Must Study Apps

Learning of new codes is an essential element in the growth trajectory of a software developer.  If you are a new app developer and are particularly interested in learning about Android app development online, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will provide a list of some of the apps that provide a wholesome learning experience for those who wish to try their hands at Android app development.

1) LeafPic

One of the best apps to try for a beginner is LeafPic. This app will help you to know more about photo gallery and video app development for the Android OS. Dynamic theming done on this app helps to understand the functionality.

2) Easy Sound Recorder

As it’s a very small app, it is much easier to understand for a beginner. It helps you grasp the concept behind creating a full-fledged audio app. You can learn about the intricacies of executing audio manipulation from this app. Watch out for the material design done in the project as this will be a relevant design concept for the future.

3) Simple calendar

This app best exemplifies Kotlin (programming language for modern multiplatform applications). A simple yet smart design makes it good for new developers to try out. Customization of a widget text, as well as the background, adds to its charm.

4) Master Android

This is a step by step guide for Android app developers. The full detailed tutorials makes it easy to understand technological terms and makes your learning process smoother. The app is divided into 3 sections.

a) Android lessons.

b) Ask your doubts to developers.

c) Coding challenges for you.

5) Learn Android development

If you have just a basic understanding of a programming language, you can still use this tutorial app to design and create a working Android mobile app. It’s not just theory but practical guidance is also provided here. Do watch the demos for various Android activities as well get the source code.

6) Tutorial for Android: Examples

Use this tutorial to learn Android application development. This app is primarily divided into 3 sections

a) Android tutorials

b) Android examples and

c) Android quiz.

7) Create your own app

This app is perfect for basic Android coding and Android source codes. This learning app allows you to download the source code as a text file. Some of the other things this app distinguishes itself from other apps are: code downloading and feedback sending option, SDK setup detail and basic/advance Android codes.

8) Learn Android programming

This fast growing app lets you learn the basics of Android programming and it’s also helpful for those programmers who are already coding. It helps you to specialize in the Android programming sector by providing the latest in technology via its tutorials and assignment questions. This is one app that you should definitely look into if you like programming for Android.

In conclusion, it can be said that while there are thousands of apps to choose for an upcoming Android developer, he has to choose depending upon his own criteria, his area of interest, and the specialization he intends to do in that aspect.

The Big Data Industry

Most experts believe that Big Data is proving to be quite a Game Changer. The majority of the modern industries have started implementing it to their advantage, while some old school industries have started warming up to it. The advantages of Big Data are numerous; increase sales and cost cutting are some of them. To know more about which industries are best utilizing Big Data, read the lines below.

1.     Financial Markets

When data is one of your industry assets, it pays to invest in it. Financial data analytics has resulted in big payoffs for the companies implementing it. When real time data is of utmost importance it pays to invest in them. Hedge fund managers have been using Big Data Analytics for long in the form of cutting edge Data Science.

2.     Retail Banking

From the last 2 decades, retailers have started analyzing consumer buying behavior and data. They need to know the demand and supply equation, as retail is a season centric business. As thousands of pieces of data are collected in a given year, Big Data will help the information become more accurate. This, in turn, will help retailers accurately forecast demand and thereby buying that requirement of stock. The company will not only save on wastages, but it will also help to satisfy customer need as they won’t have to return due to lack of stock.

3.     Energy

Today developed countries have started using Big Data to balance loads, manage infrastructure and price energy products. The Alternate energy consortium has taken a lead regarding Big Data. The old school energy industries are slowly catching up to this trend. Smart meters are proving to a boon in this space, as it provides millions of pieces of data to the supplier and the regulator.

4.      Web Analytics

There are tremendous opportunities for Big Data in the web analytics field. With the popularity of social media, humungous amounts of data packets are generated. With Big Data we can know a user’s profile, how many times he logs in a day, where he has shifted his house. Also, you can find the user’s spending habits as well as the amounts of time he spends on a particular website.

5.     Mining and Natural Resources

Most mines are fully automated with sophisticated machines and Equipment. They throw up large amounts of data daily. Sometimes the size of a single day data is in terabytes. This Data can be suitably used to increase mine efficiency. It can also channelize to improve yield optimization and predictive asset management. The value chain in the mining industry can be further strengthened with the help of Big Data.

With this wide coverage, it is no wonder that ‘leaders’ within 900 organizations surveyed by IBM are 166% likely to make most decisions based on data. Big Data analytics will drive strategy and tactics around the data explosion that will continue to happen as we read this post.

