6 main elements of beautifully designed smartphone apps
The importance of mobile design really cannot be exaggerated these days. In 2014, 60 percent of web traffic came from a mobile device. That’s well over half, and more than enough reason to convince any sane person of the importance of mobile first design.But building a top smartphone app is tough. Contrary to what most people believe, beauty in an app isn’t about aesthetics; it’s about design. And to ensure a truly beautiful design, you need a concept, an execution plan, and a mobile app designer who is truly top notch.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps are user-centered.
Designers can get caught up in creating something beautiful, adding to their portfolio, or pleasing their client. But a designer should never forget who the most important person to please is: the user. User centered design is becoming increasingly common, but many designers still forget to put the user first. In the end, it doesn’t matter how beautiful an app is. If it’s not easy to use, no one will download it or keep it for long.Information should be presented clearly, navigation should be easy, and there should not be a ton of extra, unnecessary bells and whistles. Every app has a purpose, and in the end, that purpose isn’t beauty. Use beautiful design to enhance the purpose of your app, not detract from it, and you are sure to have a success on your hands.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps are simple.
Simplicity and user-centered go hand in hand, and the most successful apps make difficult tasks simple. Think about an app like Acorns. This app focuses on a task that seems endlessly complicated to most people: investing. Yet Acorns takes this complicated, involved process and makes it simple by investing your change for you to break down barriers for the average user.The simplicity of the actual app is enhanced further by the simplicity in its design. The app features a simple color scheme, clean white lines, and a uniform font and layout throughout. Anything, even investing, can seem easy with a design like that.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps use color creatively.
More and more apps these days are starting to have a signature color. Think Airbnb’s soft salmon, Snapchat’s bright yellow, or Skype’s light blue. These colors not only aid in brand recognition, but they also help keep some consistency as designs change over time. Not saying you have to rely on the same color for the entirety of your app’s existence, but it does help to pick a color that works for your concept. Different colors elicit different emotions, so check out a color chart and pick something that goes along with the vibe of your product.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps are eye-catching.
Think about Apple’s weather app versus the Yahoo weather app. When you open Apple’s weather app, you check the temperature, whether or not you need an umbrella, and maybe the temperature for later that night. Then you close the app without a second thought and go about your day. Compare that to the Yahoo weather app. It gives you all the same information that you can find through Apple’s standard weather app but you never want to close it. You could stare at it for days – it’s that beautiful.But it’s more than aesthetics (although those are beautiful). The Yahoo app allows you to do more than just check the weather; it allows you to see the weather. You get beautiful Flickr photos of whatever location you are in, plus an accurate depiction of what that place will look like when you walk outside right that minute. It just works.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps are designed for the right platform.
A lot of developers out there think you can just clone your iOS app for Android – in fact, it’s one of the most common Android development mistakes. Android is a completely different platform from iOS, and developers should recognize the differences in each so they can design their app for the right one. You don’t want to push iOS design standards on Android, and you don’t want to push Android design standards on iOS.Although Android is starting to gain ground, iOS has historically set design standards, so it is especially typical to see aspects of iOS creeping into Android design. If you’re developing for Android, unlike iOS, your lists should not have carets, your system notification icons should not have color, you should not use splash screens beyond the initial setup/introduction, and app icons should not be placed inside a rounded rectangle. Also, forget static tabs and do not place them at the bottom. These are sure signs that you are simply importing your iOS design.
- Beautifully designed smartphone apps are built considering potential problems down the line.
According to a report on app design, “Once a system is in development, correcting a problem costs 10x as much as fixing the same problem in design. If the system has been released, it costs 100x as much relative to fixing in design.” The best designers should be familiar with other functional layers of app building, and they will keep this in mind as they create their designs. It’s always better to be able to recognize problems sooner rather than later, so be sure to find a designer who has at least a basic understanding of functionality or programming.The journey may be tough, but it is possible. Whether you are building an app yourself or looking for the right person to build your app for you, it is a great first step to familiarize yourself with what you want and the steps you need to take to get there. If you are looking to hire someone else to design your app, however, you will need more than a list of elements. Things like having the right interview plan when hiring mobile designers will drastically simplify your search, and it also helps to be able to turn to someone who has been through the process before. Above all, don’t get discouraged – the right person is out there.
It’s all in the eyes. Security technology takes a bite out of car thefts.
