Josh Walshaw, Developer & Backend Manager at 6B, has shared the top five tech trends he expects to see throughout 2021 – from the enthusiasm for mobile-first solutions through to new digital innovations.
Last year certainly brought its challenges for businesses of all sizes, but whilst some struggled, others explored the advantages and opportunities that came from new ways of working.
For technology companies, demand increased as organisations were forced to implement a digital first strategy, with remote working creating a need to provide access to files and business critical documents online.
Some companies had to put new sales channels in place quickly, meaning that requirements to build eCommerce capabilities within weeks, as opposed to months, became the norm. Furthermore, as the country adapted, those that were first to recognise the benefits online could deliver, were also those that looked to innovate to get even more value and greater efficiencies from tech.
Mobile-first remains the way forward
There is very much a trend for mobile-first, now more than ever. While a mobile-first approach has continued to be a thing for the last few years, businesses of all sizes now want progressive web apps built solely for these devices, as opposed to the desktop experience.
People want to see how their content is accessible through mobile and everything else comes later. This has almost become a replacement for native mobile apps, as clients now understand they can get a very similar experience in the web.
As consumers will typically have access to a smartphone at any time of the day or night, it makes the device almost invaluable to a company. Some organisations are even moving away from websites altogether, instead looking at the functionality and user experience that a native mobile app or web app can deliver.
With stronger networks in place and better coverage, there is less need for multiple channels. It’s about communicating with prospective customers in a way that will resonate. There’s no point in having a website if the target audience won’t access through desktop devices.
Creating commercial channels
As well as considering mobile first, many companies have realised that digital tools can bring opportunities that would otherwise not exist, creating commercial channels that have not yet been explored.
As apps have become a way of life, business owners have started to consider how they can be used within their own organisations. For developers, this means that briefs are becoming increasingly complex in terms of technical ability and turnaround.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas are those that you can see being most viable, but that doesn’t always mean they’re any easier to develop.
