Have you ever thought about what the ideal app design really is? Well, as time moves on and more sophisticated techs start to dominate the app development landscape, the very definition of app design starts to change. And so do the tasks of developers and designers that work on creating robust, user-friendly, and commercially successful digital solutions.

In today’s post we’re going to take a closer look at design principles in software engineering that define a successful application. Also, we’ll provide you with useful tips and recommendations on how to nail your user experience with effective and highly responsive app design. But first, let’s find out what app design actually is and why so much attention is paid to it.

What is App Design?

In layman’s terms, app design is how the application looks and feels during the interaction. Let’s start with the look first. When talking about visually appealing design, most users imagine fun memorable colors, effective logos, readable and user-friendly fonts, rich textures, and the like. This all represents the overall style of an app and plays an important role in its commercial success.

When it comes to your app’s feel, you need to ensure that it’s capable of providing your users with the best possible usability and functionality. In other words, just like any app, your solution needs to help your customers solve their particular problems and address their needs.

Not rare are the cases when users abandon this or that app after a week or two after installing it. These days, the app market is overflowing with cool and highly efficient products that help users with their daily tasks, time management, workout routine, and much more. No wonder, customers are so picky and demanding when it comes to choosing apps. With this in mind, you’ll want to invest enough time, effort, and money in great UI and UX design and thus boost the chance that your users will keep using it for a long time.

Why is App Design Important?

More often than not, it’s the UX, or its quality to be precise, that makes app owners invest in their app design. Given the fierce competition in the software development market, all appreneurs want to ensure that their new product can meet their intended users’ needs and bring them the best experience possible. Among the major constituents of app success are intuitive UI, fast loading times, ease of use and navigation, and so on. In other words, your users should be satisfied with their interaction with your product. And the greater your customer satisfaction is, the more people will come to download your app down the line.

But it’s not just the user experience alone that can benefit from wisely implemented app design principles. If you make sure all components of successful app design are in place, you’ll be able to scale up your app further down the road by modifying and tweaking your code. What’s more, you’ll be able to make your product more testable, optimize it for mobile platforms, and add more advanced features to your app at any point.

Things to Be Considered When Designing Your App

As with any other product you want to successfully bring to the market, you need to make sure this market actually needs your app. For this, you’ll want to put some time into researching the market and competitors, especially those whose products are popular with your intended audience. Once you gain a better understanding of your target users, clearly identify the range of problems your app will help to address, as well as the value it will bring to the table.

Also, bear in mind that successful design doesn’t necessarily equate with aesthetics. It’s more about living up to users’ expectations. So, you need to organize, structure, and label your app layout so that it can match your customers’ mental model. Don’t go overboard with navigation patterns, make sure all touch targets are at least 44 px and finger-friendly. Finally, do your best to optimize your product for different platforms. When designing your app, keep in mind resolutions, screen sizes, and current product design trends.

Last things last, make sure to test your new product before it goes live. Not only will this help collect valuable feedback from your beta users, but also identify the areas which need further improvement in good time.

If your company processes credit or debit card information, then it’s very likely that you have heard of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Cardholder data should not be accessible to individuals who do not need access. In addition, sent to a central Syslog server there should be properly structured measures to control how cardholder data is accessed.

The contract for cardholder data handlers PCI requires PCI DSS; regardless of the size of your company, it must comply, and the compliance must be validated year by year.

Statistics have shown that organizational PCI DSS compliance has dropped consistently since 2016. For example, a payment security report by Verizon revealed that only 27.9 percent of businesses attained comprehensive PCI DSS compliance during their 2019 interim validation.

The core focus of the PCI DSS requirements checklist is to provide adequate credit card security to cardholders. Here are the requirements of PCI DSS compliance.

1. Install a Firewall and Maintain its Configuration

Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to data by unknown entities through rules and regulations configured by a company. This helps to adequately secure the card data environment. Firewall configuration maintenance should include bi-annual reviews to ensure no potential data leaks.

2. Avoid Porous Vendor-Supplied Defaults for System Security

Do not use third-party systems like routers, point of sale (POS) systems, modems, and other models with security codes that are often easy to guess and access by the public. PSI compliance in this regard includes putting together a list of software and devices requiring security access and including precautions and configurations to secure cardholder data.