As long as there have been cars, trucks, SUV’s or any other thing that has four wheels and drives, there have been auto thieves. Car companies have come a long way in theft deterrent and car alarm technology, but automotive thefts continue to occur everyday. As careful as one may be, it is still possible for your car to be stolen right out from under you.
Automakers have created many ways for your vehicle to be less tempting to auto thieves. Anti-theft devices have been in place for many years. Car alarms, key fobs that only enable the vehicle to operate when in the vehicle, and other devices are available to keep your car safe, but some say it isn’t enough. Even with auto disabling services like OnStar don’t seem to deter brazen thieves today. It can have an effect on the used car market with vehicles that are not always as secure.
Although most of the vehicles stolen tend to be older vehicles with less security features, thieves are wisening up to them and finding ways to “hack” the technology. One company thinks they have the solution to automobile theft. Voxx Electronics, which specializes in mobile technology, has paired with EyeLock to develop a system that scans the iris of those in the driver’s seat. This technology will only allow the vehicle to start if the driver’s iris is recognized.
The EyeLock technology will include infrared cameras mounted on the visor or dashboard that will scan and measure 240 distinct aspects of the iris, making it almost impossible for the automobile to be stolen. This feature will also be useful to companies who have fleets, so they can make sure the appropriate person is driving the vehicle.
Vehicle theft is down in recent years from 2 million vehicles stolen annually to 699,594 vehicles last year, but that is still one vehicle stolen every 45 seconds. This technology could save individuals on their car insurance as well as save their vehicle from theft. The technology is expected to be available for purchase within a couple of years as an aftermarket feature for existing vehicles, and to auto manufacturers in about four years for new vehicles.
Resumes in the digital age
We live in a big, rushing, digital world. Writing letters is something done for nostalgic purposes; a throwback to simpler times. School-age children aren’t even taught to read an analog clock anymore. Even the simple act of installing a landline telephone in your house is an antiquated ideal. However, in this digital world, where social media is the new job application, why are we still sweating over our paper resumes?
There are many ways in which to apply for a job these days, very few of which include going to a physical location, obtaining a paper application, returning it, and either waiting for a manager or anticipating a phone call for an interview. When layoffs were prevalent, people took to the internet to, not only, voice their frustrations but to announce that they needed work. Most of these social media posts were met with responses asking for that person’s resume or credentials and so on and so forth.
With sites like LinkedIn that allow you to essentially post your resume, along with a nice little blurb tooting your own horn, and any (or all) commendations you’ve received, has the job searching market changed? Has the advent of the digital resume, moved the eager cover letter or email with attached resume into the column of things people rarely do anymore?
As prospective employers, are we satisfied with only looking at a candidate’s electronic life or do we still want to see a hard copy of what they’ve done and where they’ve been? Does a well formatted, professional resume still have the ability to edge out the competitors the way it used to? This, then, begs the question as to whether or not the importance of a good resume is something that should still be taught to high-school and college aged children.
Most people of my generation will remember when typing class turned into computer classes. We learned about the home row, basic functions of the computer, and on those lucky Fridays, we were allowed to play Oregon Trail. In our studies, we were also taught how to draft a business memo, write a formal letter, and format a proper resume. As boring or tedious as it seemed back then, these lessons turned out to be quite important.
Recently, in assisting a member of the younger generation in his quest for the best job ever, he mentioned he had no idea how to even create a resume, much less a good one. Trying to walk him through the process was a nightmare during which he complained and stated he didn’t know why he needed one when his prospective perfect employer was just going to interview him anyway. In his mind, the act of creating and submitting a resume was an inconvenience, whereas in my day, it was a badge symbolizing adulthood.
During the days of my initial job search, in the adult world, a resume was of the utmost importance, including the stock on which it was printed. Today, however, little attention seems to be paid to the importance of the physical resume, but we’re forcing principles of the perfect LinkedIn profile on people left and right. Are we allowing this digital movement to replace what was once the standard for job searching?
There are still employers out there that request a copy of your resume when you submit an electronic application. The applicant attaches a file containing their actual resume, and then the waiting game begins. However, as we are completing the transition into this tech-laden world, are the employers even paying attention to the resumes they’re asking for, or is it a test to see if the applicant knows what a resume looks like?
