Expectations from mobile apps continue to rise, including how they engage users with their level of intuitiveness. This domain of smart and user-convenient technology incessantly remains highly disruptive, often proving the most seasoned experts wrong.
2019 will persist to drive the trend of users getting more options and the leverage of choosing apps that suit their browsing behavior and smartphone usage patterns.
For Developers, 2019 will present some more app development challenges…
1. Simplicity despite Increasing App Complexities
This is perhaps best described as app developers getting a mixed app. While the need for ultra-smart apps rises, they are expected to create highly simplified interactions. It’s all about the user experience (UX).
Nobody wants a mobile app that tests their academic knowledge. Even today, simpler and customer-oriented web applications are in high demand. However, as competition rises, the focus on smaller UI elements will rise.
It is not always what makes the biggest impact when it comes to an app’s popularity. In this era of smartphones, users expect finer nuances of app behavior to be at their best, and to be more responsive.
An app might be expected to provide data clarity at par with devices used for military operations, but it is expected to function with the utmost simplicity and without grey areas. In-app interactions need to be de-cluttered, ensuring users are not overwhelmed, while the navigation should be effortless.
This one big trend is expected to define the ‘flawlessness’ of apps in 2019.
2. All-round App Capability Irrespective of Device Configuration
The mobile app marketplace seems overloaded, but there is categorization across apps meant for sleek laptops; and those which are relevant for specific smartphone OS only.
The wider the expanse of app user-friendliness, the higher is the expectation of it to function where a digital interface and web connectivity are available.
Additionally, the difference in mobile app accessibility or its range of functions due to variations in OS, screen sizes and resolutions are also expected to be eradicated. One can think of this as an omni-channel marketing campaign that is expected to work across all geographical boundaries including remotest locations.
Therefore, it seems almost mandatory for developers to design apps that offer seamless experiences across all web-enabled devices without any performance setbacks.
As more IoT devices become mainstream; the demand for digitally-enabled devices with advanced electronics, software, sensors, and electronics will only surge. This type of network connectivity will invariably include apps that work with less limitations.
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3. Rising Data Security Standards
Careful coding does not always have the perfect answers. Application developers are putting on more layers of security to ensure user credentials remain well-shielded.
However, the threat to payment details, contact information, and other confidential data are increasing. Interactive apps can be more prone to malfunctioning including unauthorized access.
As more personal details are sought to improve user experiences, App Development is also witnessing more threats from; but not restricted to; Cross Scripting, Phishing, Shell Injection, Session Hijacking, SQL Injection, Buffer Overflow, etc.
Many app-ready devices are now part of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem where mobile apps perform multiple functions in a day-to-day lifestyle.
As more IoT objects collect and exchange data often without upfront notifications, the game-changer in App Technology can be the key to ensure user data remains secured.
While traffic spikes and growth of data is every app developer’s dream, data security should remain the top priority.
4. Dancing to the “User Demographics” Tune
Some app stores require users to bundle their rich content into monolithic expansion files that often need running updates or downloading a newer version.
However, all users might not like this. Some users prefer their apps without the constant need to run updates; and frictionless interactions without a downtime. So, an app developer needs to map the users’ preferences and accordingly address such unique challenges.
Content delivery standards are also at an all-time high, across all types of users.
Mobile content management solutions are helping apps optimize bandwidth consumption, ensuring more reliably delivered content—true for nearly every app out there, including the ones being tested right now!
Users are getting increasingly curious about how app stores are using their data. The rising demand for this inquisitiveness demands 100% transparency. The choice of the app store and its reputation too will have some impact as to whether your app finds immediate takers in your targeted demographic.
Many apps don’t have a customer grievance setup, leaving everything to feedback that are sometimes never actively processed. Apps that are more conscious about user feedback and remember to get back to their community with appropriate resolutions are most likely to ride the popularity wave. Others may just get bashed on social media that could have a very negative effect on your app’s reputation.
Concluding Thoughts
This is not a final list for mobile app trends that are most likely to make an impression in 2019. We expect Service-oriented architecture (SOA) to be in greater demand as it boosts the scalability of servers. Cloud Apps and those with AI, VR or AR capabilities are expected to get bigger.
Accelerated mobile standards suggest global demand for lightweight pages. Gaining long-term readiness includes must-have future accessories like easy integration with wearables, while the demand for smartphone-only apps might soon dwindle!
All in all, Developers have loads of app development challenges on their plates when developing dynamic apps. They have to be ready to meet them head-on!
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