Digital Product Development and Prototyping

The success of a digital product no longer depends on the idea itself, but on the ability to test and refine it based on real user input. This course provides practical tools to turn a business idea into a functional and validated prototype using artificial intelligence and modern design approaches. Participants develop the ability to lead digital product development by making decisions grounded in user needs rather than assumptions.

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Practical info

Course Date

15.09.2026 - 08.12.2026

Capacity

6 ECTS (164 academic hours, of which 32 in classroom and 132 individual work)

Lecturers

Marko Rillo, Kei Olbrei

Language

English

Method

In class

Location

EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn

Price

€880

Ability to turn ideas into testable digital products

The course develops the capability to move from an idea to a working prototype in a structured and resource-efficient way. Participants learn to connect user needs, visual design, and technical execution into a coherent development process.

The focus is on practical application and iterative development – solutions are continuously tested, analysed, and improved. The course provides a clear understanding of how to evaluate a digital product’s usability, technical feasibility, and business value before making larger investments.

The course is delivered together with EBS bachelor’s students and supports participants who want to strengthen their practical digital product development skills, whether to advance in their current role or to develop and test new business ideas.

Who is Digital Product Development and Prototyping intended for?

• Specialists and practitioners involved in developing or commissioning digital solutions
• Entrepreneurs and aspiring founders who want to validate business ideas
• EBS entrepreneurship students
• No prior programming skills required, but an interest in digital product development is expected

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The course is expected to take place from September to December 2026. Sessions are held approximately every two weeks on weekday afternoons, with a final full-day session (8 academic hours) at the end of the course.

Lectures will not be recorded.

Topics Covered

Why it matters?
A solution must be functional and testable, not just visual.

What will happen?
Creating user flows and shaping the visual and conceptual design.

Participants move from an initial idea to a structured product concept. The session focuses on user-centred thinking, defining requirements, and building the first visual prototype (wireframe).
Participants will use Figma to create user flows, wireframes, visual designs, and interactive visual prototypes.

Why it matters?
Ideas create value only when they are testable and functionally implemented.

What will happen?
Transforming designs into functional prototypes using AI and no-code tools.

Participants develop interactive prototypes by adding functionality to their designs. The focus is on rapid prototyping, using AI (“vibe coding”), and turning concepts into working digital solutions.
The visual prototype will be developed into a functional digital product prototype using low-code, no-code and AI-assisted vibe coding tools, with Lovable planned as the main tool.

Why it matters?
Product value is validated through user feedback, iteration, and clear communication.

What will happen?
Presenting prototypes, live demos, and receiving structured feedback.

Participants test and present their solutions, demonstrating usability, business value, and technical feasibility. The session concludes with feedback and reflection on further development and scalability.

Entry requirements

High School Education or equivalent qualification.
Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship/valid living permit

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student:

1. Validates User Problems: Conducts professional user interviews and synthesizes findings into empathy maps and functional requirement documents.

2. Masters Rapid Prototyping: Selects and utilizes appropriate tools (Paper → Visual → Digital) to build increasingly complex versions of a digital product.

3. Applies "Vibe Coding" & AI: Leverages generative AI tools to build functional software prototypes without deep coding knowledge.

4. Executes Iterative Testing: Documents and analyses user behaviour through video evidence to drive product pivots and improvements.

5. Pitches with Data: Presents a final functional prototype alongside a strategic "Go-To-Market" plan and a reflection on the development process.

Requirements for completing the course

Successful completion of the course and obtaining the certificate require active participation in the learning process, consistent contribution to the development work, and submission of all required assignments.

Independent work is mainly project-based and includes teamwork, user research, developing a visual prototype, building a functional prototype, and preparing the final live demo and presentation.

Assesment criteria

Assessment is based on participation in the development process, the quality of the prototype, and the final presentation.

Participants are evaluated based on their video diaries, the functionality and usability of the prototype, the use of AI tools, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the final demo.

Certificates awarded

Participants who complete the course will receive a continuing education certificate with ECTS credits.

Learning Environment

The course takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, or Canvas Conference. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Course Instructors

Marko Rillo

Head of MBA programme

Marko Rillo (PhD) is the Head of the MBA Programme and an IT and consultancy entrepreneur. He has advised companies, the European Commission, the EBRD, and the UN on business model renewal, innovative initiatives, and strategic development.
Marko earned his PhD in Management from the University of St. Gallen, focusing on how managers balance innovation and efficiency (Organizational Ambidexterity). He is also known for researching workplace playfulness and advancing the LEGO Serious Play methodology. He holds a master’s in economics from TalTech, a bachelor’s in business from EBS, and has studied strategy and innovation at INSEAD, IESE, and other renowned institutions. He teaches innovation, strategy, and change management and leads Helge Kool, a social initiative promoting happier school days for students.

Kei Olbrei

Guest lecturer

Kei Olbrei is an entrepreneur and digital product development practitioner, and the founder of the startup GoWorkaBit. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tartu and has extensive experience in product development. In recent years, he has focused on AI-based development and vibe coding, independently building various digital solutions and prototypes. In his teaching, he emphasizes practical application, helping participants develop the ability to turn ideas into functional solutions quickly.

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Lecturers

Marko Rillo, Kei Olbrei

Method

Students meet with the instructor in class at regularly scheduled times.

Payment options

Payment by invoice or bank link
Would you like to split the invoice? Part can be issued to a company and the rest to an individual.