An online resume on LinkedIn, however, has a hard time being padded or embellished, as most people are going to call a person out for fabricated information. In the days of creating the perfect resume, people occasionally fudged their credentials. One advantage of the digital age is that there is always someone watching, checking up, and correcting if the need arises. In this instance, does the ability to essentially fact check a potential applicant outweigh the fact that they can’t create a proper resume?
Another advantage of the digital age, is that employers are able to see if you’ve been deleting less than favorable employers from your resume. A great deal of people don’t update their LinkedIn profile enough or pay close enough attention to go back and delete their job history, thus allowing a potential employer to see if you’re a job jumper.
Whether or not the ability to create a resume is still a desirable skill is debatable, but what is not is the importance of longevity with a position, allowing for the development of important skills, and the ability to interview well. Today’s world of cyber-commuting and Skype interviews may be a new one, but a first impression is still the best way to sell yourself.
“Digital Resume” image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Do I need cloud hosting?
The top quality web hosting sites of today are using cloud hosting for optimal website functionality. However, though its use is becoming widespread, some business owners are still not exactly sure what cloud hosting is and why it’s beneficial. “Cloud hosting” is a buzz phrase that has taken the business world by storm, and for good reason.
To state it simply, cloud computing involves a means to store and access data through the Internet rather than a local hard drive. Everything happens remotely, or in the “cloud,” which is essentially a nickname for a remote server accessible via the Internet.
While your business may not need cloud functionality yet, chances are you will in the future, especially as the cloud continues to become standard across many industries. To determine whether or not you need cloud hosting, ask yourself these questions:
- Is my business data secure? When we talk about security, there are two different ideas to keep in mind. First, is your data secure from hackers and other entities that would exploit sensitive information for profit, potentially harming your business and your clients? Second, do you have backup copies of your data in case of loss or corruption? Data security practices are vital for any business, and cloud hosting services typically offer back-up services that help keep your data secure and intact, and allow for easy and convenient recovery in case of loss or corruption.
- Is your current hosting solution flexible? As your business continues to grow, you’ll require more bandwidth and digital storage space to handle the increased traffic. Your web hosting solution must be scalable to accommodate increased needs and prevent a disruption of service. With cloud hosting, such shifts are easily accommodated, and don’t require new hardware and upgrades like traditional hosting solutions.
- Is your executive suite tech savvy? Usually, CIOs and CTOs are the first to drive businesses to switch to cloud hosting. The stronger your IT team, the more likely cloud hosting will be a beneficial change for your business, because cloud solutions typically provide ongoing and cutting edge solutions for common hosting challenges. Your IT team or CIO should also be able to confirm your transition to cloud computing meets all data regulation requirements and expectations.
- Does your business rely on quick digital services? Traditional server hardware can be slow to respond, especially when compared to modern cloud-based hardware. If your processes require high speed delivery without compromising security, cloud hosting is essential. Latency is rarely an issue for high quality cloud services, due to the significant investments in hardware and bandwidth made by professional cloud service providers.
The benefits of cloud computing are significant for many businesses. Reliable cloud providers will protect your data and provide automatic backup services, which guard against data loss or corruption resulting from on-site disasters.
Whether you invest in cloud computing or select a traditional hosting service, it’s essential to partner with a reputable provider trusted for robust and reliable products. Cloud computing is a major business that’s also growing rapidly, poised to exceed $100 billion this year alone.
But if now isn’t the time for making the switch to cloud hosting and other cloud-based services, there are plenty of other viable options. Shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting are growing in popularity, due to significant performance upgrades as compared to traditional hosting options. As competition heats up in the online marketing sphere, website speed is not only important for creating a great user experience; it also represents a growing factor in search engine ranking algorithms.
When it comes to web hosting, don’t think of it as whether you should select shared, VPS, cloud, or dedicated hosting. Rather, assess your needs by asking the most important questions, and choose the right product for your needs; one that can scale with your business as it grows.
“Cloud Computing” image courtesy of Shutterstock.
2014 World Cup full of new tech advances
This summer, millions of people across the world will be watching the globe’s biggest sporting event. The tournament, which turns up once every four years, will be taking place across 12 cities in Brazil. All of this creates a platform where spectators will witness the most scientific and technologically advanced soccer tournament ever.
Players will have access to the latest and greatest technologies to perform at the highest level on the field, while fans will be more connected than ever before.
