Overview

Devless is an innovative no-code app builder platform developed by Blackburn Labs to democratize app development for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations. Created to serve clients with limited resources who need simple, professional apps without the cost and complexity of traditional development, Devless empowers anyone to create fully branded mobile applications without writing a single line of code.

The Challenge

In the early years of Blackburn Labs, Chief Technology Officer Robert Blackburn encountered many clients who needed custom apps but had limited budgets or required simple solutions. Traditional software development agencies weren’t cost-effective for these smaller projects, creating a gap in the market for accessible, affordable app creation tools.

The Solution

Devless provides a 100% developerless solution with an intuitive interface that makes app creation accessible to everyone. The platform eliminates the endless hours typically spent on designing, managing databases, and programming functionality. Instead, its simplicity fast-tracks app development, allowing users to get their business apps to market quickly.

“We wanted to provide a solution to those clients for which it didn’t make sense to contract a software development agency like ours to build a ground-up solution. A number of users have found it helpful already, including a few healthcare organizations and the local non-profit organization, PRCRI.”

— Robert Blackburn, Chief Technology Officer, Blackburn Labs

Key Features

Versatile Content Delivery

Users can deliver virtually any kind of content through their Devless apps: videos, PDFs, images, direct downloads, contacts, and more. Students use it as a hub for projects, course creators deliver educational content, and businesses use it as a central knowledge base or directory.

Customizable Add-ons

Devless offers powerful add-ons that enhance functionality:

Tagging System: Apps often contain extensive content, and users need simple ways to navigate it. The Tagging add-on allows comprehensive categorization, helping customers find what they need quickly.

Guided Support: This feature enables users to create automated support guides with customized questions and answers. The system guides customers step-by-step to the information they need, perfect for online manuals, FAQs, directories, and courses. This 24/7 automated support levels up customer service while freeing up valuable time.

Use Cases

Devless serves diverse audiences across multiple sectors:

Healthcare

Medical centers use Devless to distribute clinical algorithms and connect patients with physicians. Notable healthcare implementations include Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the VISIT app, which provides resources for caregivers of people with dementia.

Education

Students and teachers organize class documents, schedules, Zoom links, and lesson plans in centralized app hubs.

Fitness & Wellness

Lifestyle and fitness coaches deliver training exercises, videos, schedules, and website links to their clients.

Business

Organizations create employee resource centers, training platforms, and company directories with policies and schedules.

Recognition & Growth

Awards

In 2021, Devless received The Excellence Award from Web Excellence Awards, competing against almost 1,000 entries from 35 countries worldwide. Expert judges evaluated projects based on creativity, innovation, functionality, technical execution, strategy, and implementation.

Media Coverage

• Rhode Island Inno: Featured for empowering small businesses with accessible technology
• MongoDB Podcast: Robert Blackburn discussed Devless’s evolution and MongoDB’s role in the platform’s scalable architecture (Episode 137: Startup Spotlight)
• AppSumo Launch: Partnered with AppSumo to reach entrepreneurs discovering digital products to build their businesses

Technical Architecture

Built on a flexible technology stack featuring React, Node.js, and MongoDB, Devless leverages MongoDB’s flexible architecture to evolve with ease. This foundation allows the development team to quickly deliver custom features and improvements to an ever-expanding market of small business owners seeking a “truly simple and developerless” app builder.

“Start small. Get something basic out there – don’t try to do it all at once… get that to customers, and let your customers start telling you what you need to do next. That is always the best way.”

— Robert Blackburn, MongoDB Podcast

Results

Devless has successfully served a diverse range of clients including:

• Healthcare organizations (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Athens Orthopedic Clinic)
• Non-profits (PRCRI, VISIT app for dementia caregivers)
• Businesses (Eclipse Shading Systems)
• Fitness coaches, educators, and individual entrepreneurs

The platform continues to grow, offering free plans to make app development accessible to everyone while providing premium features for users who need advanced capabilities.

Get Started

Devless removes the major roadblocks that come with building an app: no coding, no developers, no high price tag, no long waits, and no frustration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, educator, or organization, Devless provides the tools to create professional-grade apps and achieve your goals.