According to a recent CIO article, one of the most influential analysts in the software industry projected that the low-code development market will reach a stunning $21.2 billion by 2022 with a compound annual growth rate of 40%. The big question is: are the analysts wrong?
Breakdown of low code development slow adoption
Slow learning curve. Someone once said that 'Time Equals Money'. The "citizen developer" inside a corporation should constantly be busy fulfilling the tasks for which he was hired. Adopting a new application (or even trend) inside the company can prove to be exciting, but eventually, every employee will notice that learning to use a new app inside a corporate office is usually a slow, time-intensive, costly process. Learning takes mental effort, whether it's a new app or a new workflow interface. Users can get fatigued quickly, and, following the law of inertia, they tend to stick to what they already know. One of the major reasons for a slow learning curve in adopting a new business application is the lack of familiarity with its interface. A new interface can be confusing and overwhelming for users who are used to a different layout, navigation, and design. This can cause frustration and hinder the adoption process, leading to a slow learning curve. Change can be difficult for many people, and the same goes for company users when it comes to adopting a new business application. They may be resistant to change due to various reasons such as comfort with their existing tools and processes, fear of the unknown, or lack of confidence in their own abilities to learn a new system. This resistance can lead to a slow learning curve and make it difficult for users to fully adopt and make the most of the new application.To mitigate this issue, companies can effectively communicate the benefits of the new application, provide ample training and support, and involve users in the decision-making process to ensure a smoother transition.
Brassbound User Experience. Once you register for access to a low-code software development platform, you will be flooded with tens of emails thanking you for choosing this path and inviting you to be an essential part of this trend. Unfortunately, you will also be prompted to follow a 'short' 160 hours (free) tutorial that will guide your journey into your first custom app and further useless information. WYSIWYG, a.k.a 'drag and drop' experience, is completed once you are asked to download [...] a studio app. Sounds familiar? This is the moment when we celebrate the graduation of '95 developers. As a comparison, imagine that in 2019 you are trying to read the news on your phone; however, the author asks you to download an app to access the content. Would you do it? As Bob Reselman clearly described the attempt of removing 'code from coding' with 4GL, I wouldn't be surprised if marketing gurus will soon take advantage of the old 5GL term and reinvent it as something innovative and future-of-software-development worthy. Taking advantage of the generational gap can pay the bill in the end.
Insufficient Communication About the Benefits of the New Application: Another reason for a slow learning curve in adopting a new business application is insufficient communication about its benefits. When users are not fully aware of how the new application can positively impact their work, they may not see the value in investing time and effort into learning it. This can lead to low adoption rates, user frustration, and a slow learning curve. To overcome this challenge, companies should communicate the benefits of the new application in a clear and concise manner. This can be done through various channels such as emails, company meetings, or training sessions. For example, highlighting the increased efficiency, improved productivity, and streamlined processes that the new application can bring can help to build excitement and buy-in from users.
It's also important to engage with users and get their feedback on the new application. This can help identify any pain points or challenges early on and provide an opportunity for improvement. Furthermore, recognizing and rewarding users who successfully adopt the new application can help incentivize others to follow suit and reduce resistance to change.
It is also crucial to provide ongoing support and resources to ensure users can make the most of the new application. This can include regular check-ins, training sessions, and access to a help desk or support team.
Complex and Overwhelming Features: Another factor that can contribute to a slow learning curve in adopting a new business application is the presence of complex and overwhelming features. When an application has too many features or functions, it can be difficult for users to understand and effectively use them. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and a slow learning curve.
To overcome this challenge, companies should take a user-centered approach to the design and implementation of the new application. This can include conducting user research, gathering feedback, and designing features that meet the specific needs of the target users. Another approach is to prioritize the most important features and make them more accessible and intuitive for users. This can involve breaking down complex features into smaller, more manageable steps and providing clear instructions and guidance along the way. It's also important to provide training and support that covers the core features and functionality of the application to ensure users have a solid foundation to build on.
Additionally, companies can also offer customized onboarding programs that cater to different user groups and their specific needs. For example, providing more comprehensive training for power users or those who will be using the application most frequently can help them become more confident and proficient in using the software. In order to further minimize the impact of complex and overwhelming features, companies can also implement a phased approach to rolling out the new application. This can involve gradually introducing new features and functionalities over time, rather than all at once. This will help users become familiar with the basic features before moving on to more complex ones and reduce the risk of overwhelming them.
The real value of LCNC platforms. Once you have completed your first low-code app in any of the existing platforms, you soon realize the amount of effort (mental and physical) that you've invested in resolving simple tasks like importing a file or adding a button. If you continue to have nerves, you'll finally commit to the v10 and move forward to your initial beta testers. I admire people brave enough to ask inexperienced employees to test various workflows, actions, and UX after being accustomed to the old and trustworthy Excel.
When the new application does not function properly on the user's device, or there are compatibility issues with other tools and systems, users may struggle to use it effectively. To minimize the impact of technical difficulties and compatibility issues, companies should thoroughly test the new application before roll-out to identify and resolve any technical issues. They should also provide clear and detailed documentation on system requirements and technical specifications to ensure users have the necessary hardware and software to use the application effectively. Additionally, companies should provide ongoing technical support to users, to help them resolve any technical difficulties they may encounter while using the new application. This can include providing access to an IT help desk or offering in-person support.
When users have had negative experiences with similar software in the past, they may be hesitant to use the new application, leading to a slow adoption process. To minimize the impact of negative past experiences, companies should focus on building trust and credibility with users. This can involve transparent communication about the new application's features and benefits, and demonstrating its value through real-world examples and case studies.
To summarize, we have tried to present a brief version of the operational burden that software migration usually implies. Low-code software development platforms must demonstrate better UX, stability, low migration costs, and full-dedicated support for helping customers.
About corebapp.com
corebapp.com, established in Bucharest in 2019, is a pioneering cloud-native no-code platform enabling the creation of complex business applications without coding. Launched in 2023, it offers a full no-code experience with secure integration, simplifying development for medium to large businesses in industries like construction, healthcare, and finance. corebapp.com stands out for its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, empowering non-technical users to build enterprise-grade applications efficiently. Headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, corebapp.com continues to innovate in no-code solutions, focusing on flexibility, scalability, and security. Learn more at corebapp.com.