Connected products open the door to powerful new digital features, services and business models, yet many companies shy away from making their products connected. Adding this extra layer of technical complexity also requires new skills, raises security concerns and brings up privacy issues. At the core of these digital transformation challenges lies one key enabler: the right infrastructure. Connected products require a real-time, reliable and maintainable architecture that bridges digital ecosystems and physical devices, without losing control over scalability, security or flexibility.

During the ‘Building the digital backbone of smart, connected devices’ webinar on May 20th, Dennis Daems, Chief Technology Officer, and Joachim Jansen, Senior Software Engineer & Project Manager, shared their real-world experience with connected digital innovation. Access the recording and summary below to learn how to approach this complexity with confidence and turn it into a competitive edge.

Watch the recording

Read the summary

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Today, nearly every product – digital or physical – connects to the cloud. But without a strong foundation, businesses can’t scale, stay secure or innovate reliably. This is where infrastructure as code (IaC) comes in. By managing infrastructure through code, teams ensure consistency, speed and resilience. Though invisible to end users, IaC is critical to delivering seamless digital experiences.

What is ‘infrastructure as code’?

Infrastructure as code (IaC) is the practice of configuring and deploying infrastructure, like servers, networks and databases, using code instead of manual setup. Think of setting up your infrastructure like building IKEA furniture. Even with a manual, it’s easy to make mistakes or forget how something was put together. Now imagine that you have a magic instruction book that automatically builds furniture exactly the same way every time you open the box. That’s what infrastructure as code does for your infrastructure. You write instructions once like a recipe, and the system builds everything the same way, every time. It saves time, avoids mistakes and makes sure everything’s built the same way.

End users may never see your infrastructure, but they experience the outcomes it supports when it’s done right:

• Sites that stay fast under pressure
• Services that recover instantly after downtime
• Products that scale smoothly without surprise errors

These outcomes aren’t the result of Infrastructure as Code alone, but IaC helps make them possible by ensuring that the underlying systems are consistent, reproducible, and easy to evolve.

Why it’s worth the investment

Managing infrastructure as code brings clear, repeatable advantages over manual configuration:

• Speed: Provision environments in minutes, accelerating development cycles.
• Reliability: Standardized configurations reduce human errors and environment-specific bugs.
• Scalability: Systems adapt to changing demand automatically.
• Traceability: Every change is versioned, auditable, and reviewed.
• Cost efficiency: Resources can be spun up or down based on need.

From bottleneck to accelerator

Before IaC, infrastructure was often a bottleneck: time-consuming, error-prone and hard to reproduce. With IaC, it becomes a scalable asset:

• Teams collaborate better with shared visibility into what’s deployed
• Development, staging and production environments can be created consistently
• Code reviews and version control improve quality and reduce risk

Even better, infrastructure setups become reusable and composable. Teams can build faster by borrowing proven patterns, while still customizing where needed. And because infrastructure is now written in code, all the benefits of software engineering apply: modular design, documentation, peer review, and continuous improvement.

When not everything needs IaC

Not every project requires a full-scale Infrastructure as Code setup from day one, and that’s okay. The key is aligning early on what the project is today and what it might become tomorrow.

For example, a more lightweight or manual approach may make sense when:

• You’re building a proof of concept (PoC) that will be discarded in a few weeks
• It’s a temporary internal demo, not intended for reuse
• The infrastructure is very minimal, and the team is using it for learning or visual exploration

But here’s the nuance: we’ve seen plenty of PoCs turn into pilots, and pilots into products. That’s why we always clarify with our clients early on: “Is this truly short-lived? Or could it evolve?”

If there’s any chance the environment will be reused, shared, or audited, then even a basic, right-sized IaC setup is worth it because it avoids hidden technical debt down the road.

Our rule of thumb?

If the setup is truly short-lived, internal-only, and unlikely to scale, be pragmatic. But if there’s any future ahead of it, even uncertain, we lean on infrastructure you can trust and repeat.

