In the emerging trends, Internet of Things (IoT) is the most discussed technology that has impressed users across the globe by transforming the way they complete their daily tasks. As per Juniper’s recent report, the IOT connected objects, sensors, devices, and actuators are expected to reach over 46 billion in 2021(approximately.) Since a lot of new advancements will be experienced in ‘smart’ devices, apps and products, UX designers may experience various challenges while coping up their products and services with this technology. Read the article below to know about some current problems that every UX designer is facing while making products and services available for the future:

1.     Challenges While Designing the Application

It is important to keep in mind while creating IoT products that they are the dumbest versions of modern devices. Incorporating artificial intelligence and an argument for adopting the change are the two prime concerns that aren’t easy to resolve. Product designers may get stuck while crafting something that can work as per the main functioning of an application.

2.     Usability Concerns

IoT is automating monotonous tasks to enhance user efficiency and effectiveness. One of the biggest challenges a user experience designer faces is – IoT being in its infancy stage. Since no OEM has developed a product individually, most of the marketed gadgets lack usability. Another major constraint is that these products aren’t using traditional approach because the current knowledge and experience aren’t applicable at all. Gadgets can be only optimized and improved basis research, and it will take some time.

3.     Device Connectivity – Are We Prepared?

If IoT is the future, then it is imperative to consider that the future devices will be of no use if they aren’t connected to the network. Since the entire process works on transferring data without human intervention, it becomes a mandate for users to stay connected over the same network. Laptops and Smartphones facing network issues is quite common, what if your hundred dollars smart device also displays the same error? The biggest question is – are we ready for this? The answer is No. Developers will require discovering newer ways to handle such situations on IoT devices as they won’t be online all the time.

4.     Glitches – Something You Can’t Ignore

The IoT brings new and exceptional challenges for UX designers. We are entering the world where the poor web or mobile UX may survive, but the poorly functioning smart object with delayed experience could be problematic. A burnt toast or breakfast will never be welcomed with a pleasing smile; however, a delayed web page experience can be tolerated for some time.

5.     UX Should Be a Priority

While making products for the future, the user experience designing should be the priority because a single issue in the product or its features may ruin the entire experience. The principle for designing IOT’s product is – make it work, incorporate efficiency, add security, and bring on the innovations.

Conclusion

Working on the core principles of ensuring task handling processes faster and comfortable, the technology is creating endless possibilities for making everything connected over an app. Since many users may not adopt IoT empowered devices quickly, designers and manufacturers must incorporate certain features in them to compel users for choosing the smart devices over traditional ones.

In just the next 3 years we will see an unprecedented 90% of the cars fitted with some or the other form of connectivity platform. Combine this with the recent strides Google has taken to improve the performance of its driverless cars, and what we see is that IoT is moving up fast as a decisive influencer in the automotive industry.

What is the trend currently?

Automobile manufacturers have witnessed a growing opportunity in getting their cars connected on digital platforms. A Business Insider report states that there is an $8.1 trillion revenue opportunity in connected cars that will materialize between 2015 and 2020. Automobile manufacturers and policy makers have recognized that this opportunity extends far beyond the telematics and Wi-Fi systems on cars. Think smart sensors, edge computing, chargers, radars, lidars, and public transit surveillance.

What value will IoT provide to automobiles?

1. Enhance access – Imagine holding a hot cup of brew while your smartphone starts the car engine in the snowy season and lets it warm up? This is an actual use case applied by BMW with its ‘My BMW Remote App’. Even if your car comprises of technology not compatible with the modern day IoT, there is a solution to it. Services like SmartStart will ensure that your car stays connected with your smartphone. Your mobile device can also launch specific actions like start, lock, or locate your car with precise GPS coordinates

2. Enhance security – Today’s mobiles are equipped with best-in-class security and encryption solutions. This advanced degree of protection can also help keep your car secure when you are not near it. One example of enhanced security enabled by IoT is the use of NFC based car door locks. You can use the NFC feature of your smartphone to lock or unlock the car door by touching your phone with the door handle. Even when other family members or your friends will use the car, you simply need to provide access to their smartphones from your mobile device. You can check out TapKey to see a similar concept – using the app to convert the mobile phone to a car key for easy and secure access.

