Digital Adoption

The truth about no-code digital adoption platforms: Are they really no-code?

11 February 2025

Allen Garza

With workplace technology evolving quickly, organizations are prioritizing tools that make software adoption easier and more intuitive for employees. Many digital adoption platforms (DAPs) promise a no-code or low-code experience, claiming that anyone can create in-app guidance without technical expertise.

But here’s the reality: many of these platforms don’t fully deliver on that promise.

While they market themselves as no-code, user feedback tells a different story. Buyers often discover that implementing and maintaining these solutions requires technical knowledge, CSS tweaks, or even JavaScript workarounds. The result? Longer implementation times, hidden complexities, and greater dependence on IT teams.

If you’re evaluating a digital adoption platform, it’s important to look beyond marketing claims. Let’s break down why many so-called “no-code” platforms aren’t truly no-code—and why this matters for your business.

The hidden complexity of no-code digital adoption platforms

When buyers hear “no-code,” they expect a tool that anyone—whether a process owner, HR professional, or trainer—can use with ease. But in reality, many platforms require:

CSS or HTML knowledge for branding and customization.
Technical setup to properly tag elements and make guides work across different screens.
Advanced configurations that involve scripting or integrating with other tools.
IT involvement to troubleshoot element identification issues or adjust behavior on dynamic pages.

For teams that don’t have dedicated developers or technical admins, these hidden requirements create roadblocks, slow down deployment, and make ongoing maintenance difficult. Instead of empowering business users, these platforms force organizations to rely on technical specialists, increasing costs and delays.

Long implementation times & dependence on support teams

Another major challenge is implementation speed.

A true no-code tool should allow you to build and launch in-app guidance quickly. However, many platforms require:

Weeks of training before users can confidently create content.
On average 6-8 weeks or longer to fully implement.
Heavy involvement from the vendor’s support team to troubleshoot issues.

This defeats the purpose of a no-code platform. Instead of providing instant value, organizations spend months just getting started—often with extra consulting fees for professional services.

For companies that need to roll out new processes fast, this isn’t sustainable.

Why true no-code matters

If you’re investing in a digital adoption platform, you need a solution that works for your team—not just your IT department. A true no-code platform should:

Allow anyone to create and maintain in-app guidance without touching code.
Enable fast implementation, so teams see results in days, not months.
Reduce bottlenecks, so process owners and business users can manage content without waiting on IT.

Unfortunately, many digital adoption platforms don’t meet these standards.

That’s where OnScreen Guidance is different.

OnScreen Guidance: A truly no-code digital adoption solution

At OnScreen Guidance, we believe in keeping things simple. That’s why our platform is built from the ground up as a true no-code solution—one that delivers on its promise.

With OnScreen Guidance, you can:

Effortlessly create in-app guidance without typing a single line of code.
Get up and running in minutes, not weeks.
Easily maintain and update guides, no IT expertise required.
Empower process owners and business users—not just instructional designers or technical teams.

Unlike other platforms that cater to technical users, OnScreen Guidance is built for those who know the processes best. Our approach democratizes knowledge sharing, eliminates reliance on IT bottlenecks, and ensures that organizations can scale digital adoption efficiently.

When we say no-code, we mean it. No hidden technical hurdles. No surprises. Just an intuitive, powerful tool that works—right out of the box.

Final thoughts

Many digital adoption platforms say they’re no-code. But when you look at real user experiences, it’s clear that many still require technical skills, extended onboarding, and IT intervention.

Before you invest in a DAP, ask yourself:

Can my team actually use this without IT support?
How long will it take to see results?
Will I need to learn coding skills to customize or maintain content?

If the answer isn’t clear, you may be looking at a low-code platform disguised as no-code.

At OnScreen Guidance, we believe no-code should mean exactly that—zero coding required. Get started today and experience true no-code digital adoption.

Want to learn more? Schedule a demo or to see how OnScreen Guidance makes digital adoption effortless—without the technical headaches.

FAQs:

Are all digital adoption platforms truly no-code?
No. Many platforms marketed as “no-code” still require CSS, JavaScript, or technical setup for customization and functionality. This can create hidden complexities and reliance on IT teams.

Why does true no-code matter for my business?
A true no-code solution allows any business user—not just IT—to create, edit, and deploy in-app guidance quickly. This reduces implementation time, eliminates technical bottlenecks, and speeds up user adoption.

How is OnScreen Guidance different from other DAPs?
OnScreen Guidance is a true no-code platform. It enables teams to create and maintain guides without any coding, deploy within minutes, and reduce dependence on IT—delivering real value fast.