Who is a Citizen Developer and Why Do You Need One on Your Project?

Yarek Rotar, Stanislav Shcherbakov

Aug 30, 2024 • 6 min read

In the era of digital transformation and the accelerated pace of business innovation, there is a growing need for new approaches to development and project management. Here the Citizen Developer enters —a key player in the modern project management ecosystem. Although this term may be new to many, it is quickly gaining popularity due to its ability to transform ideas into real solutions with minimal technical skills. By leveraging low-code and no-code platforms, Citizen Developers open the door to innovation and rapid project execution, making technological development accessible to a broad range of professionals. Let’s get to know this new role in business.

Who is a Citizen Developer?

A Citizen Developer is an innovative role in the technology and business sector, representing users who create new business applications for others using low-code and no-code tools. These platforms enable them to develop applications with minimal or even no traditional programming knowledge, hence the term "zero code." Citizen Developers can accelerate the process of developing and implementing new solutions, making it more flexible and accessible.

#1 Business Needs First

A key aspect that differentiates a Citizen Developer from traditional developers is their ability to work directly with business needs without delving into the complexities of coding. This makes them ideal for quickly developing prototypes, automating business processes, and creating customizable solutions that can be easily adapted and scaled according to changing business requirements.

Low-code and no-code platforms provide Citizen Developers with powerful tools that allow them to translate business ideas into working applications at unprecedented speed. These platforms typically feature an intuitive visual interface, enabling users to "drag and drop" components and logic blocks to create the functionality needed for their applications.

#2 Bridging Business Needs with Technology

The development of the Citizen Developer concept is a response to the growing demand for digitization and automation in all areas of business. In an era where the need for digital solutions is outpacing the ability of traditional developers to meet this demand, Citizen Developers serve as a bridge connecting business needs with technological capabilities.

💡

A Citizen Developer is not just a new team member; they represent a movement aimed at accelerating the creation and implementation of digital solutions. Their role is especially crucial in the context of modern challenges, where speed and adaptability are key success factors.

The Role of Citizen Developers According to PMI

The Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading global authority in project management, recognizes the importance of Citizen Developers as catalysts for innovation and efficiency in project management. According to PMI, Citizen Developers play a key role in speeding up the development process and increasing the flexibility of project teams, especially in a rapidly changing business landscape.

PMI emphasizes that Citizen Developers contribute to the democratization of technology, making development accessible to a wider range of employees, not just IT specialists. By using low-code and no-code tools, they can quickly create and adapt applications, making projects more responsive to changes and business demands.

PMI also points out the importance of integrating Citizen Developers into the overall project management strategy. This includes ensuring that the solutions they create comply with corporate standards and security requirements, as well as harmoniously interacting with traditional development methods.

💡

No Code Developers do not replace professional developers; instead, they complement them, bringing a new level of flexibility and innovation to projects.

Why and Who Needs a Citizen Developer?

Who really needs a Citizen Developer?

It turns out that almost every project can benefit from their involvement. Let’s consider the main situations where a Citizen Developer becomes a real asset to a project:

Startups and Small Businesses: They need quick and cost-effective solutions. A Low Code Developer can quickly create an application or automate a process without spending a lot of time and money.
Large Companies: They often have many ideas but little time to implement them. Citizen Developers help bring these ideas to life without overloading the IT department.
Non-Profit Organizations: These organizations need simple solutions for complex tasks. Citizen Developers can automate routine processes, freeing up time for more important tasks.
Educational Institutions: This specialist can help create educational apps and tools, making the learning process more interactive and modern.
IT Companies: Citizen Developers can contribute by automating internal processes or creating prototypes of new products.
Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: For those working on their own, a Low Code Developer is an opportunity to independently create digital tools for their business, saving on the services of professional developers.

💡

A Citizen Developer is not just a buzzword; they bring real value to various projects and organizations. They help quickly respond to changes, save resources, and make technology accessible to everyone who wants to realize their ideas in the digital world.

Functions, Capabilities of Citizen Developers, and Benefits for Your Project

Now that we know who needs a Citizen Developer, let’s delve into what they can do. They are not just hobbyists tinkering with technology; they are true innovators who can add significant value to your projects.

Here are some key functions and capabilities that Citizen Developers can bring to your project:

Application Creation Using Low Code/No Code Platforms: From simple calculators to complex management systems, Citizen Developers can quickly create functional and useful applications using intuitive low-code and no-code tools.
Automating Routine Tasks: Using zero-code solutions, these specialists can automate daily tasks, freeing up employees’ time for more important matters.
Improving Customer Interaction: Citizen Developers can develop applications that simplify customer interactions, enhancing their experience and satisfaction.
Solving Specific Business Challenges: No Code Developers can quickly adapt or create solutions that perfectly fit the unique requirements and tasks of your project or company.
Testing and Prototyping Ideas: Thanks to the flexibility of low-code and no-code platforms, Citizen Developers can quickly create prototypes of products, allowing companies to test and refine ideas before full-scale launch.
Increasing Business Flexibility and Adaptability: In a world where business conditions change at lightning speed, Citizen Developers help companies remain flexible and adaptable.
Accelerating Development and Implementation: The ability to quickly create and adapt applications means your product or service can reach the market much sooner.
Saving on Development Costs: Since specialists use low-code/no-code platforms, this significantly reduces development costs compared to traditional methods.
Diversity of Ideas: Citizen Developers often come from non-technical fields, bringing fresh ideas and new approaches to projects.
Better Understanding of Needs: Working directly with end users, Citizen Developers can better understand and meet their needs.
Optimizing Internal Processes: Citizen Developers can automate and optimize internal processes, increasing the overall productivity of the company.

💡

Citizen Developers are true masters of transformation and innovation. They use their skills and low-code/no-code tools to create solutions that make life easier, processes faster, and businesses more efficient.

It is important to note that No Code Developers not only improve the technical aspects of a project but also make a significant contribution to the business side. They help companies remain competitive by responding to the challenges of the modern market with quick and effective solutions. This leads to more successful projects, satisfied customers, and healthy business growth.

Where to Find a Citizen Developer and the Cost of Their Services

Finding a qualified Citizen Developer may not be easy, but with the right approach, it is entirely achievable. Start by exploring platforms and communities where low-code and no-code specialists gather. These can be specialized forums, social media groups, or professional networks like LinkedIn. Also, pay attention to online courses and webinars on low-code and no-code development, where you can find talented developers eager to apply their new knowledge in practice.

As for the cost of services, it varies depending on many factors, including project complexity, developer experience, and geographic location. No-code and low-code developers' services are generally more affordable than those of traditional developers, making them an accessible solution for many companies and projects.

The average salary for a Citizen Developer in the United States is around $88,614 per year, or $43 per hour. Salaries in the upper quartile can exceed $99,966 per year. These figures can vary depending on location, industry, position, and other factors such as education level, certifications, and additional skills.

Conclusion

The use of low-code and no-code technologies offers businesses new horizons for innovation and agility. Citizen Developers, whether low-code or no-code developers, play a key role in accelerating development processes, reducing costs, and increasing project flexibility.

They open the door to a wide range of professionals, enabling them to turn business ideas into functional solutions without the need for deep programming knowledge. This not only reduces the time and financial costs of development but also promotes a more inclusive and innovative approach to technology.

Be prepared to embrace the new wave of digital transformation with a Citizen Developer on your team. This is not just a trend; it’s an evolution in the approach to development and project management, making technology accessible and effective in meeting the growing needs of business. Citizen Developers open up new opportunities for anyone ready to seize them, leading their projects to success in a rapidly changing world.