No-code/low-code: Non-developers drive change within the software industry

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 12, 2022

Insight summary

The growing demand for software developers has led to the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, enabling people without technical skills to create digital applications. This trend is reshaping the software industry, allowing companies to streamline processes and employees to contribute creatively to digital solutions. These platforms are also fostering collaboration, empowering non-technical staff, and creating new job opportunities in the evolving digital landscape.

No-code/low-code context

The plethora of portals, applications, and digital management tools required for the modern digital economy has driven the demand for software developers to a breaking point. The result: an industry-wide deficit of skilled software developers and significant wage inflation therein. Forrester Research estimated that by 2024 there would be a deficit of 500,000 software developers in the United States. This scenario has spurred the development of low-code and no-code software development platforms that enable unskilled workers to build simple software programs for various business applications.

Harnessing the power of automation, the growing no-code/low-code software development paradigm seeks to apply the best pre-built applications to solve various commonplace business challenges. Its highly visual, drag-and-drop interface enables workers with little or no technical coding expertise to assemble software components into a custom digital application to address a specific business need. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations worldwide were forced to adapt to numerous lockdowns and restrictions. Their respective technical teams had to rapidly transition workforces into remote work environments. Likewise, these technical departments were also tasked with C-suite demands for increased automation of various work processes. The scale of this workload consequently expanded the adoption of no-code/low-code platforms to involve non-technical workers in the process of building low-priority digital solutions across organizations, thereby freeing experienced software professionals to focus on higher-priority projects.

Disruptive impact

As no-code and low-code platforms become more user-friendly, software developers might initially experience increased anxiety, fearing that their unique skills are becoming less essential. This concern stems from the belief that democratizing the ability to create applications could reduce the perceived value of their expertise in the labor market. However, this change could also lead to a more collaborative and diversified environment, where the role of developers evolves rather than diminishes.

For companies, the utilization of low-code platforms presents an opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and automate mundane tasks. This technology allows businesses to streamline processes, saving time and resources that can be redirected towards more strategic initiatives. Moreover, it empowers non-technical staff to contribute creatively to the development process, potentially leading to the generation of innovative product ideas and solutions. By enabling a broader range of employees to participate in software development, companies can harness a wider pool of talent and perspectives, leading to more dynamic and versatile business solutions.

For the software development profession, the growing popularity of low-code platforms can result in the evolution of their role. Skilled developers may find their tasks shifting towards more complex and high-value projects, as routine coding tasks are handled by these platforms. This shift could enhance the overall productivity of technical teams, allowing them to focus on tackling more challenging problems and engaging in innovative projects. Additionally, by reducing the reliance on specialized technical knowledge for basic development tasks, these platforms can help bridge the gap between technical and non-technical team members, fostering a more integrated and collaborative working environment.

Implications of no-code/low-code software development platforms

Wider implications of workers becoming empowered by no-code/low-code tools may include: 

• Companies equipping a broader segment of their workforce with digital skills, leading to a more versatile and capable pool of employees addressing digital challenges.
• Smaller businesses gaining the ability to create custom digital products swiftly, enabling them to compete more effectively in the market.
• A rise in entrepreneurship, marked by an increase in startups and new business registrations, as barriers to digital tool creation lower.
• Project management roles in technical fields expanding to include and leverage the skills of non-technical employees in digital projects.
• Enhanced job satisfaction and career development opportunities for non-technical employees, leading to improved employee retention and morale.
• A shift in educational focus towards integrating digital skills in curricula across various fields, preparing students for a digitally inclusive workforce.
• Increased demand for low-code and no-code platform developers and trainers, creating new job opportunities and career paths.
• Governments updating regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition and data security in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Consumers benefiting from a wider variety of digital products and services, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Questions to consider

• Given the business and workforce benefits of no-code and low-code platforms, do you think concerns of possible job losses among skilled software developers and coders are warranted?
• Do you think no-code and low-code platforms will spur entrepreneurial growth?