Developing a mobile app for business? Factors to look at, before doing so

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Top 5 Mobile App Development Trends For 2023

Small screens are driving the World. Mobile Phones have transformed to “Smart Phones'' with the passing of time and amplifying tech innovations. Previously only simple applications like calculators, calendars, notes, and the like were embedded inside a phone, but now there are more elaborate applications that affect the enhancement of human life in all aspects. Mobile Applications of today are more interactive and packed with values. Since the Digital Revolution began, companies have found profit, bottling their values and services into compact mobile applications that can cover any Human interests from Education, Entertainment, Health, Wellness, E-commerce, Dating, Banking, and much more. The list keeps going on as mobile applications keep revamping with new Technology trends. 5 Latest trends that will be affecting Mobile App Development in 20235GInternet connectivity initiated the global digital revolution. It served as a base that linked people with Mobile and Web Applications and expanded their scope.The 5th generation of internet connectivity has been a trending subject of tech news, as this innovation is finally being released globally. 5G has enormous power to shift the trends of mobile application development. It is expected to be about a 100 times faster than today’s 4G internet connectivity, thus providing high bandwidth, high connection density, and extremely low latency. It will affect the precision of geolocation services and also extend the battery life of smartphones.This innovation will affect the enhancement of functionality of Mobile Applications as it provides a beneficial base to run them and sharpen other existing tech services that support Mobile Apps.5G subscriptions are predicted to reach 1,900 million by 2024. (Statista; Liftoff, 2020) and 20% of the world’s population will be using the 5G network by 2025 (Statista; Liftoff, 2020)Progressive Web Apps and On-demand AppsProgressive applications are Websites that behave like Applications. These are a hybrid between Websites and Apps and are more efficient than traditional Apps.These apps can be accessed by any web browser and save time by removing the installation process. They are fast, reliable, and engage more users, serving as a perfect base for businesses to launch their ideas into the Market. Packed with features but lightweight at the same time, they can run on weaker internet servers, save storage, and have a short loading time. These apps are generating more benefits for E-commerce businesses. On-demand Applications have gained a popular status in the current lifestyle of people around the Globe. These applications connect customers with different service providers and act as mediators between small businesses and their potential clients. The Number of On-demand Applications is predicted to increase with the upcoming years.Edge ComputingData in the current age is the most important driving factor behind all businesses. Edge Computing is the updated form of the Cloud, and instead of Centralizing data, unlike Cloud, this framework brings the Applications close to the data sources.Processing of data at the edge can generate business benefits like improving bandwidth and response time and enhancing insights, which in the long run can deliver unique Human experiences. The most important aspect of Edge is the assurance of security while transporting and processing Sensitive Data. Due to an increased risk of Cyber breaches, the inevitable demand for Data Security is well satisfied by Edge Computing. Applications that are backed up by robust Edge Computing services have the ability to drive and operate heavy IoT innovations, like self-driving cars and Automated Home Appliances. Cloud-based applications are more convenient to use, manageable, scaleable, and increase client reach. The market value of mobile edge computing is expected to reach $2.8 billion in 2027. (Meticulous Research, 2021)IoTs and Responsive DesignsWith the invention of the Internet, the world became a connected place. After connecting people, the Internet now aims to connect devices and ‘things’. Internet of Things or “IoTs” are objects with facilities like sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect them with the Internet and help them exchange Data with other devices.IoTs are mostly operated by Mobile Applications. Their unique no-touch interface can be controlled directly by smartphones. This Market is amplifying in its scope determining the future of mobile apps and is estimated to reach $1.6 trillion by 2025. - apexon.comAnother result of technology innovation is the wide manufacturing of wearable devices like smartwatches and smart glasses. Wearable Devices are prominently adopting wellness applications that monitor the overall health of the user hence newer scope of mobile Application design and development are rising.A transformation of structure of the existing device framework has also affected application development. With new foldable devices emerging, an app needs to be designed in a way that it can function with full potentiality in all types of interfaces. A responsive design thus needs to be followed while creating and shaping Mobile Applications. Technology Innovations  With all these factors influencing Mobile App development, a new series of fresh technologies have also been shaping the future of Smartphone Apps. Beacon Technology This technology was initiated in 2013, but just recently, it has been recognized as a strong potential tool for marketing. Beacons are small wireless transmitters that send signals to other smart devices by using low-energy BlueTooth technology. These signals contain data that can be turned into actions after being received and read by the smart devices. This technology carries a huge scope to improve geolocation and marketing services. Applications that incorporate the Beacon technology have a greater chance to increase user interaction and ultimately enhance the user experience of the related brand.   