What I Learned from Entering a No-Code Hack: The Reflection of a Coding Dummy

It’s been three weeks since my boss, Georgia Halston, asked me “Hey, do you want to take part in the No Code Lab Super Hack next Tuesday?” To which I automatically replied, “Yeah sure, why not!”. It was only when she walked away did it dawn on me that A. I didn’t actually know what a hack was, and B. I couldn’t code to save my life. Que… professional freak out.  

But in the past three weeks I’ve had a lot of time to think about my experience at the event, and in particular, whether or not I would do it again.  

In short… yes, I absolutely would.  

What is the No Code Lab Super Hack?  

Before we get into my experience though, let’s answer the elephant in the room; what is a No Code Super Hack? 

The No Code Lab Super Hack is an 8-hour event where no-coders and tech novices work in teams to create solutions using software that require… you guessed it... absolutely no knowledge of coding. The solutions created ranged from software that promised to reduce the NHS’s energy usage through sensors, to a HR platform that combatted the loneliness of hybrid working, and everything in between. 

Once each team had created their solution, they then pitched it to a panel of expert judges who crowned the winner of the No Code Super Hack based on its innovative solution and a strong route to market. While my team didn’t win, it was hard to feel sad as the winners held up their trophy, as no one was going home empty handed. Whether you were taking away a no-code digital platform that would enable your business to get over a difficult hurdle, or just leaving with an eye-opening experience under your belt, it sure beat a day in the office.  

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work   

Okay now back to my experience at the No Code Super Hack. Full disclosure… I am notoriously bad with tech. As a Marketing Executive my talents lie in telling stories rather than creating digital solutions. Thankfully I had the perfect teammate, Taras Lanchev, (Founder & Chief Engineer at Erised) to help me through. 

One of the main aims of the No Code Lab Super Hack is to promote collaboration and community within the tech sector. This was made clear when all attendees were divided into teams containing no code experts and novices alike to encourage the sharing of knowledge between members. Taras was amazing at this, patiently walking me through the (easy to understand) steps needed to work the no-code platform, while also giving valuable insight into the larger no-code industry including the wider applications each solution could bring. 

Our No Code Creation  

To be entered into the No Code Super Hack, each team must produce a digital solution using a no-code technique. Oh, and the entire platform must be made while at the event. For a no-code novice like me, that was a pretty daunting challenge.  

Taras however took it in his stride. In just 5 hours he taught me and the rest of the team how to create a platform that would allow tech and digital start-ups to gain free publicity using our tech-focused publication, Tech Origin, while also being able to create flexible video-centric marketing materials for their business. They would do this by recording and uploading a self-scripted video onto the no-code platform, which would then be viewed and published to the site by the Tech Origin team. Not only dramatically cutting down the Tech Origin teams' work hours but also giving start-ups the freedom to record when the time is right for them.   

It was so good that Taras even managed to sell the framework to a fellow no-coder before we had chance to pitch it to the expert panel. Talk about a quick turnaround.   

Closing Statements  

After being plunged into the deep end of the no-code revolution with an 8-hour hack, there are two main positives that struck me about the industry.  

One: it’s ease of access.  

Speaking as someone who doesn’t come from a digital background, I’ve always found the tech industry to be a hard sector to break into, mainly because of the gatekeeping culture of many brands. I love how the no-code sector doesn’t subscribe to this culture, and in fact, many brands go above and beyond to include those who are not currently in the tech space.  

Two:  its application to the wider world. 

Because of its inclusivity, a greater number of brands and individuals can have access to digital solutions than ever before. With this access, an increase in innovation across all business sectors is not only inevitable but, I believe, will be performed at a faster pace.  

 While there will always be a place for coders in our industry, the no-code revolution represents an opportunity for advancement that would otherwise be out of reach for many brands. The No Code Super Hack perfectly encapsulated this with its teamwork focus, enthusiastic atmosphere, and chance to hone practical skills.  

So yeah, I would definitely go again.