People increasingly use the internet of things (IoT) for daily tasks. Most experts point to 2009 as the year more things connected to the internet than people did. Imagine a world where you couldn’t pick up your phone and see the weather forecast. We use IoT so often, we don’t even realize all the applications available. 

Fortune Business Insights predicts the IoT will reach $1.4 trillion a year by 2027. Some of the most significant gains are in healthcare, manufacturing and infrastructure. However, any business niche can benefit from adding an IoT app to the mix. 

If you’ve thought it’s time to design an app and you want to ensure it’s ready to adapt to changing technologies, here are some steps you can take. 

1. Know the Components

IoT apps require four basic things:

• Hardware – Made up of sensors with low frequency bluetooth capabilities. Your hardware can include devices people already own, such as a smartphone.
• Software – What is the dashboard for your app? What devices does it connect to and where does it send the information? 
• Cloud computing – Data gets stored on remote servers. This saves app developers tons of money as they don’t have to invest in costly equipment and can get started much more quickly than if they had to set up an entire server. 
• Network – Sends information to and from devices.

While it’s important to know the components of IoT app development, you don’t have to recreate the vehicle for serving up connectivity from scratch. You can tap into what’s already present. 

2. Keep Your Work Safe

As you’re developing your new app, you may worry it might fall into the wrong hands. Smartphone theft is a serious problem everywhere in the world. You set your phone down for a second and someone snatches it. Not only have you lost the hard work, but sensitive information may fall into the hands of criminals. 

Before you start testing your new app, put a kill switch on your mobile device to keep your intellectual property safe should the worst happen. By the same token, you should install firewalls and antivirus protection on any device you work on to create your app. 

On the flip side, consider how to keep your users safe. Test your app for security measures and do regular updates to prevent any vulnerabilities. 

3. Choose a Platform

When you’re ready to start your app development, choose a platform compatible with the IoT. Here are some of the more popular options:

• ThingWorx 
• IBM Watson 
• Kaa 
• Android Things 
• HomeKit 
• Xively

The platforms listed above are just a sampling of what’s available. Pay attention to the cost of using each option and the technologies they support. If you fully understand your target audience, you’ll be better able to choose the one that’s right for your app. 

4. Consider Scalability

Statista reports there will be 25.44 billion IoT connected devices by 2030. The likelihood that any one app gains popularity and takes off varies, but be prepared for demand to explode. Can your cloud server handle an influx of sudden traffic? What tweaks will you need to make to accommodate more users?

You must invest in the fastest network possible. Users expect an answer within milliseconds when trying to utilize your app. Delays may make them flock to your competitors instead or seek a different solution altogether.

5. Choose a Niche

Some areas of IoT applications grow faster than others. Some of the top performers include smart homes, retail, health care and logistics. 

Your best bet is choosing an industry with which you’re already familiar. Think about the pain points customers or businesses face. How can you offer a solution with your app? 

You must also consider whether there is enough demand for the service. A logistics app is going to apply to any business that ships or receives products. The more specific the app, the smaller the audience and less chance of success. 

6. Test Your App

Any new app tends to have bugs. Spend time testing your new creation thoroughly before releasing it. You may still run into issues you didn’t foresee but there will be fewer of them.

Have a team on standby to fix any problems as they arise. Release new patches to the app and update any security issues.

Prepare for Changes

As the IoT grows in the coming years, your app needs to be ready to step into new advances. Artificial programming interface (API) gives you a way for your users to get to the data they need. However, API and artificial intelligence keeps advancing. 

You must figure out how to utilize your app on both mobile and desktop to tap into the current demands and be ready to adjust at a moment’s notice. Take your idea and run with it. You’ll never know how successful a new app might be until you put it out into the world. 

Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. She was the creative

director at a digital marketing agency before becoming a full-time freelance

designer. Eleanor lives in Philly with her husband and pup, Bear.

Source: Plato