One of the most important soft skills a successful UX designer can have is empathy. By better understanding a particular audience, a designer can more easily comprehend what their user experience needs look like. Empathy is required not just for the final product, but also for making the entire field of UX design more approachable to everyone. One of the tools helping to level the playing field is “no-code” programming.
What is “No-Code” Programming?
“No-code” programming is a non-technical, visual framework that is geared towards those working on a front-end experience. (Think drag-and-drop.) Because no previous coding experience or knowledge of programming languages is required, both professional programmers and those without UX experience can use “no-code” platforms to quickly and efficiently create apps, websites, or software. With these DIY platforms, the building blocks and framework are already in place, so you don’t need to start from scratch. Unlike “low-code” platforms, many of which require some coding experience and are geared towards developers, “no-code” applications can be built by just about anyone. Currently, “no-code” platforms are best suited for fairly simple processes like building forms or dashboards, but these platforms are rapidly improving their customization options.
Why is Approachability Necessary in UX Design?
Tools like “no-code” platforms allow us to open up the field to more people, whether that’s designers who want to quickly prototype their work or individuals who want to learn more about UX design for their own projects. The more inclusive we can make the UX design field, the more effectively we can create designs that speak to a wide range of audiences, not just the relatively small group of professional UX designers.
Why No-Code is More Approachable
“No-code” design is simple and easy to learn. Because of this, non-professionals can easily create their own programs and apps. “No-code” platforms remove barriers to innovation for individuals and organizations who were previously held back by a lack of skill or funds. For example, small businesses and nonprofits can now conduct basic user experience design and prototyping in-house without a large budget or IT team. Instead of hiring externally, employees may be able to address problems themselves, saving both time and money.
“No-code” platforms also benefit minority populations who have a coding disadvantage. A 2018 survey reported that only a quarter of coders identify as an ethnic minority and another survey showed that only 25% of coders are female. By eliminating the need to code, “no-code” tools are opening up UX design and programming to previously underserved populations.
Inclusivity Benefits Everyone
“No-code” design contributes to making the UX field more accessible to everyone and, in turn, makes our society more inclusive. Introducing UX to creative thinkers who aren’t tech-savvy can only benefit us all by creating new sources for innovation. If innovation isn’t enough motivation, consider the bottom line: being able to try out different UX designs easily can save your organization both time and money.