Crafting Apps to Suit Future Users' Requirements
In the early 2000s, the landscape of software technology began to shift with the emergence of Software as a Service (SaaS) companies. One of the pioneers in this field was Salesforce, launched in 1999 by Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Dave Moellenhoff, and Frank Dominguez. Salesforce popularised the SaaS model by offering a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that businesses could access over the internet via a subscription model[1].
As more American employees work remotely for longer periods, companies are catering more to a non-traditional structure. This shift has led SaaS companies to adopt a mobile-first strategy, offering both mobile and desktop options simultaneously[2]. The convenience and accessibility of SaaS apps have made them increasingly popular, and they are now expected to be a part of everyday life, much like mobile phones.
For digital natives, who don't remember a time when technology wasn't prominent, apps should be intuitive, user-friendly, and highly engaging[3]. To achieve this, developers must adhere to certain design principles. The Open-Closed Principle suggests that software should be open for extension but closed for modification, reducing the risk of introducing bugs[2]. The "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle emphasises simplicity in design, advocating for straightforward solutions over complex ones[2]. The Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) encourages each module or class to have a single responsibility, keeping the code organised and easy to debug[2].
In addition to these principles, apps for digital natives should have an intuitive navigation system, responsive design, personalisation, and feedback and feedback loops to enhance engagement and usability[4]. By incorporating these design principles, developers can create apps that are both engaging and functional for digital natives.
A simple UI is a must for any SaaS app and tends to earn praise[5]. The signup process for a SaaS app should be simplified to reduce friction and avoid multi-stage signups. Customisation is a common request from SaaS users, as their business needs may vary. Today's users expect a seamless experience across different devices and expect consistency in UI and functionality[6].
Slack, for instance, maintains a consistent user experience across devices, ensuring that users can switch between devices without losing functionality or user interface consistency[6]. As digital natives become the largest group in the workforce, they have higher expectations for app design. Simple and meaningful apps are in-demand for the new generation of app users[7].
In 1995, the company that eventually became the first SaaS startup began business as a packaged software business. In 2001, Concur made the transformation to a SaaS company, offering software accessible via an internet browser[8]. As the demand for SaaS apps continues to grow, it's clear that simplicity, mobility, and a user-centric design will be key to their success.
- As the landscape of software technology evolved in the early 2000s, enterprises started to lean towards SaaS models, with Salesforce being one of the pioneers.
- With more employees working remotely, SaaS companies are adopting a mobile-first strategy, offering both mobile and desktop options for convenience and accessibility.
- In the world of app development, principles such as the Open-Closed Principle, KISS principle, and Single Responsibility Principle are crucial for designing intuitive, user-friendly, and highly engaging apps, particularly for digital natives.
- Today's digital natives expect apps to have intuitive navigation systems, responsive design, personalisation, and feedback loops to enhance user experience.
- A simple UI is essential for any SaaS app, with a streamlined signup process and consistency in UI and functionality across different devices being key factors for success.
- Examples of successful SaaS apps, like Slack, maintain a consistent user experience across devices, catering to the higher expectations for app design among digital natives, who are increasingly becoming the dominant force in the workforce.
