Low-code platforms (such as Microsoft Power Apps, Mendix, or OutSystems) allow users with little programming experience to create applications by combining modular building blocks. From a Management Information Systems (MIS) perspective, these platforms are important examples of how information systems can be made accessible to laypersons.

To systematically understand what makes these platforms work, the method of design archaeology (Chandra Kruse, Seidel & vom Brocke, 2019) can be applied. Design archaeology extracts design knowledge from real-world artifacts by analyzing their components and the rationales embodied in them.

This thesis will use design archaeology to identify the core design components of existing low-code platforms. The results will serve as a foundation for future projects, for example the design of tools that allow laypersons to work with reinforcement learning in the energy and sustainability domain.

Methodology

Artifact Selection: Choose representative low-code platforms (e.g., Power Apps, Mendix, OutSystems).

Data Collection: Gather documentation, user interfaces, demos, and other publicly available artifacts.

Design Archaeology Analysis: Apply the analytical lenses proposed by Chandra Kruse et al. (2019) — examining artifacts from different viewpoints and along dimensions such as instrumental, symbolic, and aesthetic.

Component Identification: Extract and structure the key design components that enable application building in low-code platforms.

Optional Validation: Conduct expert checks (e.g., with platform users or IS researchers) to confirm completeness and clarity.

Expected Contribution

Academic: Provides a structured account of the design components of low-code platforms using design archaeology.

Practical: Establishes a knowledge base that informs the design of future tools for layperson-oriented application development.

Disclaimer

The Master's thesis is meant for you to show that you are able to work scientifically. Please keep that in mind. We expect you to apply scientific methods and to submit a scientifically sound result. Our role is to provide you with everything you need to succeed at that. We expect that you create a piece of work that is acceptable for a scientific conference, and we aim to submit it to one. A motivated student who works consistently on the thesis throughout the designated period can expect a very good grade. Details on the process and the format that we use to support you in succeeding with your thesis can be found here: https://cloud.uol.de/s/BHCRrqZ5NM4SfTg

Please submit your grade record, a CV, and three sentences explaining why you applied for this topic in any application. We will not respond to requests with incomplete application documents.