Demystifying Citizen Development: A Pragmatic Look at Low/No-Code Solutions

Low-code platforms are flipping the script on traditional development, empowering business professionals to build custom solutions without writing a single line of code. It's not just a trend; it's a seismic shift in how businesses are innovating and adapting. We’ve been watching this transformation unfold in real-time but what's driving this change? How can your team harness it? And what pitfalls should you watch out for?

Join us as we explore the world of citizen development - where your team's next game-changing solution could be just a few clicks away.

Understanding the Citizen Developer Phenomenon

Who are Citizen Developers?

Citizen developers are business professionals who create applications using low-code platforms, despite lacking traditional coding expertise. They're often subject matter experts in their fields, leveraging their domain knowledge to address specific business needs.

The Rise of Business-Led Development

As digital transformation accelerates, the demand for custom software solutions has outpaced traditional IT capacity. Low-code platforms have emerged as a potential solution, offering visual interfaces for app creation.

Low-Code Platforms: The Engine of Citizen Development 

These platforms provide drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, simplifying the app creation process. However, they also come with limitations in terms of customisation, scalability and security.

The Double-Edged Sword of Low-Code/No-Code

Market Trends & Adoption

Gartner projects significant growth in low-code adoption, predicting that 70% of new applications will use low-code or no-code technologies by 2025. However, this statistic should be viewed in context, as it includes a wide range of tools and use cases.

Real-World Application

In New Zealand, Unisys and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency used low-code tools to build a driver license theory testing system in under six months. While impressive, it's worth noting that such projects often require professional oversight and integration work.

Implementing Citizen Development: A Balanced Approach

Best Practices:

1. Establish clear governance structures
2. Provide training on both tools and development principles
3. Create collaboration channels between citizen and professional developers
4. Embrace 'fail fast' methodology by rapidly testing and iterating low-code solutions without lengthy approval processes

IT Governance is Crucial

Any citizen development initiative requires strong IT oversight to ensure security, compliance, and integration with existing systems. This often necessitates a hybrid approach, combining citizen-led innovation with professional development expertise.

In addition to the technical implementation, it is essential that a culture is created that empowers everyone to challenge existing ways of working and encourages individuals to champion a new solution to ensure successful adoption of any organisational change.

Challenges to Consider:

• Uncontrolled app proliferation leads to management headaches
• Scalability issues as applications grow in complexity or user base
• Difficulties in maintaining and updating citizen-developed apps over time
• Updating apps as new functionality is released and existing functionality is deprecated

The Professional Developer's Role 

Rather than replacing IT professionals, effective citizen development programs often enhance their role. Professional developers become crucial for complex projects, system integration, and providing guardrails for citizen-led initiatives.

The Future Landscape

Emerging Trends:

• AI augmentation in low-code platforms
• Increased focus on security and governance features
• Evolution of 'fusion teams' combining business and IT expertise

Impact on Skills & Roles

While low-code tools may become more prevalent, the need for professional IT skills remains critical. Organisations will likely seek a balance between empowering business users and maintaining robust, scalable IT infrastructure.

The Instillery's Perspective

At The Instillery, we recognise the potential of citizen development to address certain business needs rapidly. However, we also understand the complexities of enterprise-grade software development. Our role is to help organisations navigate this new landscape, ensuring they leverage the right tools and expertise for each unique challenge.

Conclusion

The rise of citizen developers and low-code platforms represents a significant shift in the software development landscape. While these tools offer potential benefits in terms of speed and business unit empowerment, they also present challenges that require careful consideration.

Key Takeaways:

• Citizen development can accelerate simple app creation but isn't a one-size-fits-all solution
• Low-code platforms have limitations and require proper governance
• A balanced approach, combining citizen and professional development, often yields the best results
• The role of IT professionals remains crucial for complex projects and overall system integrity

As New Zealand businesses navigate this evolving terrain, it's essential to approach citizen development strategically. The goal isn't to replace traditional IT, but to find the right balance that enhances overall organisational agility and innovation.

Ready to chart your course in this new landscape? Let's have a conversation about how to align your development approach with your business goals. Contact The Instillery today for a consultation tailored to your organisation's unique needs. Remember, in the world of software development, the right solution often lies not in choosing between citizen and professional development, but in leveraging the strengths of both. Let's work together to find that sweet spot for your business.