Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps, or PWAs, are a relatively new technology that allows developers to create web apps that feel like native apps. PWAs are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but they can be installed on a user's device and run offline. PWAs are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a better user experience than traditional web apps and are more cost-effective to develop than native apps.
PWAs are designed to work on any device, whether it's a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone, and they can be accessed through a web browser, eliminating the need to download an app from an app store. This makes PWAs more accessible to users and more cost-effective for businesses to develop and maintain. PWAs also offer features like push notifications and offline functionality, which enhance the user experience.
PWAs offer users a more enhanced Web experience while maintaining familiarity with apps. These web-based applications provide an entirely new user experience that is superior to what can be achieved on traditional websites. PWAs are:
Installable—If a user revisits your website for the second, third or fourth time, they are given an opportunity to save it as an app on their home screen. Subsequently, this remains linkable; allowing for further sharing via URL.
Indexable —Your app is on display in browsers, and thus accessible to users.
Work offline—Once you have obtained the app and installed it to your device, users can read content from within without an Internet connection. No one will ever realize that their downasaur is running! Push notifications to enable them to receive timely alerts regarding new articles/products/news that appear – ensuring they stay current with any developments.
They cut down page load times—PWA-enabled websites can significantly cut down page load times and thus improve user experience.
Progressive—they will work for any user on any device, even with a poor Internet connection.
Source: Coredna
These are some examples of successful PWAs.
Telegram web app Spotify’s web app
Are PWAs the future of mobile development?
There's no doubt that PWAs are a powerful technology that offers a better user experience than traditional web apps. But whether they will become the dominant type of mobile app is still up for debate. On one hand, PWAs are more cost-effective to develop than native apps, which could make them a popular option for small businesses. On the other hand, some users may not be familiar with PWAs and may find them harder to use than traditional web apps. So it remains to be seen whether PWA will take over as the dominant type of mobile app.
No-code Development
No-code development is a trend that allows businesses to build web applications without writing any code. This is done by using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates that make it easy to create web apps quickly and easily. This trend is becoming increasingly popular among small businesses and startups that don't have the resources to hire a team of developers.
No-code development platforms provide a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for businesses to create their own web apps without the need for coding knowledge. This can save businesses time and money, and allow them to bring new web apps to market faster.
Just drag-and-drop solutions! An ideal no-code development platform provides all the functionality of HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript; yet even non-developers can jump in and start building with no knowledge of programming languages.
The scope and potency of what you can construct without coding vary greatly, depending on your selection of platform. Nonetheless, some of the most prevalent applications to emerge from no-code development include:
Back-office Harness, decipher, and implement data insights with bespoke back-office applications tailored in accordance with your existing operations.
Web applications Boost your online presence with highly functional, no-code web applications. Enter an age of no-code development and easily construct customized branding by integrating widgets, checkout functionality along with other features that are essential for modern business operations across all platforms.
Mobile applications Provide users with state-of-the-art applications, tailored to mobile experiences. No-code development platforms incorporate cutting-edge tools and components, making it easy for you to craft apps that people will desire to possess at all times.
Top 10 No-Code Development Platforms
Airtable.
ServiceNow App Engine.
Appy Pie.
Glide.
Softr.
Salesforce Platform.
Quixy.
Jotform Apps.
Souce: G2
User Experience (UX)
User experience (UX) is becoming increasingly important in web development. Businesses are starting to understand that providing a great user experience is essential for retaining customers and growing their businesses.
In 2023, we can expect to see a continued focus on creating web apps that are intuitive, easy to use and provide a seamless experience for users. This can include things like providing clear navigation, using responsive design to ensure the web app looks good on any device and providing valuable content that keeps users engaged. Businesses that prioritize UX will be more successful in retaining customers and attracting new ones.
A few UX Principles
User-centered design
Accurately crafting UX design is a process by which we must relinquish our expectations and ambitions when designing for users. The professionals' own preferences should not be included; rather, one ought to focus on discovering how users perceive the product and how they may experience its use.
Understand information architecture (IA)
Efforts toward an optimal information architecture are essential, as they lay the foundation for any subsequent wireframing or prototyping to occur. This step must be taken prior to generating any visuals so that designers can focus on prioritizing what is most essential, making sure it is readily accessible and caching away elements that users may not need at all times.
Usability first
By ensuring a high standard of usability, you are doing the most to benefit your users. This entails ensuring that tasks can be completed without undue difficulty and that the product functions as expected. It goes hand-in-hand with effective IA; if it cannot fulfill its functional roles then chances are the end result will not live up to expectations either.
As an example of listening to the user, we have Netflix, which introduced an autoplay trailer feature as you scroll through their media library—giving users quick insights into the movies and series they hover over. This particular autoplay feature was met with a great deal of controversy and debate.
UX importance for your business
With a great User Experience, your customers will return to your site, engage in more of your products, and tell their friends, family, and colleagues about your brand.
It’s time to start (re)thinking about your own site UX! Make it work for you and not against you.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in web development in some form, such as chatbots, but it is expected to expand in the future. AI is expected to be used in more sophisticated ways, such as personalization and optimization of the user experience, and even the automation of some of the development processes.
For example, AI can be used to provide users with personalized content and recommendations or to optimize website performance and user engagement. Additionally, AI can also be used to automate some of the development processes, such as testing and debugging, which can save time and resources for businesses.
So these are some of the trends for Artificial Intelligence in 2023.
AI and the Metaverse
The integration of AI systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a revolution in the creation of digital twins. These virtual representations allow us to model scenarios for their growth according to various conditions, thus giving an indication of how they will behave under external pressures.
Security and Surveillance
Biometrics are one of the most effective ways to confirm an individual identity, as their unique characteristics - such as fingerprints, iris patterns or even voice - provide a seal of approval that cannot be easily forged. Edge AI could prove invaluable in implementing this concept to simplify the process and reduce reliance on cloud-based services. Rather than requiring constant Internet access for authentication purposes, users can simply carry an embedded biometric data processing program with them at all times; it would hardly be out of place alongside other portable devices like a smartwatch!
Virtual Assistants and Chatbots
AI-based chatbots are designed to fully comprehend a user's needs and preferences, aiding communication at an intimate level. By providing person-to-person interaction, these tools facilitate access to necessary information in the most convenient way possible for its users; making their experience as seamless as possible.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are being used in various fields and web development is no exception. This technology is expected to be used for creating more immersive and engaging experiences for users, especially in the e-commerce and entertainment fields. VR and AR can be used to provide users with a more realistic and interactive experience, such as allowing users to virtually try on clothes before buying them or exploring a virtual environment. This can improve the user experience and increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
Source: Cylindo platform
Analysts contend that the rapid evolution in AR is attributable to the ubiquity of rapidly advancing technologies and tools within this pervasive immersive environment. With modern software applications for creating AR experiences and more advanced imaging apparatuses, such as smartphones or projectors, there has been an exponential rise in augmented reality development over recent years.
By 2024, it is projected that there will be over 1.4 billion AR device users; this figure has been steadily climbing for several years now. As of 2022, Statista reported a total of 1.07 billion people using virtual reality devices - iOS and Android-based (iOs: 745 million and Android: 330 million). By 2023, projections indicate an increase to around 1760 million users by 2024 (Source:Statista).
If you wish to discuss these or other trends that you might implement on your custom software project, our team of specialized professionals can address all your questions.
Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sources:
