Technological advancements are the driving force for any kind of application development. Without new forms of technology and new ways for people to use them, applications will remain relatively the same. In order to create a successful and well-rounded application, it’s important to first gain an understanding of what people want, and how that can be delivered in a new and exciting way.
As an application developer, it’s important to appreciate that the subtle nuances of the market and stay one step ahead of the game. Here are 5 of the biggest influencers of application development…
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Wearable devices:
Wearable devices are a relatively new idea. The Apple watch is heralding the way for wearable devices, first introduced as a novelty, and from this has sparked a whole new generation of accessories and smart devices.
It’s undeniable that the market for these type of devices is currently being monopolised by Apple, but it has brought the potential for new and exciting devices to the table. Because of this new found market trend, app developers are going to have to consider creating user friendly applications which coincide with various wearable devices and accessories, whatever the future holds, it is clearly becoming more technologically driven.
M-Commerce vs. E-Commerce:
So, we have all heard of E-Commerce (online shopping), but M-Commerce is a relatively new phrase, brought about with the improvement of smartphone technology. M-Commerce is essentially the act of shopping online on a smartphone device. Industry experts have predicted that this will have overtaken E-Commerce by 2020. Interestingly, it’s been revealed that purchase rates are 50% more successful on a mobile that on a desktop.
This is thought to be because people have a higher purchase intent when looking for something on their phones – time is a big factor that needs to be taken into account, and buying something off a smartphone takes a fraction of the time and can be accessed from anywhere.
If a store has an online shop (it would be shocking if they didn’t), then it’s vital for them to capitalise on this new market trend, having an application makes for an even quicker and more trusted journey. App developers and retailers need to be able to collaborate to provide quicker sales and a more trusted method of online purchase.
Smart everyday objects:
Have you ever gone out and worried that you’ve left the oven on, or the iron, or wished that the heating was on and waiting for your return on a cold evening? All of your dreams are becoming a reality as the rise of smart objects are flooding into the mainstream market. The Dutch app developers, Nodes, are looking at ways to incorporate this tech into existing VR apps on the market already. Listen to what they have to say:
“Objects can now be controlled by smartphones and devices such as tablet and even wearable devices. Everything is becoming more technologically connected by the day, there are so many different variations of device that can be tapped into, whether that’s a television set, a home heating system or even a microwave.”
The general consensus is that the more objects that can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet, the easier and more futuristic life can be. By 2020, there will be 26 billion smart devices in circulation in the mainstream market, meaning that applications need to be developed and accounted for in the near future.
All of these different smart devices and objects are most likely being perfected and beta tested by engineers so they can be able to be controlled and manipulated by mobile phone applications.
UX design:
We are progressing into a techno-driven lifestyle as a society, as an addition to this, we are also becoming used to a higher quality user experience. It’s evident that we expect quicker loading times, easy navigation, and an aesthetically pleasing sites.
If you have a site or an app that has good user experience, then you are guaranteed for people to keep using them, or for more people to begin to use them. App developers need to design applications with the user in mind if they want to ensure that their work is successful.
Motion sensors:
Pretty much every single smartphone in circulation has location and motion sensors built in. If you have used any application or website on your smartphone, you will often be greeted with the message “this application would like to access your location”, this gives mobile app development and companies a lot of interesting information about the people who are using their app – where they are using it from, how many people are using the app in certain areas etc.
Analysing the data of how and where your application is being used, can really give an indication of how you can tailor your app to suit the individual. It can help to convert your information into better design and a better understanding of app development.
There are so many different factors that play into the hands of the future of mobile app development. Technology is the driving force of our society and everything else falls beneath and follows in its footsteps.
So if there are drastic changes in technology, there will be changes in consumer habits, and then there will be a necessity to have new and innovative application design, with the most effective and understanding user experience, which caters to both the individual and the technology that it is serving. With the progression of new technology and future trends such as AR, VR and AI, there is no knowing the bounds to which mobile app development will reach.
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