The market value of Beacon technology is predicted to reach $55,554 million by 2026, Worldwide. (Statista, 2020)Machine LearningFrom virtual voice assistants to chatbots and driverless Ubers, Artificial Intelligence has undergone a lot of development. It is considered to be an essential tool in developing seamless Mobile Applications, minimizing development time, and cutting down human programming errors.It can perform a wide series of tasks like analyzing data and creating design deliverables, UX designers use AI to improve the UX design process and enhance the user experience.Here is how Artificial Intelligence shapes Application Development- Data analysis - Power algorithms are constantly analyzing huge amounts of data and using the trends to predict what the User is looking for in a particular application. AI makes it easier to narrowly target users across extensive channels. Chatbots and virtual assistants - These AI assets make it easier to find information and resources quickly and efficiently, through human-like conversations. Chatbots have become an integral part of most online business presence, thus providing dynamic customer experiences.Virtual RealityVirtual Reality and Augmented Realities are the trendiest subjects of tech enhancement. These two technologies are redefining the nature of Reality. Applications, mostly E-commerce apps have been using them to deliver a more unique user experience. Newer experiences can be created by implementing these technologies that help in generating more application users. With everyone carrying a Smartphone in their pockets, Companies have diverted their market to the Digital Space which is perceivable by anyone holding these small screens. Mobile Applications have gained enormous popularity and are the virtual platforms of Global enterprises. Thus with changing trends, mobile applications whether it's Android or ios are likely to change in order to create newer experiences and adjust to new user requirements. Technology innovations are driving Mobile applications, influencing their Performance and Designs. BlockchainBlockchain is termed to be the most secure technology for Data protection and hence it can be operated into a number of applications from Healthcare to Banking. Its unique approach to decentralization of data removes most risks of Data breaches and thus the Applications that deal with a lot of sensitive data flow can implement the Blockchain Technology to avail maximum security. Want to know more about Mobile Application development like for e-commerce , food delivery, grocery, and more? Connect with Sundew.

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Glass Morphism and liquid design for next-generation UI

Glassmorphism for next-generation UIIf you take a footstep into the world of the latest web design trends, you may already have heard of Glass Morphism. Eye-catching and colourful, this aligned term trend evokes transparency and a multi-layered approach. With its resemblance to the milky glass surfaces, it has drawn a lot of attention.Hello Glass Morphism! There is a new design trend on the block that is gaining popularity rapidly. Vividly coloured backgrounds, seemingly translucent objects, frosted-glass effects, floating-in-space features are the ones that have driven the term ‘Glass Morphism’ which pushes the boundaries of next-generation UI.Glass Morphism is a term used to describe UI design that emphasizes dark or light objects, placed on the top of colourful backgrounds. A background blur is placed on the objects that allow the background to shine through the frosted glass.Elements and Characteristics of Glass Morphism Aesthetics“A Classy design that looks Glassy”- The design represents the picturesque layout of a “series of glass panels floating in the vertical space”. The name absolutely fits the looks and the effect, which is created based on an amalgamation that is made of transparency, vivid background colours, layers, and shadows.TransparencyTransparency is achieved through the frosted-glass effect by making the background blur. This needs to be done to add depth to the design and to establish verticality. The designers also blur the objects to give the layout a sense of perspective as if it appears like they were floating in 3D space.Multi-layered approachWith objects floating in space, the multi-layered interface projects a clean look that is also eye-soothing. This style works best with one or more transparent layers on a colourful and bright backgroundVivid and Colorful backgroundThe background colour plays an important role in highlighting the blurred transparency, which always focuses on being both colourful and subtle. Dull, low-contrast backgrounds would simply fade away under objects and the effect would be lost. It is also noteworthy that subtle, semi-transparent white borders are used as light borders on translucent objects to simulate the glass edge and to make objects stand out from the subtle background.Why has Glass Morphism become the talk of the design agencies? Glass Morphism is a modern UI design trend that’s steadily been gaining popularity in recent years. It is utilized in web and app design and is quickly becoming mainstream. But it isn’t a brand new idea as the style is strongly influenced by similar concepts that have been first introduced by Apple in 2013 with iOS 7. The trend re-emerged in November 2020 when Apple