The future of infrastructure as code

Infrastructure used to be a ‘mystery box’ managed by a few experts. Today, it’s transparent, collaborative and accessible to all, forming the backbone of how we deliver better digital solutions together. Looking ahead, infrastructure as code will become even more standard practice, with customers increasingly requesting it as part of their digital transformation.

Looking ahead, IaC will become even more accessible and intelligent:

• Multi-cloud & hybrid-cloud setups will be easier to manage
• AI-assisted infrastructure generation will allow teams to describe what they want and let tools write the code
• Policy-as-code will make compliance and security checks automatic
• IaC will become a core part of internal developer platforms, enabling self-service for product teams

The future of innovation is digital and digital depends on infrastructure.

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Myth 1: UX = UI

When you ask people to define UX (user experience) design, you often get answers like “Designing clean, modern interfaces” or “Making things look good.” But that’s actually UI (user interface) design. Though they are closely related, UX is about much more than just aesthetics, it’s about designing the entire user journey, both digital and physical.

• UI = How it looks
  User interface design refers to the visual and interactive elements of a product, such as buttons, icons, typography, colors, tactile controls, ergonomics and overall layouts. It’s all about how the product looks (aesthetics) and how users interact with it intuitively.
• UX = How it works
  User experience design is about the overall feel of the product and how easily users can accomplish their goals. It involves research, usability testing, wireframing and interaction design to ensure a smooth, efficient and enjoyable experience.

A great example of this came up while we were developing Ordo Key. Initially, the focus was on look and feel, but user feedback quickly revealed that installers found the installation process unintuitive. This insight led to a shift in approach, prioritizing usability improvements to streamline the workflow, proving that UX is not just about aesthetics but about making products truly work for their users.

© Ordo Key

Myth 2: UX is a luxury expense

Thinking of UX as a “nice-to-have” rather than a critical investment can be a costly mistake. Poor UX doesn’t just frustrate users, it can lead to market failure, expensive updates and even brand damage. Some examples? In 2012, Apple Maps launched with inaccurate data, poor navigation and distorted 3D maps. This resulted in Apple’s shares losing 4.5% of their value, price tag: $30 billion. Volkswagen‘s touchscreen-only controls in the 2020s was widely criticized for being frustrating and unintuitive. In the end, the company announced it would bring back physical buttons. In 2018, Snapchat changed the app’s layout in an attempt to make it more user-friendly, but instead, it caused confusion and frustration. The company lost millions of users and stock prices dropped drastically.

If done right, investing in UX becomes a strategic move that generates significant returns. In fact, research from Forrester showed that for every $1 invested in UX, companies can see up to $100 in return. Or to give an example of the value of a product with a great UX, various analysts estimate that the value of Apple’s Airpod business is $195 billion. That is in line with the value of the combined Bel 20, excluding AB InBev (or about twice the value of AB InBev).

Another mistake is thinking UX requires a massive, time-consuming investment, while it actually can be delivered in small, focused sprints, building on a design roadmap defined in initial project brainstorms.

Myth 3: UX is subjective

Let’s set the record straight: UX is not about the designer’s personal preference or ‘what looks good’. It’s about what works for users, based on data and research. UX uses clear, actionable insights gathered from surveys, feedback and real-world usage data. You dive deep into how features are actually being used, identify pain points and understand frequent tasks.

To measure UX success, we rely on hard metrics like task success rate, task duration, NPS (Net Promoter Score), error rates and misclick rates, defined based on the company’s objectives. For Reynaers Aluminium, research was key in finding the right features for their online platform, DigiTrace. As a result, it’s now widely used, has received a lot of positive feedback and has become a key driver for data-driven innovation.

© Verhaert Digital

Based on a mix of human psychology, usability research, industry best practices and accessibility principles, UX also follows established standards. For example, by following common UI patterns and visual cues (affordances), users don’t have to “learn” a new interface, they can rely on what they already know without needing instructions.

Myth 4: More features = Better UX

Actually more correct would be: More features, more problems. Overloading an app with unnecessary features can overwhelm users, while they crave simplicity and intuitive workflows. In many cases, companies focus more on driving business goals and adding features quickly rather than understanding users’ true needs. The key to great UX is prioritizing the right features, and this starts with research before any development begins.