3. Enhanced hack protection – Solutions like Karamba Security make it easy for you to thwart unwanted hackers from entering your car’s system. Its electronic Control Unit (ECU) consists of a host of measures that integrate an enhanced level of protection by using your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports on the car. Even if someone tries to gain unauthorized access or install malware, an automated alert is sent to the car manufacturer.

Signing off

As is evident, the amount of value provided by IoT is substantially very high. This also makes IoT a major decisive factor in the strategies of automakers. And this explains the growing interest of this industry in embracing IoT and embracing it fast.

What other advantage can IoT provide to the auto industry? Do write in to us and let us know.

2016 is undoubtedly a decisive year for Internet of Things and Wearables. Both these technology revolutions happen to be the hottest in the tech arena today. While both these innovations have been considered and talked about individually until now, it’s time to see how they pair with each other. As both these technologies come together, we can surely expect exciting innovations to hit the consumer market as well as business landscape.

On that note, let’s find out whether both these technologies are at all complementing each other, and how wearable devices are revolutionizing Internet of Things.

Glimpses of the market trends

When it comes to wearable devices, users will come across numerous options. Activity trackers, smartglasses, smart watches, and embedded sensors are some of the most popular and remarkable devices in Wearables.

While some of these technologies are yet to grow and scale, most of them have successfully generated huge interest and excitement amongst users. According to reports published in Rackspace, nearly 18% of the population in UK and US are quite dependant on Wearables. That’s not all; a whopping 71% of British people and 82% of Americans claim to lead better lives because of these devices.

IoT and Wearable devices: Contending or Complementing

There has been quite a lot of buzz around the wearable technology and Internet-of-Things. Although wearable devices had some stipulated functions when they started off, things are quite different now. Today, wearable devices are no longer mediums to track fitness or see augmented views of the entire world around you.

The present times bring great opportunities for IoT. Enabling sensor-equipped things and devices to communicate with each other in actionable ways is the main idea. It’s here that present-day organizations require taking additional responsibilities.

Security will turn out to be a major concern, and it is up to the companies to decide how they will deal with the privacy or security issues.

Data analytics at its best

There is no denying the fact that Wearable devices will give birth to advanced data analytics. Businesses will have the golden opportunity to leverage this data, thus creating and providing customers with personalized products and services.

It’s not only the consumer markets reaping the benefits of IoT and wearable tech. Healthcare sectors will also experience some of the greatest advantages. With a more precise and comprehensive understanding of patients, healthcare sectors will offer targeted services.

What consumers have to say?

When it comes to discussing the consumer market, it’s highly imperative to consider both the forces. Since consumers are as important as the service providers, let’s check out what’s in store for them?

Both public sector organizations and government bodies are considering the huge potentials of wearable devices along with their impact on IoT. As far as users are concerned, the following stats will give you a crystal clear idea.

Almost 47% and 61% of wearable tech users felt intelligent and more informed because of this revolutionary union of IoT and wearables.

Signing off

With these developments in the tech arena, Wearable devices are undoubtedly taking Internet-of-things in the right direction.

Although IoT emerged as a concept a few years back, it was in 2015 that it reached unprecedented heights of success. From homes and workplaces to businesses and enterprises, connected devices and Internet-of-Things seem to be the buzzword. With close to 80 acquisitions in 2015, IoT has some of the greatest opportunities this year.

However, trends are expected to undergo massive shifts in 2016. Until now, businesses have been taking a keen interest in Internet-of-Things, but not all of them have thought about adopting it.