brought back the design effect with the latest update, MAC OS Big Sur.It has since been used by Microsoft and Windows Vista as part of their Fluent design system. If you remember the switch to iOS 7 and Windows Vista, you will recall how refreshing it was to view notifications popping up with blurred items against the background. This effect is known as “The Acrylic” and uses it on app surfaces to add depth and establish a visual hierarchy. The style has developed over the years. It has reinvented itself with modern fonts, shapes, and colours to keep things fresh. Let’s catch a quick glimpse of some of these examples to see why this trend is so popular.How to implement Glass Morphism in Web Design in Easy Steps?Picking the right layersWhile applying this latest trend, designers first need to go through the app mock-up or the website and select the ideal vantage point to reflect the head-turning glassy looks prominently. It is recommended not to overuse it. It looks eye-soothing over light and colourful backgrounds. The Icons over it must be designed tactfully and can be accessed from anywhere without any glitch. Whilst they are becoming more common, we recommend using the layers with great consideration. Implementing Glass-a-like looksGlass Morphism aims to create the illusion of a glass-like panel floating over a background. Setting the right grade for transparency is relatively easy with common design tools such as Figma. Instead of the entire shape, it is only the fill that is made transparent. If this jargon term makes you worried about the technical inefficiency of the designers, then you must not tear your hair thinking that non-technical designers can also comfortably bring on this effect by tweaking your HTML/CSS. To implement a glass morphism effect for your website or application, here is a CSS resource to check for and to Implement it directly. You can try multiple effects and how it is suiting as per the requirements. Adding dimensions to bring on realism in designAdd a fine border to your object and lower its transparency to make it look glass-like to give your design some dimension. A shadow underneath will give you a sense of depth and these are slightly more technical changes that need to be tweaked in your code. If coding isn’t really your forte, you’d like to incorporate this trend into your own web designColour pallets to choose from for a Glass Morphic effectMainly pale colours are used for surfaces. Colours that are close to white and grey with low chroma key. Choosing a soft colour is key to minimalist design in Glass Morphism. Here you can choose a vivid colour with different colour gradients for an anomalous effect. Here are the colour pallets to choose directly from for the background in glass morphism design.What is Liquid Design?The term "liquid" implies the smooth flow of the website into the space it occupies. If you are using a high-resolution monitor, this may mean that you need to resize your browser. If you have a low-resolution monitor, you will still see the information compactly.If you do Liquid Design right, you should be able to make your pages display on almost anything and still make sense to the user. But it’s not just about making a page with the browser window. The Principles of Liquid Design align with the principles of accessibility when you build your site using relative font units and percentage-based widths for common elements. This will make the user interface a lot easier for a portion of your visitors.Website design trends have solved the problem of multiple screen sizes in a few ways. One solution is fluid design and it is becoming more and more popular. Instead of fixed columns and widths, a fluid website is built on relative widths, grids, and percentages. This allows the website to scale up and down fluidly.Liquid Design concept is about making 'Web' a Better Place’The first thing you’ll need to do is to change the way you think about the Web. Throw away the idea of having your pages look exactly the same on every deviceStart thinking about accessibility issues as you designHold your head high as you are on the way to make the net a better place!The liquid design concept is about creating customer-focused communication that’s simple, clear & engaging. This design concept strategically positions the brand to make it stand out from the crowd and gifts it a brand new personality that resonates well with its audience. It delivers a delightful experience to make the customer come over and over again.What's the Difference Between Fluid and Responsive Website Design? You may have heard the term "responsive design" and now you're wondering how it makes a difference when comparing with fluid or liquid design.Responsive sites use media queries to control the design as it scales up or down on the device. They also have breakpoints and set containers, so you have different "breakpoints" for different screen sizes; extra small for mobile and large size for desktop. "A fluid site is responsive, but not all responsive sites are fluid."- Sam McKinneySo, now to be a little more technical with explaining. Many of these websites have very minimal navigation, moving elements on the homepage, and all use the entire width of the page. Seeing is believing! Words do these websites no justice. You have to see them in action to understand the difference and why fluid design is special.Any designer who seeks 100% compatibility should take the time to set up a fluid layout. The main challenge isn’t the excessive white space in large screen resolutions, but rather the small percentage of users with a small screen resolution. For websites with large audiences, it should have a neat and user-friendly design anyway, which can be done effectively with a liquid design layout.

