Building Codelessly - Project Update #4

Hi ,

It's been a while and I'm excited to share that we're focusing our efforts at Codelessly on building a design to code converter. Initially, Codelessly will support converting Figma designs to Flutter code.

Why have the existing design to code companies given up?

There are quite a few companies that started out with design to code but ended up with products that are less than usable. Why is this the case and what makes design to code so hard? Surprisingly, the answer probably isn't what you think.

Design to code is problematic for 2 reasons:

1. It is technically difficult and a lot of work. There is a large gap between design and code and bridging that gap requires building and solving a lot of problems. Taking shortcuts leaves us with a not useful product so we can't take shortcuts.
2. There are easier and larger markets. It is easy to get distracted by larger markets such as app or website builders. Companies that follow this route end up with a stunted tool that can only build basic apps and websites.

The technical challenge combined with a difficult market causes most companies to pivot and give up on design to code.

Here's how these conversations typically go:

Talking with Entrepreneur:

So, Codelessly can build my app? I'll give you $5000.

Oh, you want $10,000? Done!

Talking with Developer:

So, Codelessly can double my productivity and I'll have more free time?

Fine, I'll try it out but I don't want to pay for it.

Hopefully, this funny but all too realistic example illustrates why companies haven't solved design to code yet.

Here at Codelessly, we believe in solving fundamental problems and nothing is more foundational than design and code. That's why we're not giving up.

My goal is for someone who doesn't understand code to be able to use Codelessly and build UIs faster than I can, a developer with 10+ years of experience. If Codelessly can meet that benchmark, we'll cross the threshold of utility and have something truly useful.

So, how can you help us achieve this vision? Easy, please email me your thoughts! I make sure to personally reply to all emails.

Yours truly,

Ray @ Codelessly