AI for Non-Techies

In this age of digitization and rapidly advancing technologies, businesses require solutions that allow for flexibility, enabling them to adapt swiftly to constantly changing market conditions.

One of the ways to achieve this is by adopting no-code solutions that allow companies to create and manage their own applications even if their employees do not have a technical background. Analysts predict that, by 2025, 70% of new business solutions will be created using zero or low-code tools.

Furthermore, given how explosively popular AI technology has become in recent times, there is also an additional need for it to be integrated into all sorts of solutions, to the point that the no-code AI solutions market is expected to reach $49.4 billion by 2033.

These projections bring up a very valid question. If AI solutions for non-tech-focused users are the future, what must developers keep in mind to succeed in this space?

Reinventing the Wheel

The development of AI has taken humanity into uncharted territory with ‘thinking’ machines whose functionalities can often be unpredictable even to their developers. This nature of AI will inevitably influence the development of software applications.

AI-based apps will rely on parametric interfaces that can evolve and adapt in real time, learning from user behavior and preferences. On the one hand, this is a good thing because, through this process, apps themselves can continually change to provide a more personalized experience, leading to increased user engagement and satisfaction.

But, on the other hand, this means a departure from conventional application design principles, as they would no longer be capable of accommodating the modern need for innovative solutions.

Instead of relying on the old-school style of applications, businesses will have to embrace a creative mindset, effectively ‘reinventing the wheel’ to craft their own interfaces that are not only functional but also intuitive and responsive. Otherwise, they will not gain traction among users.

Connecting AI Potential with Real-World Tasks

AI tools can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of work. If a business intends to develop its own AI solution, it must align AI capabilities with the specific tasks and challenges its employees face. Failing to do so means failing to maximize the benefits you can get out of this technology. In which case, why adopt it at all?

Before jumping into developing an AI application, make sure you have a thorough understanding of how the employee's work process is shaped – how tasks are received and how results are delivered. Firstly, the app must be integrated into the existing processes so your employees can get used to it. Only after they have adjusted to the presence of AI in their workflows, will it become possible to innovate the tool and make it more effective.

This process can be compared to how the icons on the first iPhones have evolved. Originally, they mimicked real buttons with volumes and shadows and then gradually became more minimalistic.

Ease of Use for Non-Tech-Savvy Users

To create an AI app that a non-technical user could find convenient, developers should design it in a way that feels like the person is interacting with another human rather than a machine. This approach would help foster a more intuitive user experience, making things simpler. Additionally, the interface must be adaptable and capable of quick changes to meet evolving user needs.

My advice here would be don’t be afraid to experiment. Traditional UI/UX design guidelines from the old world will not be of much help with AI tools. This means that to develop an app, businesses will have to conduct a fair share of research into the preferences of their intended users and conduct a lot of testing to find something that works.

The democratization of access to AI services is going to play a massive role in transforming the business landscape globally. No-code AI tools have the potential to empower businesses by making advanced technology accessible to non-technical users. The more convenient and tailored these solutions are, the more value they will bring to organizations.

By prioritizing user-friendly design and seamless integration into existing workflows, developers will be able to create AI tools that can truly revolutionize any workplace, making this technology a staple in everyday business operations.