Building Smarter: Unleashing No-code and Low-code Technologies in AEC
Introduction
Rising costs, labor shortages, a changing climate, and an impending global housing crisis make technological innovation in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) a necessity, not a luxury. While the AEC sector has traditionally been slow in adopting new digital tools compared to other industries, there lies a vast, untapped potential in no-code and low-code platforms to enable innovation at scale. Despite the current limited use of these tools in AEC, there’s a latent opportunity waiting to be harnessed, especially considering the industry’s exposure to BIM, visual scripting, and more recently cloud platforms, web-based technologies, and AI.
This article aims to help AEC companies understand how to leverage their existing technical skills to embrace no-code and low-code technologies, paving the way for enhanced productivity, new revenue streams, and expanded capabilities.
Untapped Potential of No-code and Low-code in AEC
The AEC industry, known for its meticulous attention to detail and precision, has always had a relationship with technology that is both cautious and thoughtful. While no-code and low-code tools have not yet seen widespread adoption in AEC, the industry’s engagement with visual scripting interfaces such as Dynamo and Grasshopper, the emergence of web-based BIM technologies like Open BIM Components, the shift from software interoperability to data exchange through platforms like Speckle and Autodesk Data Exchange, hint at a readiness to embrace more advanced digital solutions.
This readiness, coupled with a growing need for efficiency and innovation, positions no-code and low-code tools as a golden opportunity for the AEC sector. These tools can offer a way to build full-stack, scalable applications, quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Building complex, production-ready, scalable digital applications has never been easier than it is now, and getting AEC companies comfortable using these technologies could drastically lower the barrier to entry and enable the AEC industry to innovate at a much faster pace with less dependence on software vendors.
Bridging the Gap From AEC Tech to No-code
For many AEC professionals, the leap to no-code and low-code tools may seem daunting. However, the skills honed through visual scripting interfaces, parametric modeling, computational design, and generally interfacing with numerous complex software applications, provide solid foundations.
These skills are transferable and can be a stepping stone to mastering no-code/low-code platforms. The transition involves learning new interfaces and tools, the basics of web development, UX, and database design, but the fundamental principles of logic, data structuring, and problem-solving remain consistent. This knowledge can be a significant advantage in adapting to no-code and low-code platforms, especially when compared to someone coming from a non-technical background.
Beyond Traditional AEC Technology Applications
The adoption of no-code and low-code tools in AEC goes beyond just improving existing practices. These tools open doors to building internal technology solutions that can significantly boost productivity, mirroring trends seen in the software development industry. They also offer avenues for creating new products and services that can be marketed beyond traditional AEC business models, creating new opportunities and differentiators. By harnessing these tools, AEC firms can transform from being pure service providers to innovators and technology leaders, expanding the capabilities of existing AEC software and venturing into uncharted territories.
Understanding the No-code/Low-code Landscape
In exploring the landscape of no-code and low-code tools, it’s important to understand the strengths and focus areas of various platforms. For instance, Bubble.io has emerged as a powerful no-code platform, particularly renowned for its ability to build full-stack web applications. It’s user-friendly yet robust, making it ideal for AEC professionals looking to create complex web-based solutions without extensive coding knowledge. Flutterflow, on the other hand, leans more towards the low-code end of the spectrum. It’s particularly useful for those with some coding background, as it offers more customization capabilities, especially in mobile app development. Webflow stands out in the realm of website creation and management, offering a seamless interface for designing responsive websites with a strong emphasis on visual aesthetics. Lastly, Retool targets more technically oriented users, primarily for building internal business tools and dashboards. It’s a great fit for AEC firms looking to create sophisticated front-ends for their databases or to integrate various APIs in a more developer-focused environment.
Each of these platforms caters to different needs and levels of technical expertise, and choosing the right one depends on the specific requirements and goals of the AEC project at hand. Understanding these nuances is key to effectively harnessing the power of no-code and low-code tools in the AEC industry.
A Guide to No-code Adoption for AEC Professionals
Navigating the no-code/low-code landscape can be an exhilarating yet challenging journey for AEC professionals. To leverage these tools effectively, a multifaceted strategy is essential.
Through my consultancy work at AecFoundry as an AEC Technology Strategy and Product Consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to help numerous clients in AEC discover and adopt low-code and no-code technologies to great advantage. The common challenges are realizing the potential of their existing resources, and a lack of knowledge of the technology landscape to identify opportunities for innovation.
The following guide aims to help AEC companies take the first steps to start adopting and integrating no-code tools in their workflows to unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity
1. Identifying the Right Tool:
- Assess Your Needs: Begin by evaluating the specific requirements of your project or workflow. Are you looking to develop internal tools, client-facing applications, or automate specific processes?
- Research and Compare: Delve into the capabilities of various platforms. Compare features, scalability, ease of use, and support systems. Tools like Bubble.io might be ideal for complex web applications, whereas Flutterflow could be more suitable for mobile app development.
- Trial and Experiment: Most platforms offer free trials or demo versions. Use these to get a hands-on feel for the tool’s interface and capabilities before committing.
2. Engaging with the Community:
- Participate in Forums and Groups: Platforms like Bubble.io and Webflow have vibrant online communities. Participate in these forums to gain insights, ask questions, and learn from experienced users.
- Attend Workshops and Webinars: Many platforms host educational events that can provide deeper understanding and practical tips.
- Collaborate and Network: Networking with fellow AEC professionals who are exploring these tools can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborative learning opportunities.
3. Building Skills Progressively:
- Start Small: Begin with small, manageable projects that align with your current skill level. This could be as simple as automating a small part of your workflow or creating a basic internal tool.
- Expand Gradually: As you grow more comfortable, gradually increase the complexity of your projects. This could involve integrating more advanced features, incorporating APIs, or handling larger datasets.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on new features and best practices. Many platforms evolve rapidly, so keeping your skills current is crucial.
4. Integrating Tools into Your Workflow:
- Augmentation, Not Replacement: View no-code/low-code tools as augmentations to your existing capabilities. They should enhance and streamline your work, not entirely replace traditional methods.
- Customize for Your Needs: Use the flexibility of these tools to tailor solutions that fit perfectly with your specific AEC processes.
- Iterative Development: Adopt an iterative approach to development. Launch basic versions of your tool, gather feedback, and refine continuously.
5. Fostering a Culture of Innovation:
- Encourage Experimentation: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable experimenting with new tools and proposing innovative solutions.
- Share Successes and Learnings: Regularly share successes and learnings from your no-code/low-code projects with your team. This can inspire others and build a collective knowledge base.
- Invest in Training: Consider investing in training sessions for your team to build a strong internal capability in using these tools.
By adopting these strategies, AEC professionals can not only master the use of no-code and low-code tools but also pioneer new ways of working and innovating in the AEC sector. The journey with these tools is as much about technological adaptation as it is about cultural change within the organization, embracing a future where agility, efficiency, and creativity are at the forefront.
If you’re interested in adopting these tools within your workflows and processes, feel free to connect with me to understand how I can help you on your journey.
