Carol Blog

Do you know that more than 1 billion smartphone applications are downloaded every year? Mobile app development has certainly established itself as one of the most actively and innovatively growing sector. Currently the market is dominated by giants like Google, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. who have taken over almost every aspect including search engines, social media apps, and even gaming apps. Also, companies like Amazon, Bank of America and Walmart are extensively using smartphone applications for enhanced marketing and branding.

Listed below are some trends in mobile app development that will pave the future of the development of mobile applications.

1. EMM or Enterprise Mobile Management

This basically includes a set of processes, technology and people who use mobile computing for restructuring businesses. Some of the primary scopes of EMM include application management, financial management, security, device management, sharing and synchronization, etc.

2. APM or Application Performance Management

Under APM, the mobile monitoring and metrics tools has greatly improved the quality and testing assurance.  It provides the statistics of the OS and devices, makes application behavior visible, and also monitors the behavior of each user.

3. Innovation user friendly interface for Mobile use

For an effective user experience, there has to be an operational display of content and data on your mobile interface. As a result app development companies like Instagram, Houzz, Wunderlist, and Pinterest, have developed interactive interfaces and intuitive designs.

4. Location and motion sensing

Location sensing is available in in almost every mobile phone today and this is useful in Games, Geo tagging, fitness apps, Vehicle navigation, etc. Also motion sensing can be of great use as well for security, power saving, anti-theft, and games.

5. Mobile payments

With the rapid increase in mobile purchases the consumers are more likely to adapt themselves to m-commerce. The trend has already been started with Google Wallet and Apple Pay who facilitate purchases through mobile payments rather than credit or debit cards.

6. Connecting smart objects with Internet of Things

Several smart objects like toys, LED bulbs, sports equipment, domestic appliances, power sockets, medical devices, etc. are expected to be connected to smart phones through an application. This will allow remote access to any device with your smartphones.

Today the population of internet users is increasing and mobile applications have become one of the major sources for generating revenue for firms, especially for e-commerce businesses. But a recent study has shown that a minimum of 75% of internet users open an app but they do not return for the second time. Mobile app development is a lengthy process but nevertheless, it is important that along with mobile app design, its functionality should also be given equal priority by the company.

So, a checklist has been created for effectively meeting the expectation of customers while keeping competition in the view. It includes the following:-

1. Easy access to a website

2. Integration of social media

3. Quick response time for customer issues

4. Fast loading

5. Presence of brand across digital platforms

With customer giving due importance to the functionality of the various mobile applications, it is important to adopt the best practices in developing a mobile app and to create a better Mobile UI design for the customers. These are as follows:

1. Aim-oriented design – It is important to select a UI design which would serve purposeful of all users, this could be achieved by gathering information about the customer needs and preferences through online or offline surveys to meet the needs of the customers.

2. Easy to use – It is safe to use those design patterns which the customer is already familiar with and not new, fresh patterns which may confuse the customers.

3. Taking Feedback – Another important thing is to take feedback from the existing customers, to resolve the problems faced by the customers. A feedback can range from a simple beep or a complex model window.

Understanding the need and want of the target audience is another main aspect which can help in boosting the sale.

User Personas  - This states the impact which user personas will have upon forming an opinion about things.

User Scenario – It provides insight as to what will happen if a persona visits the company website.

So, you came across a very convincing personal development application and decided to give it a try. Or perhaps, you found it unsatisfactory and want to hire mobile app developers to build a personalized app, but don’t know how to proceed. 

One thing you must bear in mind is that most personal development applications make you give them the benefit of the doubt. Even if your quest for a credible fitness app leads you to one, not following instructions can prove disastrous. How then do you make the best out of your development app?

1. Set a well-thought out, clearly-defined goal

If you yourself are unsure of the results you want, then there’s no criticizing the application. Analyze yourself, weigh your options and set a realistic goal. Write down in clear points your short-term and long-term goals. If possible, categorize your goals, as in, weight-loss, weight gain, mood tracking, etc.

2. Pen down the required skill-set

Based on the specific goals you picked, think of the skills that will be required from your side to work towards your goal. These don’t have to be advanced expert level skills; just everyday skills that you can gradually grow upon as you like. For instance: running, meditating, etc.

3. Develop a custom plan

As they say, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Once you have set your goals and skills, evolve a suitable plan. Although you must set a standard and get out of your comfort zone, don’t go too hard on yourself. Develop a simple plan first; one that you are sure you will follow. Increase the difficulty subsequently.

4. Arrange your priorities

This might just come off as confusing, not knowing which plan to set before  another plan. That’s why having only a bunch of plans helps. Don’t worry, even if you have lots of plans, they can still be managed. Possibly put easier plans first on the list, because fulfilling them will give you the necessary motivation in initial stages.

5. Strategize activities

Now that you have set your goals, plans and priorities, half of your work has already been established.  All you need now are strategies on how to carry out activities to put your plan in motion. Search for activities that give quick results.

How Mobile Applications are Catching on in Salons and Barber Shops?

One certainly realizes the potential which the internet and the new technologies which have followed it hold for a business, but when it comes to a beauty salon or a barber shop, imagining such benefits may be tough. There is one technology entity which can really transform the case for such businesses and this is mobile applications.

Below are a few ways in which mobile applications can prove to be a value proposition for your barber shop or beauty salon:

1. Ease of appointment scheduling

Gone are the days when customers would come to your shop or salon and sit in waiting for their turn to come. They would simply walk off and having a mobile application dedicated to your store can help you have these customers book appointments beforehand, cutting down the waiting time and also helping you to manage the rush hours better.

2. Customer loyalty improvements

Having customers who can book your services through their mobile applications gives you the unique benefit of you being able to have them stay hooked on to you, luring them through sales promotional offers and other means. This increases the probability of the customers being with you for longer periods of time and helps you set up a loyalty base.

3. The power of communication

Beauty app development for your shop can be a great way to have customers know about what new offers and inclusions you have for them each month. Moreover, you can engage them with beauty tips and recommendations, which can further help your cause of keeping them with you.

4. Payments through mobile

Mobile applications give you a chance to really move ahead from the world of cash and become cashless for your customers. A host of mobile payment gateways can set you up to accept payments online, and lead to a swift revenue cycle management.