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Tips to reduce high bounce rates for your website

When visitors are coming on a website, they expect to get all the relevant information about your services within 4-5 seconds. So in that little timeframe, the website should tell them about your offers, else they will leave. The rate or percentage of visitors that leave a site without viewing any other pages is termed as the bounce rate.  So a Website design can be improved to reduce the bounce rate, increasing the likelihood of visitors to convert into leads.The average bounce rates through websites are about 49%. That being said, the bounce rate that one should aim for if they are into an e-commerce website should be lower as the site is selling products not exchanging ideas.  Shoot to land between the 10-40%, apparently the lower the better.High bounce rates are the prominent sign that the company is losing their potential customers. While many factors can be involved, a common one is the design of a customized website. To reduce the bounce rate and retain more visitors on the website, try implementing these few tips:Focus on UI and UXGenerally, users’ experience includes a visitor’s feeling and easy navigation while they are interacting with your website. Creating a user-friendly site that looks great across all platforms and devices is the first step in the direction. Observe prudently how your users behave and what influences their purchase decisions. Remember it is the comprehensive feeling a user experience while using your website, so the whole thing is part of the user experience. So, UI and UX have a major role to retain your target audience.Use intelligent Pop-upsPopups often create a negative image of your brand and readers who are visiting the website gets annoyed when pop-ups arise every now and then. Various surveys show that 50% of users leave the website when popups come up resulting in increased bounce rates. So, be wise while deciding on the type of pop-ups one needs to employ in the website development. Consider how the user's first impression will be. Will it annoy them or will it be just what they need! Focus on the right timing and message which will compel the user to take action without being invasive.Amplify your CTA placementMajority of the users decide whether or not they like a website in the first couple of seconds. One of the reasons your TG might bounce from a landing page is because there wasn’t a CTA button inviting them to take further action. Optimize the landing page and describe what you are selling to make the call- to -action clear and intriguing. Messages saying “Get Offer,” “Start today,” or “Learn More,” triggers interest among the users and make them click and get directed to another page of the website. Reduce Web Page loading timeSlow loading time of pages is the reason for visitors abandoning your site without interacting with it. Thus one gets lesser than 60 seconds to get their message across to the user and leave them feeling educated. If your business can achieve this, social interaction will increase in turn decreasing your bounce rate further.Ensure that your website is responsiveThese days having a responsive website is essential because most of the target audience visit websites on their mobile devices. In fact, Google now penalizes business whose websites aren’t responsive. Ensuring your website is mobile friendly will not only save one from getting in trouble with Google, but it can also improve the high bounce rates. Above all else, keep your strategy simple with the goal of bringing your desired customer the finest experience on your site.  By following these tips you’ll be on your way to reducing your website bounce rate and enhancing your SEO! So if you are looking for a professional website designing company, then contact us, we design bespoke websites and other awesome digital marketing solutions that help to increase your sales and business. Get in touch for a free consultation!