Vanishing Spray
June 12th marked the first day of the month long spectacle. It also marked the first day of a pretty cool product that can be used to mark a line that players have to stand behind after a foul has been committed. The spray, officially known as 915 Fairplay was designed to prevent players from moving closer than 10 yards when a foul is given. It gives a clear indication of where players have to stand, and literally “vanishes” from the field in a minute.
Goal-Line Technology
Another tech advance that spectators will notice when watching the games during this World Cup is the implementation of goal-line technology. With this advancement, the controversy to whether a goal has been scored or not should be all but eliminated. Designed by a company named Goal Control, referees will just have to look at their watches to make a decision, which indicate “Goal”, or “No Goal”.
Seven high-speed cameras are placed at each goal mouth to monitor the game. More than 2,000 tests were performed before the World Cup, successfully. Many are glad that this tech advancement has finally been added, due to the frequency of goals that should have been counted in previous tournaments.
Cleats
Each year, new advancements have been made to a soccer player’s cleats, which are their most important piece of equipment. Today, these professional athletes are sporting cleats that are not only sleek and stylish, but also packed with technology. Each year companies like Nike and Adidas are designing cleats that are lighter, so players can move faster. Adidas’s MiCoach is a chip placed in some of the cleats that can measure a player’s performance. The technology can track how far you gone, your average speed, and other performance measures.
Jerseys
Jersey improvements were also made, particularly because of the expected hot temperatures. In some cities, temperatures during a match may reach 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Jersey designer Nike took this into account by creating a jersey for its partner countries that is composed of 94 percent polyester and just 6 percent cotton. This design creates a comfortable feel for players, and includes the heat regulation properties of polyester—in hopes to make sure players can perform at their best.
For the Fans
Soccer is translated in a number of different ways across the globe. Yet, no matter whether you call it “Fútbol, Football, or Soccer”, fans will be more connected than ever to the world’s most watched sporting event. A number of new apps have been released to keep fans plugged in to this year’s tournament. Many are saying that the popularity of smartphones will make this World Cup the most connected and interactive tournament ever. Fans will be using apps to place bets, stream matches and interact with their friends and followers on social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Networking technologies: from launch to cloud
You might not realize it, but the history of networks goes back to 1973, when Ethernet was invented at Xerox. The “Blue Book” of Ethernet standards was developed in 1980, which paved the way for the internet as we now know it.
In the early years of the internet, new technology was developed that paved the way for cloud computing. InfiniBand is used to connect thousands of data centers, which has allowed for the development of cloud-based computing.
Standard ethernet procedures are still used for home and smaller networks. They are reliable, low-cost, easy to install, and have many manufacturers and are therefore readily available. The downside is that these networks are static and slow to adapt to changes. They are not the best networks available for the transition to cloud computing.
InfiniBand, on the other hand, delivers faster performance and less energy consumption. It is price-competitive and highly efficient, and is highly adaptable to the transition to cloud based computing.
Check out this infographic for an outline of the history of networks and how they have led to the creation and popularity of the cloud. You might be surprised how far back the history of the cloud goes. Share this infographic with your friends and colleagues and join in the conversation.
Infographic image courtesy of Profitbricks
Top image courtesy of dragon-hpc.com
5 technologies that casinos use to operate
Casinos have come a long way in terms of tech. Facilities that used to have a retro vibe à la Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas experienced a complete tech turnaround, updating both their games and other gadgets for the 21st century. In fact, casinos use some of the most high-tech tools around to defraud cheaters and recoup lost revenue.
If you’re interested in the sophisticated software and other devices found in casinos, then read on for their top operations technologies.
Slot Accounting Systems
Of the top five favorite casino games, slot machines share 61 percent for most played. It makes sense that casinos would place a stake in sophisticated slot accounting systems.
What are slot accounting systems, exactly? According to the UNLV Gaming Research and Review Journal, “The slot accounting software works similarly to the player tracking by providing detailed records of the gaming machines on the floor. The software allows casino management to keep track of the meter readings, which include the opening of the slot door, the jackpots and fills, and the coin in and coin out.”
The automated machine readings allow casinos to monitor the machine’s use so they can stay on top of machine failures and potential cheaters.
Non-Obvious Relationship Awareness (NORA) Software
Casinos have used NORA software since the early 2000s; however, the algorithms that power it improved quite a bit since the software’s inception. The software employs database tracking to relate individuals to one another. Multiple companies manufacture this software– NORA isn’t a brand of software; it’s a type.
