Staying “Always Connected”
The biggest factor that will make headway in 2015 for user experience is Internet connectivity. This isn't just about computers, tablets, or smartphones, but rather, all types of products that can be connected to the Internet at all times. New devices will have the ability to send and receive data, display graphs on smartphones, and store it all on the cloud. Experts call this latest phenomenon the “Internet of things (IoT).”
The blurring between hardware and software
With the Internet now becoming more ubiquitous, a lot of software is now converting into web applications. Many can be downloaded for free through any mobile device or PC. For businesses, however, it makes it harder to appeal to customers because even competitors may be using the same apps. Thus, the true user experience for customer value may now boil down on who can create the better apps without the competition getting to it. Take the example of Apple and what they did with iPod and iTunes package using Device+Software+Internet+Content for their customers.
The rise of the smartwatches
This is one product that the user experience will see rise in 2015. The smartwatch is a device that features not only time and date, but also many other functions including web browsing, social media, and the ability to track user data by staying connected to the Internet and any user smartphone.
The coming of text-less communication
The biggest reason for the popularity of chat apps in mobile devices and even computers is the function that enables users to communicate just by sending icons or stickers. It has been noted that Asians, in general, love text-less communication. It is not because it is faster and simpler, but because it makes it easier to express their true feelings by showing the icon or sticker. This also is a new form of user experience that many users appreciate as it is slowly replacing costly texting and phone call bills. Of course, aside from being able to continuously chat without texting comes the ease of exchanging photos and videos without resorting to costly MMS.
Online services that can provide real experiences
If you think about some of the new and popular online services like Uber and Airbnb, you should realize that they provide a new type of real life experience. Just by using their services online, you can experience a new way to ride a taxi or stay at different places around the world. It feels like the technology has finally started serving its original role of helping people’s lives instead of taking them over.
Taking a closer look at these trends, most of these concepts are actually nothing new. Rather, most of these technologies were well developed almost a decade ago. However, by combining different technologies and platforms, these new trends are also providing new user experiences that may just make a great impact in 2015 or beyond.
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