Paper Number

ICIS2025-2494

Paper Type

Complete

Abstract

Organizations have adopted low-code development platforms as they promise the quick, flexible, and inexpensive automation of processes. In stark contrast to these promises, both research and practice have observed the first instances of lock-in. The existing theory on low-code falls short of explaining how and when these lock-in effects arise. Based on a structured literature review and seven interviews, this paper proposes a conceptualization of the diverse mechanisms that lead to lock-in in low-code development. To achieve this goal, the paper employs system dynamics as an analytical lens to gain a deeper understanding of this emerging phenomenon. The proposed model can inform our understanding of lightweight IT, guide further research into the phenomenon, and aid practitioners in avoiding lock-in.

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13-DesignDevPM

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Dec 14th, 12:00 AM

Lightweight Shackles Still Bind: Lock-In Effects In Low-Code Development

Organizations have adopted low-code development platforms as they promise the quick, flexible, and inexpensive automation of processes. In stark contrast to these promises, both research and practice have observed the first instances of lock-in. The existing theory on low-code falls short of explaining how and when these lock-in effects arise. Based on a structured literature review and seven interviews, this paper proposes a conceptualization of the diverse mechanisms that lead to lock-in in low-code development. To achieve this goal, the paper employs system dynamics as an analytical lens to gain a deeper understanding of this emerging phenomenon. The proposed model can inform our understanding of lightweight IT, guide further research into the phenomenon, and aid practitioners in avoiding lock-in.

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