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No-code

No-code revolution: Next generation websites

September 19, 2024 1:15 PM
Power Talk
🇬🇧 English
Bratysława 1

About

Webflow and other no-code tools (Framer, Squarespace, WordPress, etc.) are a highway to quality and profitable websites. They rely on building blocks, adding visual dimension where the work is revealed in front of you with every click, which allows you to leave unnecessary code lines behind and create versatile products.

Direct customization opens space for more creativity, one-click changes, and lots of experimentation. Having a web builder that hides full development power behind a designer-friendly canvas is an ongoing revolution for design teams everywhere. The future of these intuitive tools paired with AI is to become the number one way to create and update in a wink.

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Talk by

Photo of Stefan Ivić, CEO & Creative Director at Broworks - Webflow Agency
Stefan Ivić
CEO & Creative Director at Broworks - Webflow Agency

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From the recording

Talk in brief

In this WaysConf 2024 session, Stefan Ivić, CEO and Creative Director of Broworks, explores the evolution and future of no-code web development. He traces the history of no-code from the early days of GeoCities in 1994 to the dominance of WordPress, Webflow, and Framer. Ivić highlights how no-code platforms empower marketing teams and organizations by offering real-time visual feedback, modular drag-and-drop components, and significantly faster project turnarounds. He compares the leading platforms, noting that while WordPress remains the most widely used, Webflow offers deep customization through class-based structures, and Framer provides a highly intuitive, designer-friendly interface reminiscent of Figma. The talk addresses the integration of AI, such as Framer's prompt-based site generation and Webflow's acquisition of Intellis, as the next logical phase of this revolution. Finally, Ivić emphasizes that while no-code saves up to 50% in talent and content update costs, a foundational understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript remains crucial for troubleshooting and building complex custom solutions.

Key takeaways

  1. 01

    The Historical Roots of No-Code

    No-code development is not a brand-new concept; it began in 1994 with GeoCities, which was later acquired by Yahoo in 1999, paving the way for WordPress to introduce CMS capabilities in 2003.

    Watch from 1:54
  2. 02

    Distinct Strengths of Leading Platforms

    WordPress dominates the market with pre-made templates, Webflow offers granular control using CSS-like classes and div blocks, and Framer serves as a highly designer-friendly tool with a Figma-like interface.

    Watch from 4:14
  3. 03

    Substantial Cost and Time Savings

    According to a 2023 Webflow study of 200 companies, transitioning to no-code platforms can reduce hiring and talent retention costs by up to 50% while accelerating content updates.

    Watch from 11:30
  4. 04

    AI as the Next Evolutionary Step

    Artificial intelligence is merging with no-code to enable instant updates and prompt-based website generation, with Framer currently leading this shift by allowing users to build entire layouts from text prompts.

    Watch from 8:29
  5. 05

    The Ongoing Necessity of Coding Knowledge

    Although no-code tools simplify development, creators still need a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to troubleshoot issues and implement highly complex animations or custom features.

    Watch from 13:28
Read edited transcript highlights

These concise notes were edited from automatic captions and checked against the talk structure. They are not a verbatim transcript.

From GeoCities to the Modern CMS Era

While many assume no-code is a recent phenomenon, its origins date back to 1994 with the launch of GeoCities. As the first true no-code development platform, GeoCities allowed users to build basic HTML pages without writing code. It grew to become the most popular website platform of the 1990s before being acquired by Yahoo in 1999. Following this, WordPress introduced its content management system in 2003, fundamentally shifting the web development ecosystem and paving the way for the sophisticated visual builders we use today.

Watch from 1:54

Choosing the Right Visual Builder

When selecting a no-code platform, developers and designers typically choose between WordPress, Webflow, and Framer. WordPress remains the global leader, powering nearly half of all websites due to its affordability and extensive template ecosystem. Webflow offers a more robust, class-based structure that allows for deep customization from scratch, though it carries a steeper learning curve and higher costs. Meanwhile, Framer has emerged as a highly intuitive, designer-friendly alternative that closely mimics design tools like Figma, making it an excellent starting point for beginners.

Watch from 4:14

Streamlining Collaboration with Visual Feedback

No-code platforms offer significant advantages for marketing and product teams by eliminating the need for constant developer intervention. Instead of taking screenshots, writing long emails, or using external communication tools to request changes, team members can now leave feedback and comments directly within the visual editor. This real-time collaboration, combined with modular drag-and-drop components, drastically reduces project turnaround times and allows organizations to manage their web presence independently.

Watch from 7:16

The Rise of Prompt-Based Web Design

Artificial intelligence represents the next major milestone in the no-code movement. While Webflow is beginning to roll out AI features following its acquisition of Intellis, Framer has taken the most significant leap by introducing prompt-based website generation. Users can type a description of their desired site into a prompt bar, and the AI will generate a complete layout. While these automated designs are not yet perfect, they provide an excellent starting point that helps creators bypass the initial stages of layout and structure.

Watch from 8:29

The Financial and Creative Benefits of No-Code

Major enterprises like Dropbox, Dell, and Philips are increasingly adopting no-code solutions for their marketing pages and corporate sites. A 2023 Webflow study of 200 companies revealed that switching to no-code can save up to 50% in hiring and talent retention costs, while also accelerating content updates. Beyond the financial benefits, this shift allows teams to redirect their energy away from repetitive development tasks and focus instead on creative innovation, unique brand experiences, and memorable designs.

Watch from 10:35

Why Traditional Coding Skills Still Matter

Despite the rapid advancement of visual builders, traditional coding is far from obsolete. Roughly half of the web is still built using traditional development methods, which remain essential for highly complex applications and bespoke animations. Furthermore, relying solely on no-code without understanding underlying technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can lead to roadblocks. To build truly advanced websites and troubleshoot unexpected platform limitations, developers must still possess a foundational knowledge of how code works.

Watch from 12:27
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