IoT is primarily a reference to intelligent devices in a decentralized network. While these devices exchange and communicate data over the internet, a human to a computer or human to human interaction is not called for. IoT is currently making waves in consumer electronics.
Since it is ultimately the consumers who would be using the IoT devices, they need to be user-friendly. This way, the devices can be read or used by anyone, irrespective of whether they monitor room temperature or detect harmful gas leaks.
When user experience for an IoT system is top-notch, it induces more success for a product. Ease of use should cover both, hardware and software and is characterized by parameters including:
- Easy activation conducted remotely
- UI/UX systems are characterized by their reliability
- High usability
- Customization
- High connectivity, when connecting IoT device to app
- Immaculate navigation
It is noteworthy that in the case of IoT, the reliance is over multiple disciplines to promote the best user experience. But, the UX approach can be detrimental for a project’s success, and the challenges of UX/UI design need to be understood.
UX development, here, calls for an in-depth understanding of a project's objectives, UX design process, and how the user will be interacting with design, information, and device.
Design related challenges for IoT solutions
1. Insufficient data insights
IoT is data-based. But, it becomes difficult to recognize the data that is required, how it is going to be used and what will it lead up to. The internet does generate data in significant amounts. But harnessing the data and using it to sustainably enhance the user experience is challenging.
For conquering this problem, many companies offer services for data mining that generate actionable insights. The role of UX consultants and IoT app designers is also important here.
2. Addressing varied customer requirements
When we consider the case of each IoT device, we see that different customers have different needs. Only when the designers keep these needs in mind, they can personalize the user experience for the customers each time over.
This is via the features present in the IoT user interface. By using user personas, sorting target audiences simplifies. Then, the attributes valuable for each persona are determined.
3. Connecting Controls
When IoT is designed, having a proper framework that connects the hardware and software well is important. As the devices and controls interact among each other, they can share data associated with enhancing the user experience. Control should be designed for usability and must promote an intuitive experience. So a designer should know of different types of design of iot.
4. Voice interface
In the terms of connectivity, the voice interface is a quintessential aspect of design and IoT device interface. This needs to be considered for enhancing the user experience.
When designing a voice interface, several aspects need to be considered in the IoT application development platform. Two of the most significant among them are Language Support and Network Latency. These are tedious and time-consuming processes in terms of the UX design of an IoT system. So, taking the services of a UI UX design agency will yield premium outcomes for a business.
Augmenting the current architecture is a solution. Herein, the basic commands and controls will be locally interpreted. But, if the queries are open-ended or complex, they are directed to the cloud. The system latency hence reduces.
5. Platform experience
Designers work towards keeping the UX system platform agnostic. This allows an end-user to enjoy a uniform experience across all platforms, TV, laptop, tablet, or mobile. The interface stays the same across all devices. Nowadays, numerous cross-platform tools are available that aid designers with building, testing, and deploying UX for IoT systems across varied devices. An end-user can transition from one device to the other effortlessly. When you hire IoT app developers, it resolves numerous woes for your organization.
Essentials for IoT UX
With IoT being a complex system, its UX should consider the associated challenges while still being easy to use. Let us take a look at the aspects to be considered when designing UX for an IoT system.
1. Comfortability
It is easy for a user who is not tech-savvy to get overwhelmed upon using a complex system such as IoT. Comfortability should be kept in mind when designing the UX for an IoT system.
2. Intuitive
The UX should be intuitive, which makes it easy to use and understand while reducing complexity.
3. Personalized
A personalized product will promote a positive experience for an end-user. Creating control preferences is one of the ways to personalize the user experience.
4. Interoperability
When IoT products are transportable and interoperable, even more people adopt them. Smart devices operate the best when they can connect easily.
5. Flexibility
Programmable systems, while being great tools could be challenging for the people who intend to use them. Designers should hence work towards keeping the systems flexible, such that it easily works across different parameters and operating systems glitch-free.
6. Scalability
Scalability is a must for IoT UX design. The system is then empowered to process different tasks and data without slowing down or degrading quality parameters. It is not feasible for designers to repeatedly make complex tweaks to the system. So, the system should have sufficient flexibility to manage different types of traffic.
7. Privacy and Security
In an IoT UX, privacy and security bear paramount importance. When the system does not compromise on any information as losses or fudging, even upon cyber or network attacks, this goes to show its trustworthiness and reliability.
8. Connectivity and compatibility
Connectivity is a must for the operation of IoT devices, making it a no-compromise area. Similarly, when UI/UX system is compatible with the different platforms and devices, the user experience stays seamless.
Conclusion
To ensure success for an IoT product, a designer should stay focused on UI/UX and the associated challenges. UI/UX evolves by the year, and the designers should match pace with the global developments in UX design. To come up with a cohesive and functional system, designers need to have a holistic outlook towards UX design.
