Low-code UX

Pega Platform™ is a low-code platform. Low code refers to an application-building development environment that, instead of traditional hand-coded computer programming, uses the following technologies:

• Graphical user interfaces
• Visual metaphors
• Form configuration

It is, primarily, an exercise in UX that Pega pioneered many years ago. It remains a large pillar of Pega core values.

The Pega Platform authoring experience occurs in specialized studios. The studios embrace low code, although each uses a different approach.

• App Studio is primarily for the following users:
  • Business analysts
  • Application developers
  • Front-end (UX/UI) developers
  • Data engineers

In App Studio, users sketch out the highest-level app concepts and add details later. 

• Dev Studio is primarily for experienced users in the following roles:
• Application developers
• Account admins
• Security admins

In the Dev Studio, users create many pieces through rule forms and connects them to form a coherent application. For the most part, users work from the bottom to the top, that is details first, then big picture.

1. Add value as fast as possible: App Studio is designed to get results while saving the time.
2. Reduce the number of concepts: Dev Studio has more than 200 rule types. App Studio has five key constructs.
3. Contextualize for user needs: Creating an integration in Dev Studio requires opening approximately six different rule types and understanding how the rules are connected to each other. App Studio has all the rule types on one page. 
4. Use defaults: Pega presumes that the fastest app creation method is to build on defaults, rather than start from blank values. With every new application and template, Pega apps use the following defaults:
   • Channels
   • Data objects
   • Roles with every new application (and templates).
5. Provide familiar tools and terminology: Dev Studio uses Pega-only terminology. App Studio uses industry-standard terminology, for example, harness versus page or rule versus object.
6. Push the boundaries of UX design: Pega believes that you can simplify anything, including highly complex technology such as machine learning and robotic automations.