It’s a technique that ensures there’s rarely a conflict of interest between a dealer and a player that could result in a scam. The technology, popularized mainly by casinos, is now used by the government and even IBM to guard against terrorism and financial fraud.
Facial Recognition Software
Facial recognition (FR) software hit the mainstream in consumer technology when companies such as Apple and Facebook employed FR to help tag and organize photos by face and name. However, casinos have used the tool a lot longer and for reasons other than sharing your image via social media. In fact, privacy is a huge concern for most casino patrons, so the technology is used purposefully and for nothing other than preventing casino fraud.
Peak Gaming Group reports, “At this point, [FR] computer software can quickly and accurately identify a person with only a one-in-a-thousand chance of error, and that’s just from a “glance” at one decent photo.” That means a casino owner could use surveillance footage to closely monitor the faces of gamblers to detect those who have previously conned the machines or dealers.
RFID-Embedded Chips
The chips you push on the casino table could have more weight than you think. That’s because many casino chips now feature RFID embedded inside. RFID stands for Radio-frequency identification. It’s a technology that prevents crooks from swiping chips for future cash and play.
No, the RFID chips don’t work like a GPS, tracking your every move, but the chips are tracked when criminals try to cash in. The device inside the chip acts as documentation of the theft, identifying the ripped off casino and the date of the theft, making it nearly impossible for the thieves to redeem them.
Other Technologies
Of course, casino technology doesn’t revolve completely around catching criminals. Like slot accounting systems, many other software and devices have been developed simply to promote ease of operation. From digital and video slot machines to touch screen table management, casinos leave no area undeveloped.
Companies such as Bally Technologies manufacture complete casino solutions. Signage, analytics, and accounting are all a part of a well-rounded casino tech strategy. It’s no wonder Chinese tech company Wirelessor moved its business to Las Vegas – it has been the secret Silicon Valley of Nevada for some time.
With all this invasive technology, the big casinos seem a lot like Big Brother. How do you feel about smiling for casino cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
“Casino” image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Want to hook up your iPhone to your car? There’s an app for that. Almost.
Imagine you’ve spent the last hour shopping in the downtown area of the town you call home. You’ve been walking around while listening to music, and now after having purchased the last item you set out to obtain, you head back to your car.
You’re in the middle of listening to a symphony and don’t want to interrupt your auditory experience. Forty-four percent of Americans who own smartphones own an iPhone, and you’re happy to include yourself in that group. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and as you approach your car, you wonder why you can’t simply connect your phone to your car and continue listening to that symphony while you begin your trek home.
But that will all soon change.
Introducing CarPlay
Apple recently announced the unveiling of its CarPlay offering, an infotainment system that embraces the future of the connected car, or automobiles that leverage the power of the Internet to enhance the driving experience. The system will be available in Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo vehicles.
Other car manufacturers like BMW, Ford, General Motors and Honda will have to wait a little while longer to be CarPlay compatible. CarPlay-ready models of vehicles made by the three partnered car manufacturers are expected to ship sometime this year.
Applications
In addition to letting users listen to music from the iPhone, CarPlay will allow them to make phone calls, browse their contacts, look at maps and more, all by talking with Siri.
“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” explains Greg Joswiak of Apple. “iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips, and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction.”
Cost and Availability
It’s not yet precisely evident just how much such a system will cost to end users, but generally speaking, those who have to tighten their belts because of their current financial situation might want to hold off on immediately acquiring the equipment themselves, or better yet, luck out and find it in an affordable used vehicle sometime in the future.
As for the iPhone itself, integration with CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7. The bad news for users of “antiquated” versions of the iPhone is that the technology is only compatible with an iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s.
Marketability
Apple’s dive into the connected car market shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention of that particular segment of the market. According to Juniper Research, there will be nearly 100 million connected cars by the year 2016 and other research indicates that the global connected car market could swell to as much as $131.9 billion by 2019. It makes sense that the Cupertino, California based company would try to claim as big a chunk of that market as early as it can.
How the market ends up turning out in the near future remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain. As more and more connected cars populate our roads, the driving experience is bound to be transformed. With the potential for driverless cars, significantly reduced frequency of accidents and robust on-demand entertainment possibilities, the future of the car is an exciting one.
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