There is no doubt about the fact that the technological world is changing fast. While the first ‘smartphone’ was invented in 1992, the world didn’t quite wake up to them until the creation of the iPhone in 2007.
Since then, applications have become a part of day to day life. A huge percentage of the population use social media apps like Instagram, entertainment apps such as Netflix and fitness apps like Samsung Health.
However, the app scene is changing. Applications are becoming less 2D, and more 3D or even 4D – they are involving the user more than ever.
What is interactive technology?
First, let’s look at what interactive technology is.
It is described by IGI Global to be “technology that digitally facilitates interaction between people or allows for user content creation or manipulation”.
Any kind of this technology, that people can use to communicate, collaborate or build upon, in a mobile setting could be transformative. A great example of interactive technology is augmented reality (AR).
While virtual reality has been making the headlines recently, augmented reality is just as impactful, especially with mobile devices and other technology. Virtual reality is when a user enters a virtual world using headsets or immersion devices, whereas augmented reality overlays a virtual world on top of a real world.
The rise of mobile applications for businesses
In this modern technological climate, many advances can completely transform an industry. Skywards Techno rightly comments that “not moving with trends can create setbacks for your business”.
Mobile applications are becoming important for many, many businesses, and mobile app development is constantly in flux.
Just some of the advantages of having apps for small or large businesses are:
- They act as a marketing tool
- They increase customer loyalty
- They make an easier and more seamless user experience, increasing customer satisfaction
However, many businesses are upping the game and creating applications with interactive technology where users can involve themselves in the application. These are the apps of the future, and can be useful in any aspect of life.
Examples of interactive technology in mobile applications
Google Jamboard
Using a mobile whiteboard application is perfect for those working remotely, as it can be connected to interactive displays, which are a sleek and functional interactive whiteboard alternative for boardrooms and huddle rooms.
When using a whiteboard application like Jamboard, remote workers can collaborate from their phone, as the meeting takes place in the office – and everyone can see what is happening on the whiteboard!
Pokémon Go
One of the most famous augmented reality apps is Pokémon Go. Here, fantasy is placed on reality as people used their phones to find Pokémon characters in the real world.
IKEA Place
One of the most famous augmented reality apps is IKEA Place. It works by overlaying the scene of someone’s house with virtual furniture, helping them visualise what IKEA’s products may look in their home.
Google Translate
A handy interactive technology feature that the Google Translate App offers is that certain languages can be translated when objects with the languages are put in the camera frame. This functionality makes it one of the most useful applications for travelling.
Interactive technology in mobile web features
It’s not just applications that make use of interactive technology; mobile web development is crucial as well. Mobile optimisation is crucial for many site owners in the modern world; Google prioritises optimised sites in its algorithm.
Examples of interactive websites that work on mobile are:
- Ono – a zero waste food delivery company that uses split-screens and transitioning fonts.
- Polish Christmas Guide – this is an effective website for showing children what Christmas in Poland is like and uses many interactive features
- Idig Marketing – this website has an interactive ‘heart’ function so people can ‘like’ things on their website, like they would on social media.
These websites offer fresh, modern user experiences through interactive technology.
How do these features impact mobile development?
Interactive technology features in these applications can impact and transform mobile development because they are much more engaging and involve the user directly. Even if the interactive application is not a game, users sometimes see it as such, which increases customer loyalty. And the applications are handy, efficient and make lots of things – from buying a sofa to travelling – seamless.
Interactive Technology When Creating an App
It’s not just the users of an app that use interactive technology; it can be utilised in the development process as well.
Developers and designers use interactive technology to collaborate while creating apps. Flutter, which helps build app design, is a great example of this. People using the app can see their animations in real-time, and edit them easily, quickly and concisely. The designer can do their work in the app and then source the developer code. Software like this saves the designer a lot of time and means that designers and developers can work to their strengths.
Once the app is created, developers will normally want to receive some feedback about what they’ve made; they do so by hiring testers. Sometimes these testers will download a copy of the actual application, but other times they will use websites like User Testing to answer specific questions about the app.
User Testing hires testers, who will view the app, then complete a short survey about it which acts as feedback.
Conclusion
Interactive technology is taking off in the world of all things mobile. Augmented reality is one of the most popular forms of interactive technology, which can be used in all forms of mobile development, but especially in apps where users can plan for the future and use tools that will help them in the present.
Interactive technology is also crucial in creating responsive websites, and even at the development stage of apps as developers collaborate and get their ideas tested.
Interactive technology is more popular than it has ever been before and its recognition shows no sign of slowing down in all aspects of life, including mobile development.
