Future of Websites Part 2: Seamless Experiences
In today's fast-paced world, customers are increasingly connected to an abundance of information via digital devices and platforms. This hyper-connectivity has revolutionized the way we solve problems, learn new skills, communicate and consume. Understanding the evolving landscape and leveraging emerging technologies to create seamless and immersive experiences is paramount to a brand’s competitive edge. As the third web trend in our summer series Future of Websites 2025 & Beyond, we explore the transformative potential of connected IoT, the increasing use of facial and voice recognition, and the transition of ecommerce.
IoT is Impacting the Global Market & Economic Trends
Merging the digital with the physical, IoT technology in consumer goods has profound influence on society and will continue through to the year 2030. Although self-driving cars, smart appliances and headsets like the new Apple Vision Pro may make all the headlines, the most significant economic growth resides in situational and environmental monitoring solutions – most significantly those within the human health and manufacturing industries. As projected to reach $5.5 trillion–$12.6 trillion in consumer capture by 2030, companies like NORBIT Aptomar who embed IoT technology to help companies avoid oil spills and vessel collisions, and IoMT. company Science Soft will account for most of the global value.
Source: McKinsey & Company, IoT Value Set to Accelerate Through 2030: Where and How to Capture It.
How Will IoT Affect Web Design?
IoT brings increased functional and interactive value to web development. Moreover, as new devices like foldable smartphones, wearable tech, and IoT devices gain popularity, the relationship between devices and responsive design are becoming more sophisticated. Integrations like the Carrot family of apps are already elevating our everyday connection with appliances and wearable devices. The Carrot hunger app connects to a user's refrigerator their smart phone or watch, tracking its contents and expiration dates. It provides personalized recommendations and alerts to help users make healthier choices. Web designers and developers will need to apply adaptive design principles to ensure seamless and intuitive experiences on emerging platforms.
Here are just a few of essential ways IoT affect website development in the next two years:
Intelligent User Interfaces
UIs enhance usability, increase productivity, and deliver engaging experiences that cater to the unique needs of individual users. Applying machine learning and artificial intelligence, IUIs easily adapt to user behavior preferences, which in turn gives users a more personalized interaction. IUIs also enable seamless integrations across multiple devices and platforms.
Collection and Processing Massive Volumes of Data
IoT systems usually work with massive volumes of data, which they collect from sensors and process them to transfer through the cloud network.
"Enhancing communication across site layouts and operational models, websites will be accessed seamlessly from one device to another with unique device-specific benefits, offering sophisticated experiences both more functional and interactive to create smarter industries.”
-Linda Li, Sr. CX Strategist
The Internet’s Developing Digital Eyes & Ears
Serving as the internet’s eyes and ears, voice-centered interfaces and face recognition technologies will continue to sharpen during the next few years. With the advent of AI assistants, voice search has become ubiquitous in our daily lives. As the more and more users abandon the keyboard, C-level technology leaders will see the impact as voice-optimized websites will not only enhance user experience but will also garner higher traffic. The shift will also lead to voice-centered interfaces, enabling users to interact with web content through voice commands well beyond voice text. Furthermore, the rise of voice search will necessitate the development of innovative filtering and SEO techniques to ensure that websites remain competitive.
Additionally, face recognition technology enhances the security and authentication process, eliminating the need for traditional password and verification methods and can unlock personalized experiences. A notable example of the practical application of face recognition technology is Delta Airlines PARALLEL REALITY™. The airline implemented a touchless face recognition check-in procedure which not only allows passengers to breeze through check-in, but also serves multiple customers personalized flight information tailored to their unique trip on a single, shared digital kiosk, simplifying their journey through the airport.
Everything Ecommerce All at Once
One of the most exciting trends expected to increase beyond 2025 is the integration of digital interfaces with various forms of media, such as videos, movies and billboards. By leveraging integrated digital interfaces, ecommerce platforms will bridge the gap between inspiration and purchase, seamlessly integrating the shopping experience into consumers' everyday lives.
Imagine watching a captivating video and directly purchasing the products showcased within it without interrupting your entertainment with a simple hand gesture. As mobile shop apps are currently the most popular method of buying products online among millennials and Gen Z and headsets entering the market, we’ll see the gap between mobile and desktop conversion rate significantly widen in the next few years. Responsive web design will continue to be the keystone to offering a seamless user experience.
Source: Tidio.com, Top 10+ Mobile Commerce Statistics for 2023
3D Printing for Instant Personalization
The marriage of 3D printing and ecommerce opens up a new frontier of personalization, where customers can truly make their mark on the products they purchase.
This seamless integration lets customers visualize and preview their customized products in real time. Brands can utilize interactive 3D models or augmented reality (AR) features to provide customers with a virtual representation of the final product.
By integrating 3D printing into their e-commerce platforms, brands can allow customers to personalize various aspects of their products easily. Customers can choose from multiple options such as color, size, and shape through intuitive design interfaces and even add personalized engravings or patterns. With simplicity, customers can transform a standard product into a unique, customized item that reflects their one-of-a-kind style and meets their individual needs.
Moreover, by leveraging 3D printing, brands can eliminate the need to maintain extensive inventories. Instead of stocking pre-made products, brands can produce items on demand, reducing the risk of overstocking or selling out-of-date merchandise. This agile production model allows brands to respond quickly to customer demands and market trends, ensuring a more efficient supply chain.
A Smooth Ride to 2025
By staying at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape, CTOs, web developers and product managers should adapt their strategies to cater to the ubiquity of voice-optimization, the seamlessness of facial recognition and personalized experiences. Embracing these changes will not only future proof your business but also drive positive transformation across various industries. To stay relevant, websites and online retailers will continue to prioritize mobile optimization more than ever, ensuring that their platforms are responsive, user-friendly, and tailored to the unique characteristics of mobile devices.
As a digitally-led Customer Experience agency, it is our business to keep your business positioned for scale. We develop custom solutions that integrate emerging technology to create a more personalized and engaging experience for your customers, so you're in a position of success approaching 2025. Contact us to learn how we can prepare your digital footprint for the steps ahead.
