Vibe coding: The most relevant skill in this AI age

Since the dot com boom, parents and students have seen programming skills as the golden ticket to a bright future. However, recently a number of top tech entrepreneurs like Jensen Huang and Chamath Palihapitiya, have been telling young people that programming alone isn't enough anymore. As AI (artificial intelligence) becomes the new workforce, simply knowing how to write Python or JavaScript won't set you apart. The world is shifting, and one of the emerging skills that will matter most is something called vibe coding.

Unlike traditional coding, vibe coding isn't about writing loops or debugging functions. It is about understanding human behaviour, energy, and cultural shifts to create experiences that feel right. In an era where AI can churn out software faster than any human, what truly makes a difference is how that technology connects with people.

Think about the last time you scrolled through an app and felt instantly hooked. The colour scheme, the way the buttons moved, the sounds, all of that was meticulously designed to create an emotional response. That's vibe coding. It is about understanding design, storytelling, social psychology, and human connection and blending them to craft digital experiences that resonate.

Most young people entering computer science degrees today assume they'll land a six-figure job at a tech company. But here's the reality: AI agents are already writing code at levels that rival human engineers. Microsoft's GitHub Copilot, OpenAI's Codex, and other AI-driven tools are replacing junior developers in major companies.

If AI can build software, then companies will need fewer programmers. Instead, they will need creators, designers, strategists, and people who can think beyond code. This is where vibe coding comes in. It is about making sure the technology actually serves a purpose beyond just existing.

Recently many HSC and A level students are going after CSE programmes without understanding the scope and disruption of AI. Farhan Khalid, a 24-year-old recent computer science graduate from a private university in Dhaka, has spent years mastering C++, Python and JavaScript. He dreamed of landing a high-paying job at a big tech company, but the job market has changed. AI tools are rapidly taking over entry-level coding jobs, and companies are hiring fewer programmers. Farhan realises that just knowing how to code isn't enough anymore. He begins exploring vibe coding, shifting his focus to UX/UI design to craft more intuitive interfaces. He now studies digital storytelling to create compelling user journeys and learns brand psychology to make products feel more engaging. By expanding beyond traditional coding, Farhan is positioning himself as someone who doesn't just build software but enhances how people experience technology.

If you want to get into vibe coding, these tools and skills are essential: Figma and Adobe XD help design intuitive and visually striking user interfaces. Canva and MidJourney allow you to create compelling graphics and aesthetics for digital branding. Notion and Miro are useful for organising ideas and mapping out human-centric design workflows. TouchDesigner and Unity enable the creation of immersive digital experiences beyond flat screens. ChatGPT and Runway ML can be used as creative partners rather than just coding assistants. Lastly, mastering copywriting and storytelling is crucial for shaping narratives that make technology feel alive.

For those looking to get started, there are several excellent courses available that teach the core aspects of vibe coding. Vibe Coding 101 with Replit by DeepLearning. AI introduces learners to creating interactive and emotionally engaging digital experiences. Vibe Coding with ChatGPT and Python on Udemy focuses on integrating AI-driven creativity with programming. Interaction Design by Coursera from University of California, San Diego covers user experience fundamentals. The Psychology of UX on Udemy delves into how human psychology influences design decisions. Creative Storytelling by MasterClass, taught by Neil Gaiman, enhances narrative-building skills for digital experiences. No-Code AI & Automation by Makerpad explores automation tools for creating seamless workflows. Designing Emotionally Engaging Interfaces by FutureLearn teaches how to make technology feel more human and intuitive.

If you're a student or a parent, understand this, learning to code is still useful, but it's not the golden ticket it used to be. The next wave of valuable skills will be in areas that make technology feel human, not just functional. AI can write code, but it still struggles to understand what makes an experience truly magnetic.

Vibe coding is what will separate the creators from the replaceable. It is about crafting the world around you, not just writing lines of logic. And for young people today, that might just be the most important skill of all.

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