The Rise and Role of Citizen Developers in 2023

A citizen developer is a non-IT professional who builds and deploys software applications using low-code or no-code development platforms. Citizen developers typically lack formal training in software development, but possess a deep understanding of their business processes and the challenges they face. They use this knowledge to create custom applications that address their specific needs, without relying on IT departments or external software vendors. Citizen developers can work in any department, from finance to marketing to human resources, and their skills can be applied to a wide range of business functions.

Why Citizen Developers are Important for Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change how businesses operate and deliver value to customers. This includes everything from automating manual processes to creating new digital products and services. Citizen developers are important for digital transformation because they can help businesses move faster and be more responsive to changing customer needs. By empowering non-technical employees to build their own applications, organizations can reduce their reliance on IT departments and external vendors, and accelerate the pace of innovation.

Another reason citizen developers are crucial for digital transformation is that they can help bridge the gap between IT and business units. Historically, IT departments have been seen as a bottleneck in the software development process, with long wait times and a lack of understanding of business needs. Citizen developers can help break down these silos by working directly with business units to build custom applications that meet their specific needs. This can lead to better communication, collaboration, and outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

The Benefits of Citizen Development

Citizen development offers numerous benefits, transforming businesses and empowering employees in various ways.

For Businesses:

• Speed advantage: Citizen developers create and deploy applications faster than traditional methods, enabling rapid response to customer needs and staying competitive.
• Cost reduction: Eliminating the need for expensive external vendors or IT departments lowers overall expenses.
• Tailored solutions: Citizen developers can create applications specific to their business needs, avoiding reliance on generic off-the-shelf solutions.

For Employees:

• Increased autonomy and creativity: Empowering employees to build their own applications fosters a sense of ownership and direct impact on business outcomes.
• Enhanced job satisfaction: Taking part in citizen development brings pride and accomplishment, particularly lacking in traditional hierarchical organizations.
• Skill development: Citizen development allows employees to acquire new skills and deeper understanding of business processes and needs.

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Citizen Development vs. Traditional Development

Citizen development is a unique approach that differs from traditional software development in several key ways.

• Citizen development relies on low-code or no-code platforms, requiring minimal programming experience.
• Traditional software development demands extensive technical expertise and training.
• Citizen development is often performed by non-technical employees like business analysts or project managers.
• Traditional software development is typically handled by professional developers with specialized skills.
• Citizen development focuses on creating custom applications to address specific business needs.
• Traditional software development may involve creating off-the-shelf products for multiple customers.

To unlock the workplace efficiency, machine learning and automation is compared.

How to Identify Citizen Developers in Your Organization

Identifying Potential Citizen Developers in Your Organization:

• Look for tech-savvy employees with a deep understanding of your business processes.
• Consider those with experience using business applications or a background in project management.
• Seek out individuals passionate about innovation and finding new solutions to business problems.
• Identify employees who are eager to learn and develop new skills, especially in software development.

Training and Support for Citizen Developers

Becoming a successful citizen developer in your organization involves following these steps:

• Identify potential citizen developers within the organization.
• Provide access to low-code or no-code development platforms.
• Offer training in software development best practices.
• Provide ongoing support and mentoring to overcome challenges.
• Offer access to online resources and peer-to-peer training.
• Conduct regular check-ins with IT departments or technical experts.

Best Practices for Citizen Development

To ensure the success of citizen development initiatives, following best practices is crucial.

• Establish clear guidelines and standards for application development.
• Ensure well-documented and tested applications.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and support for applications.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking among employees.
• Recognize and reward the contributions of citizen developers through formal recognition programs and informal feedback and praise.

Tools and Platforms for Citizen Development

There are many tools and platforms available for citizen developers, ranging from low-code development platforms like Microsoft Power Apps and Salesforce Lightning to no-code platforms like Bubble and Webflow. These platforms provide a range of features and capabilities, including drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates and components, and integrations with other business applications. When selecting a platform, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, security, and integration with other systems.

Challenges of Citizen Development

While citizen development offers many benefits, it is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is ensuring that applications are secure and compliant with regulatory requirements. Citizen developers may not be aware of the latest security best practices or compliance requirements, which can lead to data breaches or other legal issues. In addition, citizen development can lead to a proliferation of applications that are poorly designed or redundant, which can create confusion and inefficiencies. Finally, there is a risk that citizen development may lead to a lack of standardization and control, as different employees may use different tools and platforms to build applications. Finding our whether or not your processes are suitable for RPA, is a vital first step towards digital transformation.

The Future of Citizen Development

The future of citizen development looks bright, as more and more businesses recognize the benefits of empowering non-technical employees to build their own applications. In the coming years, we can expect to see increased adoption of low-code and no-code development platforms, as well as the emergence of new tools and technologies that make it even easier for citizen developers to create and deploy applications. We may also see the rise of citizen development communities, where employees from different organizations can share best practices, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other.

Conclusion

Citizen developers are the future of digital transformation, enabling businesses to move faster, be more responsive to customer needs, and reduce their reliance on expensive external vendors or IT departments. By empowering non-technical employees to build their own applications, organizations can foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, while also improving job satisfaction and employee engagement. To ensure the success of citizen development initiatives, it is important to provide the training and support employees need, follow best practices, and select the right tools and platforms. With the right approach, citizen development can help businesses stay ahead of the competition and thrive in the digital age.

To learn more about citizen development and how we can help your business, contact us today!

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