Alberto Savoia put it perfectly when he said: “You have to build the right it before you build it right”. A great example comes from our work with TEO. Their interfaces had evolved based on customer requests, leading to a variety of workflows and a complex architecture. Based on in-depth research, we helped them refine their design, streamlining features and creating a more structured, intuitive app. Another great example is from Loop. These earplugs are super popular for a reason: They’re a simple product that offers a great experience.

© Loop Earplugs

Myth 5: Users will figure it out

According to PwC, 32% of users will leave a brand they love after just one bad experience. That’s not very surprising. People expect products to be intuitive and effortless to use, and they don’t want to struggle or waste time trying to understand how something works. So the idea that users will simply ‘figure it out’ how to use it is a recipe for failure.

Take this door, for example. Would you push or pull? Everyone can recall the frustration (or embarrassment) of pulling a door that you should actually push open. In UX, we call this concept the ‘Norman door’, a design that confuses its users, causes errors or functions counterintuitively. It also highlights that UX goes far beyond digital interfaces and apps, it applies to the workflows of any product, service or system. These kinds of frustrations may seem small at first, but when they happen too often, it’s all the user will remember about the product.

Many companies assume they know enough about their users, but there’s a huge gap between being familiar with a product and being a first-time user. This can lead to poor decision-making because what seems obvious to the creator might be confusing or unintuitive for someone who hasn’t spent hours with the product. Thanks to the previously mentioned user research, UI standards and affordances, even a first-time user can use your product intuitively. Creativity is cool, but usability wins every time.

A strategic approach to innovation

The misconceptions around UX can seriously stifle innovation. When companies make decisions based on incorrect assumptions, they end up with products that frustrate users and fail to provide real value. UX is not an afterthought or a luxury; it’s a strategic tool that directly impacts user satisfaction, engagement, and business success. To truly innovate, companies should regularly challenge their assumptions and ensure they understand the real needs of their users. After all, developing a product that doesn’t offer value to the end user will inevitably fail.

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The misconception of ‘just an app’

Though you can digitalize a physical product by just adding an app, its potential value creation will typically remain very limited. True digital transformation is about creating a digital ecosystem, a group of connected tech tools that work together. If you don’t think about the whole system, you might not even realize what you’re leaving on the table.

The idea of a digital ‘ecosystem’ might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Their complexity can vary though. Often, digital ecosystems involve the interconnection between different systems, ranging from ERP systems to other IT operating systems to online platforms, external data providers, etc.

Put your smartest brains together to think about the potential of an integrated physical and digital value proposition, then develop a feasible development plan, and you can finetune your roadmap over time. For example, you can start by collecting data now and set up tools to analyze it later. In a later stage, you can then also use those analytics to improve the value to your customers as you develop your offering further.

Building the digital ecosystem

A solid digital ecosystem starts with data gathering, governance and connectivity. Once these basics are in place, you can shape the ecosystem however you need. Whether it’s cloud, edge, or a mix, and whether you need an app or an online platform, you can figure out what works best for your company at each step of the process.

The ecosystem needs to integrate seamlessly with your existing processes and systems, but it doesn’t have to be overly complex. To keep it manageable, start by defining system boundaries, identifying potential problem areas, and linking only the necessary parts. This approach avoids creating overly dependent systems that can be hard to manage.

Building a digital ecosystem is a team effort that brings together many parts of the innovation process. From mechanics, firmware and connectivity to data engineering, security, sales and operations, a multidisciplinary team is key to making it work effectively.

Exploring the business case, what’s in it for you

It’s no secret that building a digital ecosystem requires a significant investment. The rewards can be substantial though. It’s not just about making operations more efficient or cutting maintenance and production costs by removing unused components. Digitalization opens doors to new opportunities, like creating in-app services behind a paywall or shifting from one-off sales to subscription- or service-based models. These changes can unlock fresh revenue streams, increase switching costs and hence customer loyalty, and even new markets and customer segments.

