What you need to know about a citizen developer role

What is a citizen developer?

A citizen developer is a non-technical employee who builds software apps with low-code or no-code tools, without formal coding training.

• They use drag-and-drop platforms to create apps and automate everyday tasks.
• They work best alongside IT, which handles security, governance, and standards.
• They help businesses move faster and spend less on custom software.

Businesses want to stay agile in a fast, connected world. One way is to build custom apps that fit their own needs. However, traditional software development can be slow and costly. It also needs special skills. This is where a citizen developer helps.

A citizen developer (CitDev) is a non-technical person who creates software apps. They also automate business processes with low-code or no-code development platforms. These platforms offer pre-built parts and drag-and-drop screens. As a result, users can build apps without deep coding skills. For context, many firms now fold these tools into wider digital process automation.

Unlike a traditional developer, a citizen developer has no formal degree in computer science. Instead, they come from many backgrounds. For example, business analysts, project managers, and other staff who know the work well often fit the role. In addition, they already understand the daily pain points an app should solve. So the tools they build tend to match real needs.

The relationship between a citizen developer and IT

Now you know what a citizen developer is. So how do they relate to the IT staff in a company?

A citizen developer can build apps without IT. Still, a close working bond between the two matters. For example, IT can guide security, compliance, and other technical points. Meanwhile, the citizen developer brings deep knowledge of the business process. As a result, they build apps that meet company needs and still follow technical rules. In short, the two roles work best as partners, not rivals.

Fostering a citizen developer in an organization

Give a citizen developer the right tools and support. This includes low-code or no-code platforms, training, and help from IT. Following best practices for security and compliance also matters.

Best practices for citizen developers

Here are tips for building a citizen developer culture in a company:

• Start small: begin with simple apps that you can build quickly and easily.
• Provide training: training programs give citizen developers the skills to excel in their roles.
• Collaborate with IT: involve IT in the process so governance and technical standards are met.
• Test thoroughly: test applications well to meet business needs and technical standards.
• Document the development process: record each step to improve transparency and future fixes.

Why should businesses invest in a citizen developer?

The idea of end-users building their own tools is not new. Still, more firms now see the value of citizen development. In fact, a Gartner report showed that most enterprises either have or plan to run active citizen developer programs.

A citizen developer brings many benefits. Here are the main reasons to employ one. In fact, many of these gains mirror the wider benefits of automation.

Better agility and faster time to market

A citizen developer speeds up how fast apps get built and launched. So teams solve business problems sooner. For example, a simple approval tool can go live in days, not months. As a result, companies can stay ahead of rivals.

Cost savings

Hiring a citizen developer often costs less than traditional development. Custom builds can be slow and pricey. As a result, firms lean less on outside developers and IT. For bigger projects, some still pair the role with outsourcing software development.

Innovation and empowerment

Citizen developers know their own team’s needs well. So by letting them build solutions, firms tap that expertise. For example, a sales lead can shape a tracker that fits the team’s exact workflow. In turn, this builds a culture of innovation and ownership.

Increased productivity

Citizen developers can automate manual steps and build tailored apps. So work flows faster across departments. This mirrors what firms gain from robotic process automation.

Improved collaboration

Citizen developers work closely with IT and other teams. Because of this, IT learns more about the business process. The result is better teamwork across the company. These shifts are part of broader digital transformation trends.

Investing in a citizen developer helps a business thrive in the digital age. With the right support, training, and teamwork, companies can empower staff and drive change. In the end, a citizen developer benefits the whole organization.

Frequently asked questions about the citizen developer role

What skills does a citizen developer need?

A citizen developer needs strong business sense, not deep coding skills. Logical thinking and curiosity help most. The low-code platform handles the heavy technical work.

Is a citizen developer the same as a professional developer?

No. A professional developer writes code and has formal training. A citizen developer builds apps with visual, low-code tools. Still, both can work on the same project in different ways.

What tools do citizen developers use?

They use low-code and no-code platforms with drag-and-drop screens. These tools offer ready-made parts and templates. So users can build apps without writing much code.

How can a company reduce citizen developer risks?

Set clear governance rules with IT from the start. Then review each app for security and data standards. Regular check-ins also keep quality high as more apps go live.