Designing Better IOT Products

The most happening “IT” topic near the office coffee machine has to be IoT (Internet of Things). Its applications and uses are growing by leaps and bounds. In the next decade, it would not only emerge as a game changer but also a life changer. Consumers too are taking to IoT very warmly. But designing consumer centric IoT products is a totally different ball game altogether. There are many things to pay attention to. Here are some tips your company can benefit from when designing IoT products for consumers:

1) Scope and Scale of the Design

As IoT grows in momentum day by day, it becomes imperative to launch a product that evolves at it grows. Stagnation of a product’s evolution brings its downfall. For example, in the world of hand gestures, a biometric device with just thumbprint will not suffice anymore. Something more radical will be needed to captivate users and gain market share. The IoT product has to progress with each new introductions in IoT technology. The advancement and the success of the product depend on its ability to walk hand in hand with technology.

2) Superior UX

Gone are the days when a company made products according to its own comfort, style, and design. Today, the main focus of every company should be to design and launch a product that provides a superior User Experience (UX). The user should be central to the product. The company should keep every minute detail in mind for a wholesome UX performance. Consumers today have multiple choices so they will only purchase a product that gives them complete satisfaction.

3) Focus on the overall experience

IoT experiences for users designed by businesses should follow certain guidelines for a fulfilling product success. We list some of these here:

• Integration of connections should support the content.
• These should support every type of brand interaction – from sales to loyalty development

These guidelines help the IoT systems to go beyond being a mere endpoint to full-fledged interaction ‘hotspots’

4) Better online-offline integration

According to a recent Accenture study, it was found that 82% of the people still prefer to buy from brick and mortar stores. So it’s necessary to integrate all the channels for a business to run seamlessly. Here IoT comes very handy. Some of the stores have started implementing IoT-specific technologies like RFID and magic mirrors. For example, a person walking in a store immediately gets all the sales and discount offers the store is currently running. The user also gets a bill on his mobile after checkout.

5) Factor in the security aspect

Security is the primary concern and fear of every consumer today. We routinely come across news of privacy issues, data leakages, and security breaches by hackers. The company should try to make sure that the components used in the product are of extremely high quality. Also, the company should protect the communication devices with highest level security which adheres to toughest certifications. The company can keep a full-time CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) to follow the protocols across the organization.

To sign off

These tips will help you make a better IoT product for your consumers which are easy to use for a layman, but smart enough to change the way he lives his life.

The UX Glossary

If you are into UX designing, you will surely know its significance for a site or application. In case you aren’t aware, here are some stats for reference. According to market reports, a whopping 88% of online consumers will abandon a site if their navigation experiences aren’t impressive. That speaks a thousand words about the significance of the value provided by a UX designer and why budding design enthusiasts are choosing it as their career choice. In case, you have planned to take the same route, here’s a list of the most popular terms related to the UX design arena.

Get knowledgeable of the terms for UX Designer

1. Affinity diagrams: Plan your site layout with the concept of affinity diagramming. Data organization is imperative in creating layout designs, and that’s where this concept helps.
2. A/B Testing: Testing is an integral part of the UX design process and what other than A/B Testing can help you do that.
3. Beta Launch: Let the UX designer develop an idea of the viability of his creation. Beta launch is the best way to do so, as you will have the chance to interact and see the site live!
4. Analysis: Data collection and analysis helps the designer to work on his ideas thus adopting the best design approach.
5. Color Theory: Colors have a significant impact on human mind. If you are building a website, try doing some research on color psychology.
6. Card Planning: Designers always segregate tasks into various pockets. With systematic and organized digital cards for content creation, site navigation, link addition, and others, you can develop innovative designs within a few hours!
7. Competitor analysis: Comparing your designs with competitors which give a profound idea of the merits and demerits of your creation.
8. Comparative analysis: Effective and specific comparison of granular site elements.
9. Content strategy: From development and creation to publication of site content, every task comes under content strategies.
10. Content audit: Performing assessment and review of site contents, where designers can create a catalogue of important content

Some more important terms for a UX Designer to know

1. Experience architecture: Prepare a roadmap for the users, where they can get the hang of how to navigate through the site.
2. Contextual questions: Know what your consumers feel while checking out your website. That’s crucial to reach the desired goals.
3. Diary study: Studying user behaviors for a long time helps a lot in the design process. You won’t get instant, real-time reactions, but it is useful.
4. Interaction design: Interaction design refers to the process of creating comprehensible, meaningful, and relatable site designs.
5. Iterative designing: Refers to the perfect camaraderie between planning, prototyping, review, and implementation.
6. Heuristic or Usability reviews: The designer can check the usability of the designs and what they add to the website.
7. Persona creation: Make sure site designs are meaningful, and they help you target different consumer groups. That is what persona creation does for you!
8. Mood board: A unique and eye-catching collage of images, text chunks, content, and colors.
9. Prototyping: The process of creating design outlines.
10. Entry field: Users might need to fill in information, and that’s where an entry field is required.