According to market predictions, 2016 will mark a new beginning for IoT. Entrepreneurs will make the ‘big’ move, thus implementing IoT solutions for their dream ventures. On that note, it’s high time we take a look at the top IoT trends, along with what future has in store for them.

1.      Transactional integrity and advanced data management

Internet-of-Things and connected devices will make operations easier than ever! Manual processes and operations management will take a backseat, thus making it simpler to maintain transactional integrity, construct services, and perform data analytics. With innovative technologies getting discovered each day, IoT will propel your enterprise towards unsurpassed growth.

2.      Data intelligence is important

Connected devices will lead to better data production and analysis. If the past few years have witnessed the rise of Big Data and Data Intelligence, 2016 will take it to the next level. Enterprises will put their best efforts to make the most of Big Data, by leveraging connected devices.

3.      Say ‘B’ for BlockChain

As an integral, crucial, and inseparable part of IoT, BlockChain happens to be of paramount significance. By increasing security and enabling integration or inclusion of less valuable devices, Block Chain makes device control and management a simple and easy affair.

That’s not all; Blockchain also leaves an impactful effect on network traffic alongside optimizing IoT. By reducing network congestion and ‘chatter’, BlockChain happens to be a unique trend to watch out for!

4.      IOT and Cognition 

Leveraging enterprise data will be the key to driving productivity in your company. However, unrelated and outside data can help your dream venture earn that competitive edge in the market. Identifying and analyzing social, weather, and language data might just prove to be the key differentiator for your business.

Simply put, it’s the capability of handling large data inputs along with the power to produce meaningful outputs that make all the difference. It’s here that cognitive IoT emerges as a unique and effective approach to make it happen.

As a bottom line, IoT will continue to revolutionize business organizations thus leading them towards unsurpassed growth and innovation. However, the trends will be quite different this time. Enterprises will no longer consider IoT as just a crucial technology. Rather, it will emerge as an integral part of their enterprise infrastructure.

What’s your take on this?

The above discussion brings us to a crucial question. With such advancements, transformations, and trends, the Internet-of-Things is heading towards revolutionary growth and development. As an entrepreneur, how will you adopt these changes and incorporate them into your existing business infrastructure? Do write in to us and let us know.

Tech innovations have revolutionized numerous sectors and industries. If done right, technology has the power to transform even your living spaces like never before! The discovery and emergence of iOT play a highly significant role in this context. By empowering home automation solutions, IOT promotes smart living in a unique manner.

So, what is it that helps Internet-of-Things drive innovation in modern homes? Let’s take a closer look!

Statistics speak

Reliable market stats and data offer targeted insights into the picture. According to what statistics has to say, a whopping 62% of individuals owning mobile devices nurture huge interests about home automation solutions and equipment.

It’s quite obvious that homeowners are aware of these systems, and more than eager to embrace them. That’s not all; future seems to have something great in store for home automation systems and connected devices. If statistics are anything to go by, every household will have at least ten connected devices by the year 2020.

With such predictions, there’s no denying the revolutions and transformations brought about IOT in home automation.

Comprehending the concept

With that quick look at market stats, it’s time we move towards identifying the ways in which Internet of Things redefines home automation. But before getting deep down into the discussion, it’s quite imperative to find an answer to the following question.

What is home automation?

The concept of ‘home automation’ refers to the integrated functioning of essential electrical and utility systems in a home. Highly functional and innovative home automation solutions integrate the operation of numerous systems such as heating, electrical, and security, thus helping them function as one cohesive unit.

Advantages and current market trends

Unified and on-the-go communications, centralized control, increased convenience, and cost savings are some of the crucial benefits of home automation systems and solutions. Perhaps, that happens to be an important reason for tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Samsung to enter into this space.

It’s here that we come across the crucial question. How is IOT transforming home automation?

