The dynamics of technology development are rapidly changing. The availability of low code/no code tools, along with increasingly powerful AI, are creating faster development cycles and greatly reducing costs. This is a game changer for nonprofits and other stakeholders that desperately need cutting-edge tech, but often do not have the overhead and bandwidth to support expensive implementations.

The rise of low code/no code tools

Low code/no code tools democratize software development by providing drag and drop interfaces that help to build complex features and functionality. In some cases, these tools require only minimal coding knowledge. In other cases, these tools can help developers with a technical background to create sophisticated applications in a fraction of the time required to build the same functionality by writing code from scratch. Under the hood, low code tools are powered by the use of pre-built “components”, which are configurable for the most common use cases within software applications. For example, functionality such as logins, location services, chat functionality, and user profiles can be added into applications through visual interfaces without writing code. When paired with other capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, the rate at which new technology solutions can be created and deployed begins to increase exponentially.

Why low code/no code matters for nonprofits working internationally

NGOs and other organizations operating in developing economies stand to benefit greatly from the adoption of low code/no code tools. The list of benefits is substantial, but a few key aspects of these shifting dynamics are highlighted below:

Accessibility: New low code/no code platforms are breaking down barriers for individuals and organizations working in resource-constrained environments. Faster and more consistent development processes allow solutions to be more easily created, deployed, and maintained. This increases the accessibility of technology in underserved regions and eliminates many of the primary barriers to entry for technology development.

Customization and localization: Low code/no code platforms enable the development of bespoke solutions which are tailored for specific use cases and local needs. In the past, platforms could only offer Software-as-a-Service (Saas) functionality that could apply to generic use cases. Most organizations were left with the feeling that they needed to either force fit an existing solution into operations, or change operations to fit a solution. New platforms are eliminating the need to force-fit solutions by offering scalable SaaS with the flexibility to create features and functionality that can be customized for very specific use cases.

Cost-effective solutions: International development projects often have limited budgets. The affordability of low code/no code tools enables the creation of solutions that fit into constrained budgets and limited financial resources.

Faster innovation: Development cycles can occur rapidly (sometimes daily) using low code/no code platforms, which enables features and functionality to be deployed and tested more quickly. This prevents a slow death by the waterfall approach, saves resources by focusing development only on what will work in practice, and also prevents pilotitus by ensuring that there is always forward progress in building solutions that scale.

Organizational ownership: Low code/no code tools help organizations take on a more active role in building and maintaining technology tools and infrastructure. Many of these tools offer interfaces and backend architectures that are in a familiar format. For example, Google Appsheet lets developers create web and mobile applications on top of Google Sheets, which can enable users with basic spreadsheet skills to easily update and export data. In still rare, but increasingly more common cases, companies can abandon the need for third party technology talent completely, and instead delegate application development to their own internal staff. This seems far-fetched, but is quickly becoming more realistic each day as generative AI gains new capabilities for understanding complex logic and prompts.

Opportunities for boutique firms and one-person agencies

Emerging low code/no code technology is also creating opportunities for smaller agencies to take over the roles and services which have traditionally required large teams. In the past, a typical technology team would commonly include full-time product owners, product managers, senior architects, senior developers, junior developers, scrum masters, and UI/UX designers. This structure is very expensive and can often be ridden with inefficiencies, even when teams follow an agile approach to development. The costs and technical competencies required to hire and manage these teams are usually completely out of reach for nonprofits and other organizations working in developing economies. This especially true for organizations supporting programs and initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, which are already fraught with risks, volatility, and low margins.

Solo-entrepreneurs, one-person agencies, boutique technology firms, and consultants can now assume multiple roles and rapidly prototype, develop, deploy, and maintain software solutions without the need for extensive coding or large teams. This consolidation of roles and responsibilities offers several key advantages, especially for nonprofits:

Increased efficiency: Development, testing, and deployment processes are expedited as a single person (or very small group of people) handles the entire lifecycle of a technology product. Projects do not need to be developed from the ground up, and instead can take advantage of the preexisting code, features, and functionality within components. This results in faster time-to-market and creates opportunities for a more agile approach to development.

Streamlined communication: With fewer levels of interaction, the risk of miscommunication is significantly reduced. Clients can directly convey their requirements to the developer, eliminating the potential loss of information or misunderstandings that may occur on larger teams. The same individual who is onsite understanding the challenges and working directly with clients, is the same person building the solution and providing onboarding support, training, and maintenance. The direct involvement of the developer in requirements gathering, training, and support also ensures a better understanding of the context and cultural nuance. We have all experienced the horror of a project manager who does not have technical skills but is documenting and relaying requirements to developers. This is all eliminated when small firms or independent consultants are deploying low-code/no-code solutions.

Cost savings: Smaller teams and less personnel significantly reduces overhead costs. The need for multiple salaries, team coordination, and infrastructure expenses is minimized, making it a cost-effective approach for projects. In many cases, tasks which were traditionally resource intensive, costly, and slow - such as extensive requirements documentation to manage client expectations and tasks for developers - are also significantly reduced and/or completely eliminated. Finally, many of the most expensive costs for technology development, such as building and maintaining infrastructure or developing complex functionality, is delegated to larger firms who can take advantage of economies of scale and provide services at a fraction of the cost it would take to maintain in-house. This enables nonprofits and other stakeholders to focus only on the aspects of technology that directly relate to specific requirements relevant to the more important aspects of a project, such as impact, reach, and return on investment.

Key takeaways

The landscape of technology development is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of low code/no code tools and artificial intelligence. These advancements have revolutionized the way businesses and services are created, particularly enabling smaller firms and solo entrepreneurs to take on projects that would have traditionally required large teams. This shift brings benefits such as faster development, more streamlined communication, and significantly reduced costs. Nonprofits and other organizations working in the international development sector can leverage these advancements to create customized, accessible, and cost-effective solutions that address the unique challenges faced in various regions of the world. As technology continues to advance, embracing these tools will play a crucial role in shaping the future of development initiatives, and ultimately, democratize access to emerging technologies.