Related terms

When it comes to unleashing your creativity for UX designing, you should develop crystal clear understanding of the crucial terms and concepts. Here are some more terms that happen to be integral parts of this process.

1. Qualitative research
2. Progressive disclosure
3. Scenario
4. Storyboard
5. UI elements
6. Quantitative Research
7. User Journey
8. Usability
9. User centered designs
10. Error analysis

A knowledge of these concepts and terms will help you devise creative UX strategies and incorporate them in the right channels

Joomla – The Easy To Use Tool

A remarkable, easily navigable, feature-rich, and powerful website is no longer a choice. It has turned into an irreplaceable necessity for business owners. Since a powerful CMS plays the pivotal role in the site building process, it’s crucial to choose the best one from a myriad of options. Of late, Joomla is gaining grounds and earning huge recognition in the professional arena. Site developers and website creators are relying on Joomla, for accomplishing site goals and dealing with operational challenges.

That brings us to the most significant part of the discussion. What makes Joomla so popular and almost indispensable for site development? Here are some reasons that explain it all!

Why opt for Joomla?

1-Extensive and innovative content management

As a highly popular CMS, Joomla lives up to its name. The presence of unique features and an innovative interface has turned it into a dynamic system for effective content management. The following features will tell you why:

• Presence of menus, pages, and section makes it the perfect choice for beginners.
• Perfect monitoring of 3^rd party and built-in functionalities.
• No additional plug-ins or codes
• Creation, development, sorting, and publication of contents

Joomla helps developers streamline their operations. As a result, the site building process no longer remains an ordeal!

2 – Standardized functionality

With standardized controls and functionalities, it becomes easier for developers to work on Joomla. It is true that a multitude of features and operational controls lead to learning curves, but this CMS doesn’t make this curve steep. If you know the art of performing one particular task on the CMS, you will also develop crystal clear ideas of several others.

3 – Unique interface

While the innovative and exceptional features are potential reasons for its popularity, it’s the unique interface that makes Joomla a complete winner. With standard MVC-based programming interface, this particular CMS makes room for numerous integrations and customizations

4 – Perfect template control

Sites that require extensive and diverse design elements will love Joomla. With a multitude of diverse template options, this CMS allows designers to choose and install innumerable templates, alongside giving them the liberty to create multiple overrides. Template developers and creative site designers will surely have the time of their lives.

5 – International linguistic support

Linguistic flexibility is a prime reason for Joomla’s popularity. The CMS supports multiple language variations and developers can install it according to their linguistic preferences. Depending on the settings, a particular segment, section, or part of a site can be built with the help of the CMS. Quite naturally, it emerges as a global platform for site development and creation!

6 – ACL features and User Management

If your business site requires user registrations, content restrictions, and user account creation, Joomla will be the ideal option. Here’s why:

• User Manager
• User Registration System
• Multiple Access Control Lists

Parting thoughts

The CMS chosen by you should comply with your design requirements. You simply can’t work with a Content Management System that doesn’t suit the site development process, and it is these factors that are compelling developers to opt for this innovative platform!

UX Is The Key

The future might not be predictable, but we can at least guess what’s waiting for us. Tech innovations have revamped and revolutionized numerous sectors. It goes without saying that it will continue to do so for years to come. As of now, three crucial ideas and concepts seem to rule the design arena. User Experience, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality has emerged as the three pillars of innovative designing. Before delving deep into the nuances of this topic, it’s high time to understand the true connotation of User Experience!

What’s UX and how it affects site designs?

Whether you build an official website or a highly scalable app, the entire design process should be user-centric. It’s your users who determine the usability, experience, and functionality of your site or application. Smooth and hassle-free navigation is the key to ensuring that. Whenever a user operates on a particular site, he will surely wish to have unsurpassed experiences. If your website fails to offer the desired experience, users won’t take much time to abandon it.

