“Citizen developer” is an old term. In the past, it meant non-tech workers using relatively simple tools to build straightforward apps and services; for example, airport security guards relying on a no-code, drag-and-drop program from Microsoft to launch a quick app for reference documents.
With the advent of AI, though, things have changed. In coming years, AI-powered no- and low-code tools could allow business users from all walks of life to build increasingly complicated apps. While this might make some tech pros nervous about losing their jobs, it likely won’t result in massive workforce cutbacks; instead, it could radically change how everyone within a company hierarchy coexists with the tech stack.
What Drove the Growth of Citizen Developers?
The years-long push to empower all workers to build software is powered by several factors:
- Demand Outpaces Resources: The ever-growing demand for custom applications often clashes with the limited availability of professional developers. No- and low-code tools bridge this gap by enabling business users to build basic applications themselves.
- Focus on Business Value: Citizen developers possess deep domain knowledge, allowing them to translate business needs directly into functional applications. This fosters efficient solutions that precisely target specific workflows.
- Increased Automation: LCNC tools promote automation, freeing up professional developers to tackle complex projects and focus on strategic initiatives.
How Can Citizen Developers Mesh with Tech Pros?
At first glance, the rise of citizen developers might seem like a threat to certain kinds of tech professionals, especially ones who code. However, smart tech pros can embrace the citizen developer trend and use it as a force multiplier. For example:
- Boosting Efficiency: By enlisting citizen developers within an organization to mop up repetitive, lower-level coding tasks, you could free up your time for higher-level problem-solving and innovation.
- Better Collaboration: Many facets of an organization require highly specialized knowledge. Partnering with citizen developers can allow tech pros to more quickly translate business needs into technical specifications.
- Upskilling: Expertise in no- and low-code tools can open doors to exciting career paths in citizen developer enablement or LCNC platform architecture.
Embracing the Citizen Developer
Here are some strategies for tech professionals to navigate the rise of the citizen developer:
- Become a No-Code, Low-Code Champion: You might as well try to get in front of it: advocate for the responsible adoption of these tools within your organization… in a responsible way.
- Provide Support and Governance: Develop training programs and establish best practices to ensure citizen developers build secure and effective applications.
- Focus on Complex Development: Dedicate your tech teams’ expertise to complex projects that require advanced coding skills and architectural decisions.
Don’t Fear the Future
One future of application development lies in a collaborative model where citizen developers and professional coders work hand-in-hand. If everything works out as it should, true tech professionals can use citizen developers as a force multiplier to move projects even faster. But that requires some forethought and planning… and a willingness to embrace change.
