The modern world is filled with big data. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that developers use special approaches and solutions when creating modern applications. Among them, data-driven applications deserve special attention.
According to many experts, this will be the next breakthrough in the field of mobile development. However, if they carefully study the current trends in data science, users will see that similar solutions already exist. A striking example is programs created to interact with wearable devices. These are smart bracelets, watches, and much more.
Similar software developments may differ significantly. Therefore, developers have a natural desire to create a more attractive, original, and useful product.
Key Benefits
Not everyone fully understands why data-driven design is the key to creating successful, useful and popular mobile applications. To find out, you should take a look at a few of the main benefits of such solutions.
- Understanding user behavior. Designing such applications begins with collecting user data. This concerns their interaction, behavior, preferences. This information is valuable because it provides insight into how users use the app, what features they value, and what problems they encounter. If you understand user behavior, it will be much easier for the developer to make decisions, improve the usability of applications, and add the necessary functions;
- Objective functions. With access to such data, developers can effectively prioritize and implement features that users need. This is the most targeted approach possible. Therefore, every new feature and update will resonate with the target audience, increase engagement and influence satisfaction levels;
- User retention. One of the main problems for app developers is user churn. Many people download an app, use it for a while, and then delete it or stop interacting with it. Thanks to the data, you can identify factors that influence user churn. By solving problems encountered by clients, the developer will be able to regain the lost audience and reduce the likelihood of the application being deleted;
- Opportunities for personalization. Personalization can rightly be called one of the key factors for a successful application. Thanks to data-driven design, the developer has a unique opportunity to personalize the product experience for a specific user.
These advantages are obvious and objective. Therefore, many developers are now actively working to use data to create special mobile programs.
10 Helpful Tips for Designing Data-Driven Applications
Data collection is a relatively simple procedure. However, developing a high-quality and effective application based on data is much more difficult. To cope with this task, novice developers should consider 5 important recommendations.
The impact of data on customer service
One key factor allowing developers to create the best data-driven applications is understanding what information customers need. Therefore, in the first stages, it is essential to determine what data will be most valuable for the application.
For example, an application created for booking plane and train tickets will include information about destinations, departure and arrival times, and the best ticket prices.
Last mile rule
In the field of big data, “last mile” refers to the tools that can turn huge streams of data into useful information. Developers should focus on the following issues:
- efficiency of access when determining the needs for information and its use;
- applying the best solutions that can make the application simple, social, and understandable;
- using actionable data to enable customers to make smart decisions;
- conducting a prompt and effective campaign.
These recommendations will help developers move in the right direction.
Scaling matters
Modern data-driven applications must be able to access information in different formats. Gradually, the program may expand and require additional resources and opportunities for scaling and moving to other platforms.
The most successful software tools are those that will work with most formats, social networks, archival documents, cloud storage, and so on. Good apps work equally efficiently and comfortably on web browsers and mobile devices.
Majority opinion
A popular and profitable solution is to create a community around an application being created or already created. This is necessary in order to constantly develop, improve, and improve the program.
The opinion of direct users makes it possible to learn and understand what the application is missing, what components require improvement, and what solutions should be abandoned. Therefore, developers should pay attention to those who are consumers of the software product. This is a modern development trend that large companies and well-known developers support.
Gathering the necessary data
Creating an effective application should always be accompanied by the implementation of the most reliable mechanisms for collecting data. This can include elements such as:
- interaction tracking;
- preference;
- user behavior.
Thanks to modern tools such as Google Analytics or Firebase, information becomes much easier to collect, process and organize.
A/B testing
This is an important step towards creating an application of the required high level of quality. The essence of such testing is to create 2 or more options for functionality or design elements. Each of them must undergo special testing, which will involve different groups of users.
As a result, you can analyze the collected data and determine which of the presented options works better or is more interesting to the potential audience. The best ideas can then be implemented through the app. This will significantly affect the quality of the final software product.
Constant monitoring
Another important step in creating a database-based application is continuous and continuous monitoring. That is, data collection and analysis cannot be stopped even after the application has been successfully launched.
This approach to development allows you to monitor current trends, detect problems early and resolve key issues in order to continuously improve the project. The mistake many developers make is that once the application is launched, monitoring practically stops. This entails negative consequences, including a significant decrease in the popularity of the product.
Road map
It must also be data-driven. Your task is to develop a comprehensive plan for future updates and new features in the application. All this is done based on the information you receive from user data.
It is important to set your priorities correctly at this stage. Focus on improving the product and making it more responsive to user needs and preferences. This way you can constantly stay on trend, prepare timely updates and continue to grow the audience for your software project.
Cross-functional collaboration
Organize collaboration between all departments involved in design. Developers, designers, marketers, and data analysts should participate in this process.
Thanks to this approach to teamwork, more effective collaboration can be achieved and joint efforts can be directed towards achieving the desired result. Cross-functional collaboration is a guarantee that data will be taken into account at all stages and in all aspects of the development and further promotion of the application.
Key factors
Several key considerations make creating successful, efficient, and in-demand data-driven applications possible.
- Simplicity. The product should be simple. This concerns its external perception, that is, the interface and menu, as well as direct control. The simpler the program is, the higher the demand from a wide audience.
- Smart tool. Despite its simplicity, the application must be intuitive and useful. It must be able to cope with assigned tasks and perform specific roles in the hands of the user.
- Responsiveness. The application should be accessible across different devices, platforms, and operating systems. It is absolutely wrong to concentrate all efforts on creating a single-platform program. Developers try to release even the simplest applications for at least 2 mobile operating systems. The more accessible the product is to customers, the more the creator can benefit.
- Sociability. It is crucial to remember the importance of users in the development, improvement, and maintenance of the program. Therefore, the application must be open to users and the vast world of data.
Data-driven applications are the next step in development. Therefore, it is necessary to consider whether such a software product is needed for a company, organization, or other project.
The process of creating such software projects can be complex. However, many useful tools, solutions, and development methods exist that greatly simplify the approach to solving problems. It is important to understand what data-driven applications are, what they are for, and their goals. By understanding what the end user needs and how to take advantage of big data, a developer or company can create a truly high-quality, practical, engaging, and potentially profitable application.