The Future of Software Development | Build Software with NO CODE | with Michael Skelly from Stacker | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Stacker is a no-code platform that allows users to turn their spreadsheets into customizable software applications, eliminating the need for coding skills.

Key Insights

• 👶 Stacker's focus on solving real-world business problems separates it from other no-code tools that prioritize new product development.
• 😀 The platform's ability to transform spreadsheets into functional apps empowers non-technical users to take control of software creation.
• 🪡 Stacker's success in assisting Project N95 in creating a matching marketplace for PPE demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing critical needs.
• 👤 The user table feature in Stacker allows for efficient workflow management and gives users more control over data accessibility.
• 👤 Stacker's emphasis on deep understanding of problems and user needs highlights the importance of considering the human component in software development.
• 👨‍💼 By minimizing the reliance on extensive coding, Stacker enables businesses to focus on continuous improvement and rapid iteration.
• ❓ Stacker's hiring opportunities indicate the company's growth and the demand for talented individuals in various roles.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Stacker differ from other no-code tools?

Unlike many other no-code tools that focus on building new products, Stacker is designed to address existing business processes and workflows. It allows users to transform their spreadsheets into functional apps without coding skills.

Q: Can you provide an example of how Stacker is used in real-world scenarios?

One notable example is Project N95, a nonprofit organization that used Stacker to create a matching marketplace for buying and selling personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buyers and suppliers can interact through the app, eliminating the need for manual coordination and streamlining the process.

Q: How does Stacker empower non-technical users to create software?

Stacker provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to connect their spreadsheets (e.g., Google Sheets, Airtable) to the platform. Stacker then automatically generates a working app based on the data, which can be customized to fit specific workflows and branding.

Q: What benefits does Stacker offer to businesses?

Stacker enables businesses to streamline their manual processes, improve collaboration, and provide a better user experience. It eliminates the need for expensive consultants or lengthy development cycles, allowing teams to quickly iterate and make necessary changes.

Summary

In this video, the founder of StackHQ, Michael, discusses how StackHQ enables people to create software without any coding skills. StackHQ allows users to turn their spreadsheets, such as Google Sheets or Airtable, into functional apps that can be customized to fit their workflows and branding. Michael shares the origin story of StackHQ, how they started by helping an asset management company create software using low-code platforms. He talks about the limitations of traditional software development and how StackHQ aims to empower non-technical users to build and iterate on their own software solutions. Michael also highlights the success of Project N95, a non-profit matching marketplace for PPE, built using StackHQ's platform. The video concludes with Michael discussing the importance of understanding the problem and constraints before focusing on technology and inviting viewers to explore job opportunities at StackHQ.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is StackHQ's main purpose?

StackHQ allows users to create software regardless of their level of technical skill. It enables users to turn their existing spreadsheets into functional apps and online portals for team collaboration and customer interaction.

Q: How does StackHQ differentiate itself from other no-code tools?

StackHQ focuses on real use-cases that businesses already have, such as manual processes that involve multiple users and data interaction. It aims to connect people directly to the data to streamline workflows and eliminate the need for manual tasks like sending emails or making phone calls.

Q: Can you provide an example of a notable success story using StackHQ?

Project N95, a non-profit organization, successfully built a matching marketplace for PPE using StackHQ's platform. They were able to connect healthcare providers with suppliers and enable real-time updates and allocations of PPE stock. This project highlights the power of using StackHQ to create multi-user workflow applications.

Q: How does StackHQ cater to non-technical users?

StackHQ allows users with no programming knowledge to create software solutions. They can iterate and customize their apps based on their specific requirements without relying on developers or writing code. This empowers non-technical users to solve their own problems and optimize their workflows.

Q: What is the origin story of StackHQ?

The founder, Michael, met his co-founder Sam while working for an asset management company. They discovered the potential of low-code platforms like Salesforce to create custom software solutions. By working closely with different departments, they realized the need for empowering non-technical users to build their own software. This led to the development of StackHQ.

Q: What is the driving philosophy behind StackHQ's approach?

StackHQ focuses on understanding the problem and constraints before diving into technology. By prioritizing deep problem understanding and considering the human component, StackHQ aims to provide efficient and user-friendly software solutions. They believe in using the minimum amount of technology necessary to solve the problem effectively.

Q: How does StackHQ enable rapid iteration and improvement?

StackHQ allows users to quickly make changes to their apps based on feedback and evolving requirements. They can immediately implement modifications without going through a lengthy development cycle. This iterative approach enables continuous improvement and ensures that the software meets the users' needs effectively.

Q: What is the significance of the user table or user spreadsheet feature in StackHQ?

The user table is a unique feature of StackHQ that allows users to track and manage who interacts with the data and how they progress through workflows. It provides valuable insights into user behavior and helps in tailoring the app to meet specific user requirements. This feature contributes to creating a highly functional and customized user experience.

Q: How does StackHQ contribute to operational innovation in businesses?

StackHQ addresses the inefficiencies in operational processes where data is stored in spreadsheets and manual tasks are involved. By transforming these processes into functional apps, StackHQ enables businesses to automate workflows, eliminate manual work, and improve overall efficiency. It facilitates the smooth flow of data and communication between different departments and customers.

Q: What advice would Michael give to his younger self?

Michael emphasizes the importance of focusing less on technology and more on deep understanding of problems and constraints. He wishes he had spent more time understanding and solving the right problems rather than getting caught up in the technical aspects. Michael believes that the human component is as crucial as the technology component in delivering effective software solutions.

Q: What opportunities does StackHQ offer for job seekers?

StackHQ is currently hiring for various roles, including product engineers and product designers. They are looking for smart and passionate individuals to join their team. Being a growing startup, StackHQ offers job opportunities in different areas of the company. Interested individuals can visit stackerhq.com/jobs for more information.

Takeaways

StackHQ allows users to create software without any coding skills by transforming their spreadsheets into functional apps. By focusing on real use-cases and empowering non-technical users, StackHQ aims to solve operational inefficiencies and enable rapid iteration. The success of Project N95 showcases the impact of StackHQ in streamlining processes. Understanding the problem and constraints, rather than solely relying on technology, is vital in delivering effective software solutions. Job seekers can explore opportunities at StackHQ, and businesses can benefit from its user-friendly and customizable platform.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Stacker is a platform that enables users, regardless of their technical expertise, to create software tools and online portals using their existing spreadsheets.

• The platform simplifies the process of building apps, eliminating the need for defining a data model and allowing users to customize their apps to fit their workflows.

• Stacker is particularly useful for businesses with manual processes and data stored in spreadsheets, offering a more efficient and user-friendly way to connect people directly to the data.