Integrating UX into the future ‘reality

With tech advancements getting the better each day, the implementation of AR and VR strategies seem to be a common affair. Designers across the globe are taking up the challenge, thus thinking out-of-the-box and creating unique design experiences. Here’s how UX is dominating Virtual and Augmented Reality!

1 – Mobile app development

While creating mobile apps, designing will surely emerge as a crucial task. It’s here that most of the designers are leveraging AR and VR to create exceptional User Experience. These concepts and innovations seem to be interdependent where VR and AR technologies are helping designers create real-world experiences

2 – Immersive experience

Gone are the days when one-dimensional and uncomplicated designs used to work. The current scenario has a different story to narrate. Users are always looking for something different, and that’s where immersive experiences play the vital role. There’s been a paradigm shift, where UX determines the performance or appeal of an AR or VR device.

3 – Developing the design ecosystem

Virtual Reality devices such as the Oculus Rift is no less than innovation. By offering real-world, virtual experiences to users, this particular device creates an entirely new world of reality. It’s right here that UX emerges as a determining factor. If you are planning to create stunning designs for the next VR or AR application, it’s none other than UX helping you out.

4 – Action automation

Present-day AR and VR devices run on user-centric technologies. Personal interactions seem to be of paramount significance, and it’s a lot about how users interact with a particular app or game. UX can help designers automate actions on a VR or AR app. As a result, users will have the opportunity to share personal experiences.

5 – Intuitive and Interactive

Last, but certainly not the least, UX designing brings along the element of intuitiveness and interactive behavior. While developing an AR or VR application, these things seem to be highly imperative.

Signing off

At the end of this article, you will surely come to know how AR and VR draw influences from user experience designs.

Interesting iOS Stats

With 18% market share and combined share of 99.6% with Android, Apple’s iOS is one of the most happening operating systems of the world. When it comes to using a mobile device, these are the two options users get to choose from. It’s true that Android has a considerable market share. But, we also can’t deny the significance of the iOS platform.

Every time there’s a new iOS device launch, mobile fanatics simply rush to buy it. If you happen to be amongst them, it’s time to breeze through some of lesser known, interesting, and unique facts about the iOS platform. Here we go!

1. Apple isn’t the pioneer

Although everyone believes that Apple is the frontrunner in the IOS development arena, that isn’t the truth. Before the emergence of the iPhone, Cisco already patented this name. Cisco’s model was a VOIP one where one could call directly from Skype without using the desktop. After a few initial spats, both the companies came to a settlement and agreed to preserve the respective rights of their devices.

2. The emergence of App store

The app store is one of the revolutionary offerings by the IOS platform. Gamers and iPhone owners can download their favorite games from the app store. Most importantly, it helps users download games and apps legally.

3. Samsung supports IOS (Well, in a different way)

We know the fierce rivalry between Apple and Samsung. However, Samsung happens to be the creator of iPhone’s smart chips. In spite of their existing rivalries, Apple doesn’t fail to offer this contract to Samsung. That’s indeed a unique revelation about the iOS platform.

4. Texting is in

Apple has transformed texting into a simple and easy way to communicate. Texting someone is much easier and more convenient than calling the person, and it’s all because of Apple and its iOS devices. Sending SMS is no longer a tough ordeal, and you will love doing it!

5. Incredible sales numbers 

Are you aware of the sales figures recorded by iOS devices in 2011? Well, that will tell you a lot about its market price and value. According to market figures, a whopping 156 million devices have been bought by users. When compared to Mac PC sales, the operating system seems to be the clear winner. If you take a look at the sales figures of the past 28 years, you will come to know that Mac PCs lag way behind!

6. Revolutionary innovation

The iPhone seems to be one of the greatest mobile discoveries of all time. In the year 2007, this particular device was awarded the title of ‘invention of the year.’

7. Innumerable patents

Apple holds a whopping 200 patents for the iPhone. It’s like a multitude of functions integrated into a single device. The unique and innovative technology of this device makes it a revolutionary offering by the operating system.

Parting thoughts

These interesting facts speak a lot about the platform and its flagship device. So, now you know why the iPhone is so popular!

The Future Of Business Intelligence

In today’s modern world, business intelligence is of utmost importance as data in business practices take center stage. BI will stand in the prime of all this and will direct future marketing strategies and business decisions. After all it is proven that companies using analytics are 5x more likely to make faster business decisions.