IOT and home automation: why’s and how’s

When it comes to revolutionizing the home automation systems and solutions, Internet-of-Things relies on innovation and tech advancements. Some of the technologies utilized and leveraged by IOT include:

• ZigBee: Essentially a wireless technology, Zigbee ensures communications between connected devices. Homeowners will experience integrated functioning across numerous systems present in their homes.
• Z-Wave: With low-powered RF embedded chips, this particular technology allows and ensures remote controlling of numerous devices. Z-Wave is quite a popular and widely used home automation technology.
• Insteon: By leveraging regular power and wireless lineups, this iOT technology controls devices working on wireless connections and power lineups.

These technologies play the vital role in transforming home automation along with creating endless possibilities for IOT. Connected devices and IOT have reached new heights with the widespread use of these unique and innovative technologies.

Final word

In a world where tech innovations are gaining grounds at a lightning speed, IOT or Internet-of-Things happens to be a necessity. With home automation system manufacturers adopting it at amazing pace, the possibilities for both IOT and home automation are almost limitless.

Liked this blog? Got a view to share? We would love to hear you in the comment box below.

In news! IoT (Internet of Things) is emerging as the next mega-trend. GoodWorkLabs is a leader in this space, helping global clients build intelligence devices that interface with mobile apps and enterprise software. Our thoughts about the hot segment in the Mobility Magazine this month.

With the swift proliferation of mobile devices and connected things in everyday life, Internet of Things or IOT is gaining unsurpassed popularity in the industrial sector. Take a look around, and you will inevitably find most of the enterprises embracing the power of IOT. Tech leaders and IT experts are increasingly prioritizing IOT, and present-day businesses are carrying out crucial functions through connected devices.

Quite naturally, these aspects have transformed IoT into a new business revolution. With enterprises adopting this technology at a lightning pace, it won’t be long before IOT becomes the next big thing in the virtual arena.

Before we take a look at the aspects that make IOT special, let’s develop an idea about what it stands for.

Decoding Internet of things

The term IoT or Internet of Things refers to quite a few physical objects capable of storing, gathering, and exchanging data through the Internet. These physical objects or devices have wireless sensors that tap into internet connections, thus carrying out the process of data collection and storage.

·       At the business level, IoT ensures umpteen benefits for companies working with a customer-centric approach. The technology establishes effective communications between devices, thus making every moment of your life convenient and hassle-free.

·       As the result, businesses have the golden opportunity of performing data analytics, thus engaging their customers even more than ever.

With this, we arrive at discussing some of the unique aspects that make IOT a critical business need. Take a look.

1.     IoT is here to say

Unparalleled growth and development is what IOT aims for. And it’s here to stay. According to market predictions, there will be a dramatic surge in the number of connected devices by 2020. The number of connected devices might be anything from 20 to 50 billion by 2020. And that speaks a lot about the growth prospects of IOT.

2.     Cost-effective for businesses

By enhancing operational efficiency by quite a few notches, IOT ensures cost reductions for businesses. The surplus revenues can be channelized into developing innovative customer-engagement technologies, thus expanding growth opportunities for the business.

3.     Unsurpassed customer experience

Although IoT happens to be the acronym for Internet of Things, it’s all about users and services. The presence of connected devices can result in effective data analytics, thus driving innovations in enterprises. Another unique aspect of IOT is its capability to identify customer preferences and usage patterns. Businesses gain the opportunity of reaching out to their customers and offered tailored solutions.

4.     Innovative problem solving

Finding solutions to their critical problems is the best way to ensure customer satisfaction. One of the beneficial aspects of IOT is its power to solve critical business issues. If you are an entrepreneur, you can identify the severe issues plaguing your business, and try to address those problems with Internet of Things.

5.     Power of data production

IOT plays a vital role in business transformations. As the result, the technology yields huge amounts of data. Passionate entrepreneurs must devise perfect strategies for managing, monitoring, and analyze this data, thus obtaining actionable insights.

Final thoughts

Internet of Things is here to revolutionize the world as we look at it today. And these five unique aspects show us why IoT holds a special appeal for every
business establishment.