No-code is revolutionizing the development space, and no job role is left out, including the design part. Now clients would be looking for design agencies capable of meeting “design specs” on the fast no-code tools or even being capable of rapidly turning the design into real products with no-code. So let’s learn how design agencies can stay on top of the wave of no-code movement and meet the fast-changing product environment.
What’s no-code?
Design agencies provide UX research, branding, UI design, or product design, while the customer’s in-house teams usually do design implementation. This implementation can be done with code or with “no-code,” using no-code platforms and tools.
Those platforms or visual coding tools provide the ability to create websites, landing pages, and applications without writing code. This makes product creation faster and more affordable competing with traditional development. Moreover, most of the no-code platforms can be used without any prior knowledge of programming languages, which makes them accessible to designers and creative professionals.
No-code vs. low-code
There is often an interchanging use of low code and no-code development. Although they’re both similar in a lot of ways, they don’t mean the same thing.
Low code allows you to build applications with a visual user interface; however, it requires complete product development with minimal coding. On the other hand, no-code requires no coding and relies entirely on a visual editor. As a design agency, you might benefit from both low-code and no-code approaches while working with product creation and designing for those tools.
No-code for rapid product creation and testing ideas
No-code lets you develop a prototype quickly. A no-code strategy reduces the design risk because the design is tested early and often. With tools like InVision or Marvel, design agencies can create robust prototypes, have the client test its functionalities, and quickly iterate until the client is satisfied. On the other hand, real users can use the prototype, and the client can get feedback on what changes should be made. With no-code tools, design prototypes can go live in a matter of a week, especially if it comes to web projects.There are several popular no-code tools for building websites with each its advantages and drawbacks. However, there are several robust no-code builders design agencies should explore.
Bubble
Bubble is a web-based application that allows users to build web applications without writing any code. The user interface is simple and allows the user to drag and drop the various components that make up their application. In addition, Bubble uses a technology called “embedded code” to enable users to add functionality to their application without leaving the interface. The first tab in the visual editor is a blank canvas that lets you drag and drop elements. The second tab allows you to create the logic behind your website and the third tab is the database management system. Having a Bubble developer working with your design agency on a freelance basis could allow you to upsell clients with fast implementation of their web apps designs.
Webflow
Webflow is a cloud-based no-code tool that allows users to create responsive websites without writing code. The platform offers visual editing tools, pre-built templates, and a content management system. Its visual editor called Flow lets you create websites by dragging and dropping elements into place. Having a Webflow development partner in your design agency can also help you build upsells. Besides Webflow, the popular website builders are Wix, Tilda, WordPress, Softr, and others. If you have a huge volume of design projects related to the landing page, websites, online shops, marketplaces, you might consider partnering with WeLoveNoCode for building them together and multiplying your revenue.
Adalo
Design agencies can take advantage of Adalo to build native apps for Android and iOS
without coding (or partnering with someone). It also features drag-and-drop functionality, so building an app is as easy as putting together a pitch deck. It also lets you integrate other tools like analytics, payments, and workflows. Adalo is one of many no-code tools for creating mobile apps fast which is a great option for clients for whom time-to-market is critical.
No-code for designing: what you should know
The UX & UI should solve customers' problems and also be in line with your client's understanding of "expected design". At the same time, many no-code tools have some limitations in the customization, which comes to design as well. If your design agency is planning to work within the fast-growing no-code space, you should consider design limitations for websites builders, no-code app tools, and web apps, like Bubble. That comes to using animations, untypical transitions, and very custom design elements. To better understand the design capabilities of every no-code tool, it's strongly advised to give them a try. In any case, designers can benefit from using those tools in work life as well.No code development is on the rise, and it is quickly impacting other functions of product development. One of such function is design. Today, designers can go beyond designing interfaces to building mockups, testing ideas, and actively driving software development. Design agencies can rely on no code experts from WeLoveNoCode to offer their clients MVPs and functional prototypes, which will result in increased offered value and more profit.
