Emerging Trends in Application Development: A Look into the Future

Consider that a CIO is facing a tough challenge. Their company, a rising star in the tech industry, needs to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market. In the same company, a BTP is working tirelessly to increase operational efficiency and competitiveness. They both recognize the potential of custom business apps to revolutionize their workflows, boost productivity, and give them that much-needed edge in their respective industries.

As they sift through the vast landscape of app development options, they are not alone. Currently, an impressive 73 percent of businesses in the USA and Canada are prioritizing enterprise mobility. By 2026, global spending in the industry is expected to soar to a staggering $1225.78 billion. These figures underscore the growing recognition of the immense potential that app development technologies hold for businesses across the spectrum.

But the world of app development platforms is not static - it's a realm of constant evolution and innovation. This blog post will explore emerging trends in the app development industry, providing insights for CIOs and BTPs alike. Whether you're seeking to enhance your company's efficiency, carve out a competitive edge, or seize new business opportunities, these trends could shape your strategy and propel your business into the future. Let's delve into the exciting world of app development trends!

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Why you should stay up-to-date with the latest app development trend

"App development isn't a pursuit of fleeting novelties; it's an expedition aimed at crafting value and enriching lives through technology. By leveraging the boundless possibilities of apps, developers contribute to a digital ecosystem that empowers individuals, enhances experiences, and reshapes the way we navigate the world." - Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google

Applications can enhance a company’s ability to generate more profits. They automate key processes, boost communication, and improve business agility or adaptability. Businesses that use the latest technological tools are likely to be more successful than those that rely on outdated traditional methods.

Learn more: Benefits of application development

The tech world is constantly evolving. The most advanced software today may become archaic in the next few years. Keeping up with the latest digital app development trends gives you an advantage over your competitors as it ensures you do your business in the most productive and efficient way possible. 

Companies that fall behind on the app development curve often end up with redundant processes that decrease their efficiency. With time, they may begin to lose their market share to competitors that are more agile and better equipped. The need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market is one of the top reasons to stay on top of app development trends. 

Latest trends to watch out for in 2024 that impact business

The agile app development market is always evolving to keep up with changes in market demands and user behavior. New trends may also appear due to technological advancements in favor of more productive techniques or methods that promise better business outcomes.

Businesses that keep up with emerging trends are better positioned to build apps that serve their needs and that of the industry optimally. 

Here are some of the latest app development trends to look out for in 2024: 

1. Progressive web app development

Progressive web apps are built with web application development technologies that allow them to work on any device or platform with a browser. Apps like this allow users to enjoy the benefits of web apps and native apps simultaneously and deliver an experience on the same level as these apps.

The content is displayed correctly on different devices irrespective of their screen sizes and they offer advanced features like push notifications, hardware access, offline functionality, and so on. Progressive web apps provide businesses with several benefits, including improved conversion rates and engagement. They’re also easier to distribute and maintain in the long run.

Learn more: How to create a web app

2. AI integration

The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning as business solutions has been on a steady rise and the trend is bound to get even more popular in the coming years. AI is effective for delivering various forms of process automation, improving customer services, and giving customers personalized offers. 

Companies now integrate AI for product search and recommendations also. Artificial intelligence delivers a human-like problem-solving experience by leveraging data. Some AI tools also offer advanced speech recognition and natural language processing. 

3. No-code and low-code app development

The emergence of no-code and low-code app development makes it possible to build apps without writing code from scratch. This has far-reaching impacts on businesses as it helps reduce workloads and the overdependence of traditional development teams to build and deploy apps.

No-code apps are just as functional as apps built from scratch with code but are less expensive, allowing businesses to adapt to quick innovations and remain competitive. 

Learn more: How to create an app without coding

4. App and data security

Any breach in your data security will give your brand name a bad name, one that may be too severe to recover from. The reputation of a business depends on how much customers trust it which is why app development security remains a popular trend in app development.

To avoid breaches and data compromise, companies now add several layers of additional security into their applications, such as vulnerability tests, regular software updates for improved security, and multi-factor authentication.

5. Citizen development

Citizen development is one of the off-shoot of the low-code/no-code development revolution. The emergence of platforms that allow the creation of applications with minimal or no coding at all has also favored the participation of business users (citizen developers) in the app development process. 

Business users are regular employees with no coding knowledge who can use their knowledge of business logic to create the apps they need to streamline processes and solve specific business problems. Citizen development improves business agility as it makes it possible to build apps faster and at a lower cost compared to traditional development. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest trends in the app development market. 

Learn more: What tools do citizen developers use in 2023

Application development best practices

Although application development is in vogue, not everyone understands it correctly. It is not enough to design or develop an app for the sake of it. There are basic principles and best practices to follow across the app development lifecycle. 

If you want to get the best out of your application, take note of these app development best practices:

Research and set goals 

Before you kickstart the app development process, you must first conduct your research to determine your needs, understand the users and evaluate your options. The answer to these questions must be evaluated in line with your business goals and objectives. 

Focus on user experience (UX)

Your users should be your top priority in app development. No matter how amazing you think your app is, it’s only useful if the intended users find it convenient and easy to use. Focus on personalization, animations, and other micro-interactions that improve usability instead of cluttering your app with unnecessary features.  

Make security a priority

Security is a priority, especially for enterprise apps. Leverage advanced cybersecurity mechanisms such as encryption and two-factor authentication to guard against unauthorized access.

Plan for update

After deploying your app, it makes sense to take feedback and improve on the current iteration of your product. Getting regular feedback and updating your app will help fix bugs for optimal functionality and allow the introduction of new features that keeps your app fresh, modern, and relevant. 

Learn more: Application development planning

How McDermott utilized Kissflow for app development

McDermott, seeking a tool to integrate with SharePoint, selected Kissflow due to its user-friendly nature, simplicity, and short SLAs. The choice was backed by positive feedback from the Finance, HR, and Supply Chain departments, who found it intuitive and straightforward.

Kissflow enabled McDermott's business users to automate, track, and improve their processes. The HR team significantly benefited by using Kissflow to build applications and streamline workflows. Importantly, it empowered business users to identify and resolve process bottlenecks independently.

Within a year, McDermott processed 23,000+ work items, had 5,526 active users out of 6,000 licenses, and created 132 active workflows without IT assistance. McDermott plans to use Kissflow to standardize all workflows across its offices.

Accelerate your app development journey with Kissflow!

Leveraging our low-code platform, we simplify the complex process of app development, helping you save both time and resources. With Kissflow, you can easily create intricate business applications by using our intuitive drag-and-drop editor and pre-designed templates - all this with little or no coding involved.
Kissflow empowers business users to independently develop applications without the need for constant IT support, fostering a collaborative development environment while significantly reducing the workload on your IT department.
With Kissflow, you can launch applications in a matter of weeks, not months, and swiftly adapt to any changes that come your way.
Harness the power of Kissflow to expedite your app development, streamline operations, enhance process improvements, and foster cross-functional collaboration. Build smarter, quicker, and superior apps with Kissflow today!