However, it’s important to plan for ongoing costs. Maintaining networks, firmware and the ecosystem itself requires dedicated roles and expertise. Plus, implementing these new processes demands effort, from gaining initial customer buy-in to training teams on new workflows. Lastly, anything connected can be hacked, so ensuring state-of-the-art security measures and budgeting for them is non-negotiable.

Conclusion

The technologies driving digital ecosystems are advancing rapidly, just look at the leaps AI has made in the past year. By integrating these tools from the start of your conceptualization process, you unlock their full potential. Taking the leap may feel daunting, but the rewards are undeniable. Dive in, and you’ll always gain something valuable from the journey.

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How can you create new added value through outcome-based digital innovation? And when looking at software solutions, how do you connect devices to a smart, robust, and agile platform? In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance and requirements of data-driven insights. If you attended the Innovation Day of 2023, the next sentence will certainly ring a bell: data is a staple in making outcome-based innovation thrive. Why? Personalized experiences and increased intelligence are key attributes in this kind of innovation, and you can’t personalize without acquiring user insights. Let’s dive into the transformative process together!

Bypassing persistent obstacles

A wonderful example of outcome-based innovation: most medical treatments have been designed for the ‘average patient’. As a result of this ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, treatments can be very successful for some patients but not for all. Outcome-based medicine takes into account individual differences. It gives medical professionals the resources they need to target the specific treatments of the illnesses. During the Innovation Day, we showcased how we’re helping Cochlear accelerate its innovation roadmap with outcome-based innovation.

As a manufacturer of hearing aids, it continuously aims to provide all patients with a personalized patient-centered hearing experience. How do you do this when on the one hand, there’s not enough data to start building these solutions? And on the other hand, current testing methods are very time-consuming for both patients and healthcare personnel, who are already overextended and don’t give real-time insights into the ‘normal’ experiences of hearing aid users. Stuck in the status quo, Cochlear leaped into developing its mobile research app to conduct follow-up tests from home and a system to analyze and monitor this data.

Strategic foundations

As mentioned in the beginning, outcome-based innovation allows you to go beyond small incremental innovation. But that doesn’t just ‘happen’. Before you start discussing possible product features, you need to define your goals. What’s your dream product? Your ‘North Star’ to guide you throughout the innovation process? By detailing the different use cases of your ideal product, you’re mapping the key points of your digital innovation process. Spending sufficient time on your use cases is crucial to pinpoint potential risks and powerful features, but also to align resources, customer satisfaction, and compliance with user and regulatory standards.

Bad data, bad insights

So how does this relate to data-driven insights? Well, just like in any other innovation trajectory, you first need to properly define and validate what you want to build before you start building it. The key is of course to define the data range. Innovation comes from searching for and going beyond the borders of the current frame of data. And that means opening up data to a broader real-world setting, beyond the obvious setting. Take the case of Cochlear: they want to provide all patients dealing with hearing loss, with a tailored hearing aid. However, it could only move from incremental innovation by stretching the frame of data toward real-world settings. No easy job, since every patient has different needs and wishes in different environmental settings. Which information do you need for this to work? Patient histories, environmental settings, and different lifestyles, and hearing tests in those new real-world settings, all create new data.

Yet a greater database doesn’t necessarily mean more insights. If you don’t align from the start with the information you need to provide your service, you’ll create enormous waste in your data pools. Even if you want to learn from this data, it’ll be much more complicated and time-consuming to find trends in unlabeled data (it’s glorified trash). In addition, mapping the necessary input from the start allows you to combine input and eliminate redundant information, ultimately reducing the total cost.

Key takeaways

The path to groundbreaking innovation is paved with invaluable data. While AI and IoT form the basis of digital progress, the true differentiator lies in outcome-based innovation, as illustrated by Cochlear. A crucial takeaway from this innovation approach is the emphasis on data quality from the outset. Aligning use cases with necessary information prevents information overload and helps you avoid bad insights and unmanageable data pools. So your success will hinge on the correct use of data as the catalyst for transformative, user-centric solutions.

Interested in discussing this further? Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or the Verhaert Digital website!

