The dynamic business landscape is witnessing a surge in the emergence of citizen developers, who leverage low-code or no-code platforms like TrackVia to craft bespoke solutions addressing their organization’s specific needs and challenges. The demand for such self-taught developers is on the rise, as companies are increasingly realizing their potential.
If you aspire to become an outstanding citizen developer, you’re in the right place! We bring you valuable insights from TrackVia and the Project Management Institute (PMI) to hone your skills within 30 days.
Tip 1 -Week 1: Identify Organizational Needs, Master Low-Code Platforms, and Set Realistic Goals
Embark on your citizen developer journey by identifying the specific needs and challenges faced by your organization. Connect with colleagues, conduct surveys, and observe daily operations to pinpoint areas where customized solutions can make a significant difference. Set clear and achievable objectives for your tailor-made applications, considering the time and resources at your disposal.
Over time, it’s crucial to monitor the evolution of these ideas, bring them to fruition, and ensure that everyone involved is aligned with the project’s goals and vision. This approach will help maintain consistency and facilitate a smoother development process.
Incorporating strategies like agile development and Design Thinking can greatly assist you in understanding and addressing the needs of various stakeholders. These methodologies promote iterative, user-centric approaches that prioritize collaboration and flexibility, allowing for more targeted and effective solutions.
Many aspiring citizen developers turn to low-code platforms like TrackVia to acquire the technical skills necessary for creating impactful applications. TrackVia’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface eliminates the need for coding expertise and streamlines the development process, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the field.
Tip 2-Week 2: Foster Collaboration, Engage with Communities, Stay Informed, and Document Your Work
Forge robust relationships with your organization’s IT department and other crucial stakeholders. Collaboration ensures that your applications comply with company standards, security measures, and regulatory requirements.
As you begin to develop proofs of concepts and production applications, document your work, and maintain a repository of reusable components and best practices to streamline future projects. A collaborative environment strengthens communication and accelerates the development process, and documentation is a key prerequisite.
Although citizen development is a relatively new concept, several communities have sprung up to support aspiring citizen developers. PMI offers a Citizen Development certification with courses exclusively designed for citizen developers and business stakeholders, and annual conferences such as the PMI Global Summit serve as great platforms to interact with citizen development experts and learn from their experiences.
Tip 3 – Week 3: Prioritize User Experience, Data Security, Time Management, and Adaptability
Creating applications that are both visually engaging and user-friendly should be a top priority for citizen developers. By focusing on improving the user experience (UX) and design aspects of your projects, you can foster a deeper connection between users and your applications, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and adoption rates.
User Experience
Developing a consistent feedback cycle with your end-users is a strategic approach that can set your applications apart. By actively seeking user input and suggestions, you demonstrate your commitment to understanding their needs and adapting your solutions accordingly. This continuous improvement mindset is a hallmark of successful citizen developers and contributes to the overall longevity and relevance of your applications.
Data Security
It’s important to stay informed about your organization’s data protection policies and any industry-specific regulations. By doing so, you’ll be able to proactively design and implement compliant solutions, minimizing the risk of costly breaches or fines. As regulations evolve, make sure to keep your applications up-to-date and ensure your organization remains a leader in data security and compliance.
Time Management
Effective time management skills enable you to maintain a balance between your daily responsibilities and your application development projects. By setting priorities, breaking down projects into manageable milestones, and utilizing practical tools like Kanban boards or Gantt charts, you can optimize your workflow and foster a more collaborative and efficient development process.
Tip 4- Week 4: Cultivate a Growth Mindset, Remain Committed, and Measure Your Success
Nurturing a growth mindset is essential to stay ahead of the curve. Dedicate time to mastering new skills, experimenting with diverse platforms, and discovering cutting-edge techniques. Engage in lifelong learning by attending webinars, and workshops, or enroll in online courses that enhance your expertise in the field. Network with fellow citizen developers, share insights and learn from the experiences of others.
The path to becoming an exceptional citizen developer is paved with dedication and resilience. Embrace your passion for development and harness your determination to overcome challenges along the way. Stay focused on your goals, turn setbacks into learning opportunities, and continuously strive for improvement. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to push your boundaries.
To evaluate your achievements and the impact of your work, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide insights into your progress. Some KPIs to consider include application usage rates, end-user satisfaction levels, and the overall influence of your solutions on business processes and performance. Regularly review these metrics, identify areas for improvement, and set new targets to ensure you’re consistently delivering value to your organization.
Start Your Journey with TrackVia
In 30 days or less, you’ll be on your way to becoming a rockstar citizen developer in your organization. Get started today by signing up for a TrackVia Demo. Take advantage of this opportunity to see how you can create a lasting impact on your organization by building practical applications, such as custom workflows, inventory management systems, or project tracking tools, using the resources provided by TrackVia and PMI.
Keep in mind that becoming an outstanding citizen developer involves continuous learning, growth, and adaptability. Stay dedicated to your objectives, rejoice in your achievements, and enjoy the adventure.
Sign up for your TrackVia trial now and set the stage for your success as a citizen developer!
