In yesterday’s blog, we explored how no-code tools fit into the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Today, we’ll take it a step further by focusing on how to approach these tools with a clear goal in mind. Before diving into the capabilities of individual platforms, it’s essential to define the specific task or problem you want to solve.
If you’re a small business in the tech sector, you’re likely developing technology to address a challenge. On the other hand, if you operate outside of tech, you’re probably leveraging technology to solve a problem within your business. Either way, the key to successful no-code development lies in identifying a clear problem and working backward to find the best tools to address it.
Start with the Problem, Not the Tool
A few years ago, I took a sitcom scriptwriting class, and one concept stuck with me: every show begins with the question, “What would happen if?” This question frames the entire premise of the story. For example, the show Friends asks, “What would happen if we followed a group of five friends navigating life in their late 20s and early 30s in New York City?”
This same approach can be applied to solving problems with no-code tools. Before diving into platforms like Bubble or Airtable, ask yourself: “What would happen if I could automate X process?” or “What would happen if I could create a tool to solve Y challenge?” By framing your problem as a question, you gain clarity on what you’re trying to achieve, which makes it easier to select the right tools.
The Problem I Want to Solve
For this series, I’m going to tackle a problem that’s near and dear to many real estate investors: estimating the cost of a fix-and-flip property or determining whether a potential project is viable as a BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) candidate.
Why this problem? Because it’s practical, widely applicable, and perfect for showcasing the capabilities of no-code tools and AI. Over the next few days, I’ll identify actionable steps to solve this problem and use no-code platforms to build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) for a property calculator tool.
Why Define a Problem First?
Here’s why it’s crucial to start with a problem:
- Focus: A clear problem statement helps you avoid being overwhelmed by the vast number of no-code tools available. You’ll be able to evaluate platforms based on their ability to address your specific needs.
- Efficiency: Defining a problem narrows down your choices, saving you time and effort. Instead of exploring dozens of tools, you can focus on the few that align with your goals.
- Measurable Outcomes: When you start with a problem, you can set criteria to measure whether your solution works. This is especially important when building an MVP to test your ideas.
Loveable: A New Player in the No-Code Space
As we navigate the no-code landscape, one tool that’s caught my attention is Loveable. It’s one of the newer platforms on the market, positioning itself as a “full-stack developer in a box.” Loveable promises to deliver powerful backend capabilities alongside a sleek and user-friendly frontend interface, making it a compelling option for those who want to build robust applications without technical expertise.
What intrigues me most about Loveable is its focus on providing an end-to-end solution. Unlike some tools that excel in specific areas—like Bubble’s dynamic app-building capabilities or Airtable’s powerful database functionalities—Loveable aims to handle everything from data management to app deployment seamlessly. Over the course of this series, I’m excited to test how Loveable can contribute to solving the property calculator challenge.
What’s Next?
Now that I’ve identified a problem to solve and introduced Loveable as a tool to watch, the next step is to break this challenge down into actionable components. Tomorrow, we’ll outline the criteria for evaluating no-code tools and map out the steps needed to bring the property calculator to life.
Stay tuned as we move from problem identification to solution development. By the end of this series, you’ll not only see how no-code tools can solve real-world challenges but also gain insights into how to apply these methods to your own business.
Missed yesterday’s post? Check out How No-Code Tools Fit Into the Software Development Lifecycle to catch up.
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