But wait, there’s more! In Jente’s perspective we dive deeper into the untapped potential of AI in connected devices. Want to know more about the Cochlear case? Make sure to check out our previous webinar. Curious about other insights from our Innovation Day? Dive into the insights from a product engineering or strategic thinking perspective.

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Just as we explored Tesla’s strategic decision to independently integrate its software, another fascinating example in the mobility landscape is that of Cowboy. Their decision to integrate software and hardware positions them as pioneers in the evolving digital landscape of biking.

The advantage of being fully integrated on the software side will be a crucial differentiator in the coming years. – Tanguy Goretti, Founder at Cowboy

The power of software integration

Software integration, a strategy that is often associated with industry disruptors like Tesla in the automotive world, is a game-changer in the mobility landscape. Cowboy has embraced this approach, recognizing that software plays a pivotal role in the modern eBike experience. This means you bring software and hardware development in-house, enabling greater control and innovation, while competitors rely on third-party solutions.

So how are other eBike manufacturers approaching software integration then? The recent announcement by Bosch and their new premium subscription Flow+ serves as a thought-provoking comparison. Cowboy’s prior offering of similar functionalities through a subscription service for their riders demonstrated their early foresight in providing value to customers. In contrast, classic bike brands, locked within the Bosch ecosystem, might face uncertainty in accessing vital data and building meaningful customer relationships.

©Cowboy app with built-in Google Maps

Sophisticated suite of functionalities

To truly understand the benefits of software integration, it’s crucial to dive into the technical intricacies of this approach. Let’s take Cowboy’s eBikes as an example again. From an intuitive user interface to seamless connectivity options and user benefits, Cowboy can offer features like smart navigation, predictive alerts, crash detection, theft protection, direct bike support, online communities and profile building.

By developing these features in-house, you have full control over your offering, flexibility to adapt to new trends, build a direct relationship with customers and can learn from the data you collect. You can elevate user experiences to new heights, not just in terms of product capabilities, but also in terms of intelligent, user-friendly design. All this without relying on a third party to grant you access to these features.

Potential pitfalls and future developments

However, Cowboy’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges and risks. Software integration brings with it complexities in software and hardware development, resource allocation, and scalability. So any company’s ability to navigate these challenges through collaboration and multidisciplinary teams will be key to their long-term success.

That being said, this strategic move has already proven to be a crucial differentiator for many companies, positioning them at the forefront of the digital revolution. Speculating on what lies ahead, we can envision even more advanced features, seamless partnerships, and collaborations within the industry.

As we look ahead to an interconnected future, Cowboy’s pioneering spirit serves as an inspiration, not only for eBike enthusiasts but for anyone seeking to revolutionize an industry through the fusion of technology and innovation. Curious about the potential of vertical software integration for your business? Take a look at some of our projects or get in touch!

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As we delve into the importance of integrated software solutions and their transformative impact on the automotive industry, one prime example stands out—Tesla. Embracing software as a core capability and creating an ecosystem that incentivizes stakeholders to join their platform, Tesla has emerged as a trailblazer in redefining the driving experience. Unlike traditional hardware manufacturers, Tesla’s unwavering commitment to developing its own advanced software has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve.

In this context, let’s explore why Tesla’s decision to integrate its software independently, rather than opting for solutions like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, makes perfect sense and showcases the power of a seamlessly interconnected experience for users.

Integrating existing platforms

In contrast to Tesla’s strategy of independently integrating its software into the total driving experience, Google and Apple approach the automotive industry through their respective platforms, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These platforms are designed to extend the capabilities of smartphones into the vehicle‘s infotainment system. They allow users to mirror their phone’s interface on the car’s display, providing access to familiar apps and functions.

Both platforms offer a way for traditional car manufacturers to integrate smartphone functionalities seamlessly. CarPlay and Android Auto can be seen as solutions for carmakers that may not have the resources or expertise to develop their own advanced software systems like Tesla.

