Too many organisations are focused on adapting current process to mobile, instead the focus should be to adapt to the people using them. This is one area where many enterprises fall short with mobile apps.
It is still not uncommon to find enterprise apps that are not user friendly. Where as consumer apps today are very user friendly with high design and user experience (UX) values. Employees have the same expectations in the workplace, and they demand that their enterprises apps have the same quality as their consumer apps..
Some of the latest trends in consumer mobile apps that are making its way into the enterprise app include:
- Augmented reality (AR) enterprise apps that can scan a conference room and tell you when it is available for scheduling a meeting.
- Conversational UX, which allows workers to talk with an app. This can be especially critical to mobile workers who are in the field and can’t use their hands to control the app because they are busy working.
Developing Quality Apps
Even with experience design and UX focused developers, there are several obstacles that prohibit delivering quality enterprise level mobile solutions. Many IT departments are under intense pressure to develop apps that net a positive return, but this can be challenging. Sometimes, apps that are deployed do not lead to the best outcomes. For example, developers must consider both present and future uses of the app in order to provide the best value for years to come.
At times, the failure to identify or invest in an enterprise app can be devastating. For example in the commercial real estate industry between CBRE Group and WeWork. Years ago, WeWork deployed a user-friendly mobile app for tenants, and it contributed to the company’s increase in market share. As a contrast, CBRE Group currently lacks this app, and needs to develop one in order to compete.
During the planning stages of an enterprise app, some teams fail to consider the costs involved in the project. There are aspects of development that can be time-consuming and complicating, especially if apps are deployed for multiple operating systems. This can be resource-intensive.
Achieving ROI In App Development
The right planning is key for achieving ROI on app development. Some developers fail to scale during an app project. An example includes adding more developers to a project. On the surface, this might seem like a benefit, but it might cause productivity to diminish. A better alternative to hiring more developer is to use the right kinds of technology instead. For example hybrid technologies allow deployment of one code base across iOS and Android.
During the planning stages, developers should follower the users around and consider their needs when determining the capabilities of the app. This includes making sure that organisations avoid “app fatigue,” which involves developing too many apps and complicating the employee experience. Otherwise you project will fail to deliver.
Speak to us and we can guide you through the process of app design, we even offer a free initial mini work shop to explore your enterprises potential app idea. Contact us here.