Today we look at BI’s prospects and why it will be center to all major business decision making in 2017 and beyond:

1. Big Demand for BI analyst

As the graph of Big Data increases, the no of people require to crunch that data and arrive at an intelligent solution for a business enterprise will simultaneously increase. A report by Mckinsey global institute states that in the next four years the US alone would face a shortage of 1.5 million managers and 1,90,000 analysts.

2. Make it universal

Currently, BI is specifically targeted to internal employees and information workers. The more it’s spread out and the more relevant it becomes to everyone, it will be a Game Changer. Outside the purview of corporate boundaries, it should reach out to suppliers and customers. Business intelligence has the power to enable businesses to compete more effectively and change people’s way of working.

3. Easier analysis of past data

As the cost of storage for data shrinks rapidly, it would be much easier to analyze past events and data. For example, currently due to data cost we are able to analyze just an economic cycle but in future, we can analyze much more than that. This will help us in forming a strong pattern. This will help businesses to bear just minimum losses in the event of a recession. History is a great teacher and BI will help us to avoid repeating the same mistake.

4. Personal analytics will be norm

As more and more data gets collected in the system, the future definitively holds good for personal analytics. It can primarily be used for self-improvement. Also, it will be used for improving family life and local communities. BI won’t be geeky in the future and everyone will be able to self-analyze. There are tremendous opportunities for software vendors to develop tools regarding personal analytics.

5. Business Intelligence will be a collaborative effort

The future of the BI would bring different tools and platforms together. Today individual BI is the norm, tomorrow it will be collaborative. Shared and immersive analytical experiences would increase in great proportion. The form factor of the devices will also gradually shift from small to large. This will help a group of data scientists explore data in real time basis.

6. Data knowledge Gap will shrink further

Data knowledge Gap in the next few years will further narrow from a group of data scientists to a normal manager or executive. As more forms of data visualization grow, more people will become familiar and comfortable with it. Major companies will also mandate training in BI.

With the above-mentioned points, there is ample evidence that Business Intelligence is here to stay. We can safely assume that, not only will it make a big impact but also it will scale up rapidly.

UX Interview Tips

If you are planning to land your dream job as a proficient UX designer, you will have to crack the interviews perfectly. Irrespective of the company, job role, or brand you are about to associate with, interviews will be integral parts of the recruitment process. You have to get it right as that is the key to bagging your desired job role!

What makes UX so important?

The User Experience Design lays the foundation for the entire design process. Whether it’s a landing page, site, or high-end apps, UX designs will always play the pivotal role. At least, that’s what we see when we take a look at the crucial stats. Nearly 88% of digital customers refuse to return to a website if they have poor browsing experiences. That defines the significance of UX and why you need to get it right.

Questions to note

If we refer to comments, suggestions, and experiences shared by prolific UX designers, it would be clear that User Experience Design is crucial for website appearance. Here’s a small discussion on the five questions that’ll be faced by every aspiring designer out there!

1.     What is UX design?

Although it might sound a bit childish, this is the first question you will be asked. Try to delve deep into the nuances and answer this question categorically.

Recruiters wish to know: Recruiters want to know whether you are capable of crafting a compelling story and translating it into practical designs. They want to check your interpretation of UX design process.

2.     What process do you follow?

Try to devise effective strategies and keep a ‘go-to’ process handy. You can also demonstrate examples if that helps you.

Recruiters want to know: Some of the budding designers are coming up with innovative techniques while some of them still follow traditional ideas and strategies. Your recruiters want to know the process followed by you, as that will help them check whether it aligns with their objectives.

3.     Who are your associates?

While preparing to face an interview, you should develop ideas of the basic points. As a candidate or applicant, you should have the capability to comprehend the needs and ideas of your associates.

Recruiters want to know: Employers would want to know whether you have the desired experience to work with engineers, fellow designers, and project managers.

4.     Which sites and apps do you like?

Prepare a list of the applications, programs, and sites you love. It will reflect your ideas as well as expertise in UX designing.

Recruiters want to know: They simply wish to know what you are good at, which are the designs that interest you, and the kind of work done by you!

5.     Do you have samples?

Since you are applying for the job of a UX designer, it’s imperative to note the crucial aspects associated with it. Carry your work samples, if you have already worked on some projects.

Recruiters wish to know: They want to check and analyze your knowledge of information architecture, usability, and UI.

Final tips

Keep in mind that professional interviews are bi-directional processes. Just as the interviewer has the liberty to ask questions, you should also clear your doubts while answering them.