NucleApp – Drag & Drop No-Code Mobile App Builder
Empowering anyone to design and launch mobile apps without writing a single line of code.
Overview
NucleApp is a no-code, drag-and-drop mobile app creation platform that enables users to design, customize, and publish fully functional Android apps — visually, without coding.
The vision behind NucleApp was to democratize app creation — allowing small businesses, educators, and creators to build digital apps effortlessly. The idea emerged during the COVID-19 period (2022), when fast online adoption became essential and many people lacked technical expertise or resources to hire developers.
We took on a complex challenge — how to make mobile app creation as easy as creating a form — and transformed it into a smart, visual builder that worked across both mobile and web platforms.
My Role
At that time, I was a Senior UI/UX Designer, responsible for:
- Designed the drag-and-drop builder interface.
- Defined user flows for app creation and customization.
- Built a scalable component-based design system.
- Created onboarding, editor, and preview experiences.
- Collaborated closely with developers for MVP delivery.
Project Goal
To integrate a mobile app builder into the SurveyHeart ecosystem with:
- Minimal development effort and rapid launch.
- A simple, intuitive drag-and-drop experience.
- Support for popular app types (business, education, services).
- Ability to preview, publish, and manage apps directly from web or mobile.
Challenges
- Designing for non-technical users new to app creation.
- Tight timelines and limited resources during the pandemic.
- Balancing simplicity with flexibility for multiple component types.
- Ensuring a responsive UI adaptable for both mobile and desktop.
Research & Insights
Target Users:
- Small business owners seeking digital presence.
- Educators moving classes online.
- Creators and freelancers building personal portfolio apps.
Research Findings:
- Users were comfortable with drag-and-drop tools (like SurveyHeart forms).
- Instant visual feedback increased confidence.
- Simplified, non-technical language reduced drop-offs.
- Templates and pre-built blocks improved user success rates.
Design Process
Information Architecture
Defined a 3-step flow:
- Start: App name, icon, and color.
- Build: Drag and drop components (Text, Image, Button, Form, List, etc.).
- Preview & Publish: Live preview and instant APK generation.
Wireframing
- Split-screen layout: left (component library) / right (live preview).
- Quick-add buttons for essential widgets.
- Drag handles and drop zones for intuitive interactions.
Visual Design
- Rounded, modular UI aligned with SurveyHeart’s design language.
- Real-time drag animations with placement feedback.
- Contextual action bars for quick customization.
- Clean white workspace with vivid icons for clarity.
Component Library
Created a reusable, consistent system of app blocks:
- Text, Image, Video, Form, Gallery, Navigation Button, Contact Section
Each designed for simplicity and rapid customization.
Preview & Publishing
- Real-time app preview inside the builder.
- One-click Android build (APK) generation.
- Reinforced user confidence — “I actually built my own app!”
Impact
- Successful MVP launch with strong positive feedback.
- Hundreds of prototype apps created in the first month.
- Increased SurveyHeart ecosystem value by adding a new product line.
- Validated a new no-code creation segment within our audience.
Key Learnings
- Drag-and-drop builders demand strong spatial and visual feedback.
- Prioritize clarity over advanced functionality in MVPs.
- Simplify technical workflows into natural gestures (drag, tap, preview).
- Collaborative design–dev iteration speeds up MVP success.
Outcome
Started in 2022, NucleApp tackled one of the toughest design challenges — transforming app development into a visual experience.
We successfully delivered both mobile and web platforms, turning a complex technical process into something anyone could use confidently.
This project strengthened my skills in interaction design, information architecture, and building complex creation tools that empower users to become creators.
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