Questioning software as an add-on

While Android Auto and CarPlay offer familiar app interfaces and functionalities, the integration can sometimes result in a disjointed experience within the vehicle. These platforms operate separately from the car’s native software, potentially leading to more steps to access certain functions. In contrast, Tesla’s in-house software is tightly integrated, providing a more cohesive and seamless user experience.

Moreover, by incorporating CarPlay or Android Auto, car manufacturers give up some control to Google and Apple, as these tech giants dictate the user interface and user experience. Tesla, on the other hand, aims to retain full control over its platform and offerings, which aligns with its vision of being a leader in the future of the automotive industry.

In summary, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer a way for traditional car manufacturers to enhance their infotainment systems, Tesla’s decision to independently integrate its software allows for a more tightly integrated, cohesive, and advanced driving experience, aligning with their long-term vision for the future of electric vehicles and software-driven features.

The automotive industry’s perspective

Now, to gain further insight into the significance of Tesla’s vertical integration strategy in the automotive world, we turn to a revealing interview with the CEO of Ford. In this candid testimonial, the Ford CEO sheds light on why Tesla’s unique approach to integrating software and hardware is paramount in shaping the future of the industry.

Ford CEO Jim Farley explains why Tesla’s vertical integration strategy is everything and why it is difficult for legacy car companies to get the software right. “Even though it says Ford on the front, I need to go to Bosch to get permission to change their C-control software [in the car]”, says Jim Farley, CEO Ford.

@howtoactuallyinvest Ford CEO explains why Tesla’s vertical integration strategy is EVERYTHING #tesla #tsla #ford #evs #investing ♬ 10 minutes ・ Echo ・ Ambient ・ Meditation ・ Universe(952473) – Gloveity

How to thrive in this interconnected age

The automotive industry’s evolution toward integrated software solutions underscores a larger trend reshaping various sectors. The shift from standalone products to holistic, interconnected experiences is a defining characteristic of modern business landscapes, and its importance cannot be overstated. How can you seamlessly align with the demands of today’s interconnected world?

• End-to-end IoT solutions: Comprehensive IoT solutions will empower you to harness the potential of interconnected devices. Through customized ecosystems that seamlessly integrate devices, sensors, and data analytics, you can optimize operations, enrich customer experiences, and foster innovation.
• Custom software platforms: Customized software platforms can be the key to unlocking new levels of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. Whether you seek to streamline processes, offer personalized experiences, or enhance productivity.
• Digital strategy: Crafting a successful digital strategy is essential in today’s business landscape. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, from market analysis to user experience design, ensuring that your digital initiatives are aligned with your business objectives and poised for success.

Contact us today to explore how our suite of services, including end-to-end IoT solutions, custom software platforms, and digital strategy consulting, can empower your business to thrive in this interconnected age.

In conclusion, Tesla’s independent software integration has revolutionized the automotive industry, providing a cohesive and advanced driving experience. Their commitment to in-house software development sets them apart from traditional manufacturers relying on external solutions like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This vertical integration strategy has proven paramount in shaping the future of electric vehicles and software-driven features, giving Tesla a competitive edge and inspiring innovation in the industry.

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Customer relationships in the mobile app era

The growth of the mobile app ecosystem has been remarkable in the past decade, with new B2C and B2B apps being created and uploaded to app stores by the minute, with app downloads reaching billions. Your customers are mobile, and so is the way they’re managing their lives and businesses. If your business relationship with your customers hasn’t yet moved to the era of the mobile, then this is an upcoming transformation that you’ll likely need to go through sooner than later, as a company. You would undertake that not because it’s a fun activity that you can’t wait to commence but because it will result in tangible business benefits in the long run.

Overdigitization at the price of the human touch

In times of extreme digitization, it’s easy for organizations to get side-tracked and lose touch with their humanity – instead, focusing on app functionalities and features, speed, and other important digital KPIs that seem to be all the craze today. This is great, of course, if it doesn’t happen at the price of putting humans second. Companies must often pause and check whether they’re on course when it comes to human expectations, whether we’re talking about customers, suppliers, partners, staff, or other stakeholders. Not doing so can be a risky and expensive endeavor.

