Design Led No Code
1
Discovery
The impetus for Design Led No Code (DLNC) was the launch of my first native application. It was a transformative moment that changed my perception of what designers could achieve. No code refers to any program that enables individuals to build software without writing code. It is likely that you used no code to build your website (that's how I built this one).
I started an audit of not just no-code tools, but also their compatibility with design processes such as Design Research, UX Research, and Design Thinking. I audited and tested out more than 30 no-code tools that covered a wide range of application builders, backends, automations, and more. The barrier to entry in development has decreased significantly, while the functionality of these tools has grown—discovering that items as robust as machine learning or video games are now at the fingertips of designers.
2
Experimentation
After researching extensively, to my surprise, I was unable to find a designer who was working with no code. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t, but I simply couldn’t identify them. Therefore, I began to ideate on what a methodology could be that put no code capabilities within the framework. To ensure that DLNC does not replace existing design workflows, I devised an 8-step process that can seamlessly integrate with any existing design workflow. It was crucial for me to ensure that DLNC would complement and enhance the work of designers. While the methodology includes new material, it also incorporates established design frameworks, making it easily accessible to the wider field of design.
Considering DLNC is not a product, but a process, the only feasible way of testing was to have designers use the process. I decided that conducting DLNC hackathons would be a prime opportunity for this testing. These hackathons would enable groups of designers to work through the entire methodology. The results were remarkable and provided me with the ability to iterate on the concept quickly, both during and after the hackathon. The inaugural hackathon was held at Syracuse University in partnership with the Intelligence++ Initiative, a leading design with neurodiversity program in the world. The the SU hackathon has been renewed for 2024. Additionally, in February, I will be taking the model overseas to a European university for a 10-day version of the hackathon.
3
Design Output
In addition to workshops and hackathons, I continually write about the process and how no-code can enhance design processes and workflows. Recently I published an article about DLNC in the Design Management Institute Review.
I have also started consulting when I have capacity with startups, midsized companies, and mature organizations to increase the validity of this methodology in a business context.
Article
(PDF)
Read the recent DMI article here.