Progressive Scaffolding Framework: mental models for non-developers before vibe coding¶
Insight: Before using AI code generation, non-developers need mental models of software structure through five layers: UI Building Blocks, Vibe Units, Flows, Page Scaffolds, and App Scaffolds. Without understanding what LLMs abstract away and how interface, logic, data, and integration layers connect, building with AI becomes "ungrounded prompting rather than craftsmanship." Access alone doesn't equal understanding.
Detail: The Progressive Scaffolding Framework (PSF) is part of a "Vibe Coding Prompt Kit." Cognition (makers of Devin/Windsurf) described the drift as "a blanket endorsement of ploughing through any and all AI-generated code slop." Seyoum argues the first phase of the learning journey should be foundational literacies, not jumping into CodeGen platforms.