Build Apps with AI: Vibe Coding for Non-Developers

Summary

Ever wanted to build your own app but thought coding wasn't for you? With AI assistants like Claude and Gemini, you can now bring your ideas to life—even without a software engineering background. This hands-on program teaches you just enough about how software works, then shows you how to use AI to do the heavy lifting while you stay in control.

By the end, you'll have built and published real, working apps that you can share with the world.

Why Join This Program?

No coding experience required: We start from scratch and build up your understanding step by step.
Build real apps: Not just exercises—actual working applications you can show off and use.
Understand the fundamentals: Learn how databases, servers, and front-ends work so you can direct AI effectively.
Avoid common pitfalls: Know when AI gets it wrong and how to spot issues before they become problems.
Publish your work: Deploy your apps to the web so anyone can access them.

What You'll Learn

Software building blocks: what front-end, back-end, and databases actually do
Navigating VS Code and the developer environment
Working with AI coding assistants (Claude, Gemini)
HTML, CSS, and basic web structure
Introduction to Python and server-side logic
Storing and retrieving data with databases
Version control with GitHub
Deploying apps to Vercel
Spotting AI hallucinations and code that doesn't look right
Security basics: keeping your API keys and data safe

Program Format

Format In-Person in Makati City

Duration 5 × half-day sessions

2026 Program Dates

Audience People without coding experience

Requirements Laptop

Inclusions Setup guide, code templates, AI prompt library, GitHub account setup, AI subscription, hosting

Pre-work Optional setup session before Day 1

Outcome 3 published apps/websites + AI App Builder Certificate

What You'll Build

App 1: Personal Website

Build a professional portfolio or landing page from scratch using HTML and CSS. Learn how web pages are structured and styled, then publish it live for anyone to see.

HTML structure and semantic elements
CSS styling and responsive design basics
Deploying to Vercel

App 2: Data-Driven Dashboard

Create an app that stores and displays data—like a personal tracker, inventory system, or simple CRM. Understand how databases work and connect to your front-end.

Introduction to databases
Python basics and server-side logic
Connecting front-end to back-end

App 3: Your Own Idea

Put everything together and build an app based on your own idea. You'll pitch your concept, build it with AI assistance, and present the finished product.

Scoping a realistic project
Full-stack development with AI
Final presentation and demo

Session Breakdown

Day 1: Foundations

How software works: front-end, back-end, databases
Setting up VS Code and your environment
Introduction to AI coding assistants
Your first prompts: generating HTML

Day 2: Building the Front-End

HTML deep dive: structure and elements
CSS: making things look good
Working with AI to style pages
Build & deploy App 1 (Personal Website)

Day 3: Back-End Basics

Introduction to Python
How servers work
What is an API?
Spotting AI mistakes and hallucinations

Day 4: Data & Databases

Introduction to databases
Storing and retrieving data
Security basics: API keys and secrets
Build & deploy App 2 (Dashboard)

Day 5: Build Your Own

Pitch your app idea
Scoping and planning with AI
Build time with facilitator support
Final presentations and demos

Optional: Setup Session

Held before Day 1 (1 hour)
Install VS Code
Create GitHub account
Set up AI assistant access

What You Get

Hands-On Training

5 × half-day live sessions
Small group sizes for personalized attention
Real-time coding with facilitator guidance
Build 2-3 working apps

Resources & Tools

Step-by-step setup guide
Code templates and starter files
AI prompt library for common tasks
Troubleshooting cheat sheet

Deployment & Certificate

GitHub account setup
Free hosting on Vercel
Your apps live on the web
AI App Builder Certificate

Program Essentials

Who Is It For

Anyone curious about building apps
Business professionals who want to prototype ideas
Marketers, analysts, designers exploring tech
Entrepreneurs wanting to build MVPs
No prior coding experience required

What You Need

A laptop (Windows or Mac)
Stable internet connection
Willingness to experiment and make mistakes
Access to Claude or Gemini (we'll help you set up)

Learning Modes

Public cohorts (open enrollment)
Private sessions for teams
Virtual or in-person delivery
Optional follow-up coaching available

Meet Your Facilitator

Phil Smithson

Chief Collaboration Officer, On-Off Group

Phil brings a rare combination of software engineering expertise and world-class facilitation skills to this program. He graduated with First Class Honours in Software Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and spent his early career at digital agencies building websites, web applications, and custom software solutions for clients across multiple industries.

That technical foundation now powers his work as a Human-Centered Design facilitator at The World Bank Group, where he leads workshops across Africa and Asia—including Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. His client roster includes Nestlé, AIA, Security Bank, Meralco, Cebu Pacific, and JP Morgan.

Phil is known for his inclusive facilitation style—ensuring every voice is heard, whether he's mentoring military hospital leaders on strategic planning or teaching complete beginners how to build their first app. He speaks English, Filipino (Tagalog), and French, and has a knack for making technical concepts accessible to non-technical audiences.

In this program, Phil combines his engineering background with years of teaching experience to guide you through the fundamentals of software development—and show you how AI tools can amplify what you're capable of building.

Testimonials from Across Our Programs

Hear how professionals and teams have benefited from On-Off Group's training programs.

"The workshop made me see how important it is to look at challenges from a different perspective. Not blocking off any ideas at the start will help me as a Project Lead in guiding our stakeholders through the different requirements of our projects."

Vincent Bajamundi

Project Management Lead,

Tenet Global Health

"This is one of the best training I had at least for the last 3 years. The online setup is perfect for this type of training. The trainer is very accommodating, he has a well-modulated voice and tone. The training gave a very fresh perspective and not info overload."

Benjamin

Business Analyst,

Indra

"I learned how important it is to have both empathy and an agile mindset to better our design process. This will really help in giving more user-centric features in our product."

Dylan Lopez

Chief Innovation Officer,

LaunchGarage

AI-Powered App Building for Non-Developers