Why we built a no-code agency: the inside story

Insights

No-Code tools are revolutionising creative design but the idea of building a digital agency purely specialising in this technology is still a very new concept for many. So just why did we decide to launch HLabs?

9th June 2023

7 min read

Written by Joe Batchelor, HLabs Editorial Director

HLabs visits Amsterdam for 3rd anniversary and has guest speaker Niccolo Miranda join in on the fun.

What does a successful No-Code agency look like? This was a question put to HLabs Founder and CEO Han Springett at a recent webinar hosted by one of our No-Code platform partners Vev.

A wide range of topics were covered so read on to find out some of the highlights or if you want to watch the original webinar in full, it’s available here right now!

Atlas Map Phone

HLabs adopts a mobile first design process whatever the content

This interactive 3D tour was created using low-code WebGL backend and Webflow front end.

First things first, what is a No-Code agency?

It’s simply an agency that chooses to build projects for clients without the traditional development workflow.

At HLabs, we specialize in interactive storytelling and we’ve become experts in a set of carefully chosen No-Code platforms that allow us to create and publish web content without having to write any code.

Using No-Code tools like Ceros, Readymag, Vimeo, Webflow and Vev, we create and publish immersive, long-scrolling web editorial and awareness campaign landing pages, as well as microsites and modular content like quizzes. We can then connect that content with a client’s existing CMS or host it somewhere else.

‍

NoCode Showcase GIF

Whatever the platform, HLabs prides itself in delivering creative excellence

Why decide to build an agency around No-Code tech?‍

There were so many angles that made No-Code a strong choice for HLabs. From a production perspective, it’s all about scaling quality at speed. Our unique selling point is that we can turn around projects quickly. Traditional web projects that would previously have taken months, can now be executed in a matter of weeks. Something a developer could do in a few weeks, we can now do with No-Code in a few days.

"Quick turnaround is our USP—with no-code, we have some time spans down to a couple of days, or even hours."

No Code Partner GIF

We have formal partnerships setup with each of these no code interactive tools

HLabs goes to Mag Culture

HLabs takes a trip for magazine inspiration to Mag Culture

Tom Archer Hero

From the first experience Han designed probono in 2020 we are still seeking content and stories that matter to us as a team.

How did you first come across No-Code technology?

My first interaction with No-Code was working as a graphic designer for an agency focused on print magazines and artwork. I was caught in the middle of that rush to digital, translating print assets into digital entities. My first No-Code experience was with InDesign plug-ins - mag+ all the way back in 2011, which focused on translating editorial content into the digital world. From there, I came into contact with more No-Code tools mainly working with publishers.

"From a production perspective, it’s all about scaling quality at speed. Our unique selling point is that we can turn around projects ridiculously quickly."

Tom Archer Hero

From the first experience Han designed probono in 2020 we are still seeking content and stories that matter to us as a team.

No Code Partner GIF

We have formal partnerships setup with each of these no code interactive tools

HLabs goes to Mag Culture

HLabs takes a trip for magazine inspiration to Mag Culture

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.