to explore vibe coding yourself? After working with innovation for over two decades, I can say that vibe coding is the closest we get to democratizing product development. But remember – the tool is only as good as the strategy behind it.
Want to learn more about how you can combine vibe coding with solid business development? Let's talk.