Each year introduces, or escalates, a variety of trending buzzwords. Recently, our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Tim Ahlenius put the spotlight on 10 concepts that people are consistently talking about today and where they might take us tomorrow. A highly regarded speaker and tech leader, Tim first presented the “10 Buzzwords That Are Driving Tomorrow’s Tech” for the registrants during one of the November 2021 Accelebrate webinars.
1. Headless
Headless, as it applies here, is a separation of the front-end and the back-end of an ecommerce or content application. The back-end is set up to be the repository for data and content. The front-end can be set up within a website, app, restricted portal, or kiosk to pull from one back-end source or a variety of content sources. With this separation, front-end editing can be faster and more agile. Future redevelopment of front-end digital experiences can also be experienced more quickly across a variety of viewing formats.
2. Composable
In composable infrastructure, the compute, storage, and networking resources are abstracted from their physical locations and can be managed by software through a web-based interface. Building blocks from a variety of sources (CRMs, websites, databases, etc.) can be selected and assembled into one digital display for the unique user. Many may be familiar with prebuilt widgets within content management systems. Utilizing those types of data-driven widgets within a compiled presentation is an example of a composable solution.
3. CDPs
A customer data platform (CDP) is packaged software that creates a comprehensive customer
database accessible by other systems to analyze, track, and manage customer interactions. Data which may have grown within CRMs, ERPs, OMSs, and other places can now be efficiently aggregated within CDPs. The single, unified customer profile helps minimize duplication while advancing data breadth and accuracy. CDPs support smarter segmentation and context-rich, automated customer journeys. Cross-channel campaigns that pull from this one customer data source have realized greater success throughout the customer journey, from the very first impression to a long-term, brand-loyal relationship.
4. Security Hygiene
Security hygiene (or cybersecurity hygiene) is a cybersecurity practice that maintains the
basic health and security of hardware and software. We are all increasingly aware of security threats within our digitally connected and reliant world. Security hygiene includes everything that businesses and organizations do to minimize the risk of a security breach. There is a long list of ways they do that. Some of the most prominent include antimalware and firewall updates, strong password policies, best practice training, VPN requirements, multifactor authentication, and encryption.
5. Multi-Cloud Infrastructure
Multi-cloud infrastructure allows organizations to maintain a hybrid cloud environment that enables a combination of security and cost savings at the same time. The most security-focused workloads are kept in the private cloud while running regular business data and apps in cost effective public cloud networks. A multi-cloud infrastructure typically improves reliability and redundancy as it promotes scalability. It is also a way to reduce vendor lock-in and advance agile flexibility in digital solutions.
6. Data Science
Data science involves extracting insights from data using various scientific methods, algorithms, and processes. Data science prepares data for analysis, then models and interprets it to create actionable plans. So much more is being done with the volume of data available to us. Machine learning and artificial intelligence is advancing via data science.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. In an effort to deliver a better customer experience, there are many AI frameworks emerging. Utilization of AI continues to grow as platforms are building it into customer journeys with data relationships and smart promotion to market segments. More and more, systems such as chatbots are building AI efficiencies while they engage customers with the information they need.
8. Mobile-First
A mobile-first approach refers to the practice of designing and/or developing an online experience for mobile before designing for desktop or any other device. The majority of website visitors are now using mobile devices. The year 2021 was the first year that mobile traffic to websites eclipsed desktop traffic and there is no indication that desktop will ever be back on top. Because of that fact, digital solutions are prioritizing mobile devices and the user experience within leading smartphone screens. Additionally, search engines are continuing to favor websites that are mobile-friendly and performing efficiently on mobile devices.
9. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Human-computer interaction is the study of the way in which computer technology influences human work and activities. Whether it is via computer science, cognitive science or human factors of engineering, HCI is focused on devices successfully producing the content or function that is expected by the human operator.
10. User-Centered Design (UCD)
User-centered design is an iterative design process in which designers focus on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process. Persona development or user interviews are typical first steps in user-centered design. Understanding the needs, desires and goals of an intended audience, or audiences, is essential to success. Why are visitors at your website? UCD prioritizes solutions to the user needs and consistently tests and validates the efficiency of those solutions.
The 10 buzzwords we unpacked here represent some prominent concepts that you will continue to hear in the years to come. Digital transformation is still gaining speed as computers and devices are becoming more consistent companions in our daily activities.
It is an exciting time creating and delivering website development and digital solutions for businesses worldwide. Americaneagle.com is consistently staying ahead of industry trends and adopting every aspect of tech solutions that are in the best interest of our clients and their customers. If you would like to learn more, please contact us.