It might be that we’re building a robust new customer service app for them, but they’ve already moved to social media for getting help. Things are moving so quickly today that companies must not simply respond to trends – they must predict and make trends in their industries happen. That means that businesses must be open to incurring sunk costs and abandoning projects previously deemed important if stakeholders are demanding a different, more innovative approach. This level of agility is difficult to achieve, especially for larger corporations, but is the only way to ensure that your company doesn’t get left behind in a technological race with itself.

Getting the desired ROI out of business and enterprise apps

Even though so many consumers are downloading apps today, app retention is certainly an issue for many app developers and providers. Users download many apps but only keep those that they’re using regularly, if not daily. Even though mobile device storage is an issue of the past, users still need a good reason to keep your app in their mobile device app portfolio. Business and enterprise apps don’t need to meet the stickiness factor criteria that B2C apps are subject to, but they still need to provide value in terms of efficiency, productivity, and overall utility in helping users get things done and move their business matters along.

Staying human, while modernizing customer service, experience, and relationships

How can you improve your business app’s retention? Perhaps the most straightforward way is by focusing on the human: human interactions, or the customer relationship. Collecting app user feedback regularly and using it to constantly tweak and improve app features can make a huge difference in building a long-lasting impression with customers. Getting on top of app analytics to help you gauge the usage of certain functionalities is also key. When it comes to improving your business apps and making sure they’re used, it all goes back to the good old principle of ‘being a good listener.’

Loyalty programs transformed by apps

Many organizations have incorporated loyalty schemes within their mobile apps to help keep customers engaged, while also building brand equity. Such programs can help improve the customer relationship, while also improving app retention. The more personalized the experience and the rewards, of course, the stickier the loyalty scheme. How can you ensure you’re offering customers something of value? Again, analyzing buying behavior and app usage data can provide valuable clues as to what’s important for them.

We know that good customer relationships also drive revenue, so your app needn’t simply be a tool but can also act as a revenue driver if it’s built and positioned correctly. Although everything is digital today, let’s not forget that it all boils down to human constituents, even when it comes to B2B target audiences. How we treat them, via all customer touchpoints (apps, websites, customer service processes, etc.) has a sizeable impact on continued business success and is a driver that isn’t to be underestimated.

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Creating a secure, solid, scalable and connected digital product backbone requires a lot of expertise and effort. In this session, Pieter Zuliani, Operations Manager at Pegus Digital, covers topics ranging from device provisioning, data collection and dashboarding, to connection and mobile end-user interaction.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

 

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What’s the problem?

When developing a medical app, you want to maximize the targeted user group. In a market divided between Android and iOS users, this would mean that you either have to give up on one of them, or develop 2 versions of your app, nearly doubling development effort.

Hybrid development platforms aim to overcome this problem by offering a way to use a single codebase (Java, HTML5 or CSS) which is translated into both an Android and iOS app. The use of hybrid platforms is growing rapidly. However, these technologies come with their own drawbacks, as they don’t offer the same performance that native apps do. They e.g. don’t support all the design and UX features that a native app offers, and they tend to be slower.

Hence, the initial dilemma between cost and market reach shifts to a dilemma between cost and performance. Performance can be rated on: speed, security and user experience. A native development will be better, a hybrid development will be faster/cheaper, and in many cases ‘sufficient’, making the dilemma a hard nut to crack.

So how do you choose between the two?

There are a number of clear guidelines and arguments to guide the decision. However, the main challenge, as is often the case, will be to get a good understanding on subjective and uncertain elements in the comparison. For example:

• What’s the value of a slightly better user experience?
• What’s the required processing power?
• What’s our expected growth and user base?

Before going into details, I should add that the discussions on hybrid or native approaches are quite fanatic and that the support of developers for their preferred approach can border religion. The technology is also evolving rapidly, either dissolving advantages for native approaches or creating new ones with each new version. But a deep understanding of the app’s technical and user related requirements will be essential in the debate.

The following 5 elements should be investigated to compare both approaches.

Download the perspective to continue reading on the 5 elements to compare native and hybrid app development platforms.

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