Low-code MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a basic version of a product or application made with low-code platforms.
These platforms allow for fast and efficient development by reducing the amount of manual coding required, and instead relying on pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and visual modeling options.
You could build low-code MVPs to show the idea quickly and without extra spending in the first stages.
Initially, low-code platforms were used by non-technical founders to create prototypes of apps. That was idea validation and mainly testing theories and features before writing actual code and doubling down on planned activities.
But now, companies use low-code or no-code MVPs “to give non- or semi-technical end users, even DevOps and security engineers, the ability to easily and quickly deploy applications without the need for custom development.”
Low-code development would increase by 23% in 2021 according to Gartner.
Here’s a Statista 2021 report on worldwide low-code application usage where 33% of respondents states that they use low-code for data modeling and visualization. Other use cases are data security, automating processes, and e-commerce apps.
The Zapier report says 8 core corporate departments are now more than half dependent on no-code tools, among them:
- IT operations are estimated to be 63% dependent on no-code tools in 2022.
- Product & development (61%)
- Research & development (58%).
Why is it growing in popularity? There are several benefits low-code and no-code bring to the development process.
Advantages of Low-Code MVPs
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Faster development time: Low-code platforms provide pre-built templates, components, and drag-and-drop functionality, reducing the time it takes to build an MVP. That's why the path from business ideas to ready digital products is shorter.
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Lower costs: Low-code platforms typically require less specialized expertise to use, reducing development costs and allowing organizations to spend resources on other areas of the business. However, that's up to business owners to use low-code tools for apps. I'd say no-code platforms haven't earned digital trust and have shown unpredicted behavior.
A lot of low-code solutions need sufficient testing of the platform before deployment and checking for correct integration with other systems.
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Increased agility: Low-code platforms allow organizations to quickly adapt to changing requirements and pivot their MVP as needed. It takes much more time to change code than it is to choose from the list of templates. In the case of low-code development platforms, only a few lines of code could change the features.
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More focused development: Low-code platforms allow organizations to focus on the core functionality of their MVP, rather than spending time on time-consuming technical tasks. Coding skills can be used when there's a need for custom solutions.
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Better user experience: Low-code platforms typically offer pre-built UI components and templates, making it easier to create visually appealing and user-friendly MVPs. This allows developers to focus on the core functionality of the product, rather than spending time on design and development.
Now, there are still rather irksome disadvantages both for the development team and potential customers.
Disadvantages of Low-Code MVPs
Let's be fair and state when choosing low-code MVP is not an option.
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Limited Customization: The same pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality is available for all users. So, you can see the exact copy of your website and get disappointed. This is vital for businesses that require unique and complex solutions.
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Dependence on Platform Provider: Low-code MVPs can create a dependence on the platform provider for updates, maintenance, and support. If the platform provider goes out of business, discontinues support, or experiences a data breach, your MVP is at risk.
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Learning Curve: There may be a learning curve to get familiar with the low-code platform and its features, particularly for those who are not familiar with programming. That's easier with no-code platforms, of course.
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Performance Issues: Applications built on low-code platforms may have performance issues when dealing with large amounts of data or a high number of users. This could be due to the limitations of the underlying platform or the reliance on the platform provider for infrastructure and scalability.
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Integration Challenges: Integrating low-code MVPs with existing systems and tools can be a challenge, as the platform may not provide full APIs or support for custom integrations. You'll probably need to extend or scale the MVP in the future, then it's a disadvantage for businesses with complex needs.
So, before choosing low-code for MVPs, ask the right questions and be aware that they have many limitations.
5 Successful Industries With Low Code MVPs
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Process Automation: Low-code platforms are often used to automate business processes such as HR onboarding, expense reporting, and project management. Low-code examples of automation apps include Concur, a travel and expense management app, and Appian, a business process automation platform.
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Customer-Facing Apps: Low-code platforms can be used to build customer-facing apps, such as e-commerce sites, customer portals, and mobile apps. Examples of apps built with low code include Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, and Salesforce Community Cloud, a customer engagement platform.
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Internal Workflow Apps: Low-code platforms can also be used to build internal workflow apps, such as HR management systems, marketing automation tools, and project management platforms. Low-code examples are Workday, a human capital management platform, and Marketo, a marketing automation platform.
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Rapid Prototyping: Low-code platforms are also used for rapid prototyping and testing of new app ideas. Examples of real-life apps built with low-code include Zoho Creator, a low-code app development platform, and OutSystems, a low-code platform for enterprise app development.
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Custom Apps for Specific Industries: Low-code platforms can be tailored to meet the unique needs of specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail. Cerner, a healthcare technology company, and Infosys Finacle, a banking software solution are examples built with low-code platforms.
Sum Up
All-in-all, no-code and low-code tools can add standardized solutions or automate processes. However, outdated tech stack examples and security risks make them not suitable for many operations.
For trying out visual interfaces, prototyping mobile applications, and developing product ideas, low-code MVPs are helpful.
Feel free to discuss the topic with me ✍️