3. Two-Fold Cardholder Data Security

Card Data must be secure through encryption. But it’s first crucial that you understand the volume of data to be stored together with its location and retention—harness industry-accepted algorithms (e.g., AES-256, RSA 2048).

4. Encrypt Data Transmitted Across Public Networks

When data is encrypted, it becomes gibberish and practically impossible for unauthorized use. A fourth PCI DSS requirement is that data transferred across locations must be encrypted. In addition, sensitive information like account numbers should not be sent to open or unknown locations such as GSM, Bluetooth, GPRS, 802.11, CDMA, or over the Internet. Cybercriminals are constantly seeking to take advantage of a company’s security system vulnerabilities. However, encrypting cardholder data will limit the possibility of a breach.

5. Install Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is necessary to secure devices that interact with and/or store PAN. It is also very important to ensure the constant update of this software. This PCI DSS compliance requirement is geared towards offering protection against diverse malware types that can wreak computer havoc. These also include workstations, smart devices, and laptops that may be used for carrying out various tasks with company resources. Updating antivirus or antimalware programs will make security software capable of confronting new threat data. This process will also make it impossible for potential malware infection. However, ensure that antivirus mechanisms are always kept active.

6. Identify and Classify Vulnerabilities In The PCI DSS Environment

Develop and maintain secure applications and systems by uncovering risks through reliable external sources. Business owners must be able to patch all systems in the card data environment in good time. These systems include application software, POS terminals, firewalls, routers, switches, databases, and operating systems. Updating them will provide an added security layer to the system, and they are essential for all software on devices that store or interact with cardholder data.

7. Control Cardholder Data Access

Cardholder data should not be accessible to individuals who do not need access. In addition, there should be properly structured measures to control how cardholder data is accessed. The restriction to data access requirement is focused on role-based access control (RBAC), which makes resources accessible on a need-to-know basis. Need-to-know is a crucial aspect of PCI DSS, ensuring that data is not exposed to the wrong users.

8. Dole Out Unique Access Identity to Each User

Every cardholder data with access should be assigned a distinct method of identification to gain access. Avoid using a single access code to encrypt data with several employees being given that code. That approach gives room for vulnerability. A more secure approach is to offer unique Identities and passwords/passphrases to every user. This will also speed up response time.

9. Restrict Data Access Physically

This PCI DSS requirement restricts cardholder data (digital and hard copies) from being physically exposed to the public. Data should be locked in a cabinet, drawer, or secure room. Aside from restricting physical contact with cardholder data, every potential access should strictly comply with the rules. Without physically putting these restrictions in place, potential threats would gain access and wreak havoc on systems and data.

10. Utilize Access Logs

One of the biggest risks to data is the lack of proper recording and documentation. Hence, access logs must be created and maintained before data and other network resources can be used. Data flow within your organization should be adequately documented. All systems must have a valid audit policy that must be set with logs sent to a central Syslog server.

11. Examine Security Systems Periodically

Even the best security approach can go awful either to human error, system malfunction, or outdated applications. Hence, it is important to test your security systems from time to time to keep healthy defenses.

12. Document and Implement Security Policies

Every policy should be geared towards the core PCI DSS goals and must be documented. Access to software, equipment, and employees must be adequately documented to aid compliance. The information security policy must at least be reviewed annually and passed across to every vendor, employee, and contractor.

Virtual Phone System – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have embraced remote work, with the greatest challenge being their business phone system. This means they need a virtual phone system for enhanced functionality instead of landlines. Traditional phone systems have become irrelevant with this new work-from-home normal. Employees are no longer in the office to take calls and cannot access their desk phones. This further reiterates the need for a virtual phone system to run their business from a cloud-based system.

As it is a new concept for many businesses, most employers are skeptical about its effectiveness. However, here is a detailed guide on what a virtual phone system is, how it works, and its benefits.

What is a Virtual Phone System

A virtual phone system is an advanced communication platform that enables users to make and receive calls through the cloud instead of physical landlines. This platform uses the internet to allow employees to make and receive calls through their mobiles, desktop apps, and desk phones from one business phone number.

Virtual phone systems provide advanced features that make companies opt to move their phone systems to the cloud. These systems enable different company sizes to grow their team while promoting productivity. Therefore, a virtual phone system is a cost-effective way that ensures your team stays connected.

According to statistics, about 40% of companies have their employees working remotely. Therefore, businesses need phone systems that work in and out of the physical office.

How Does a Virtual Phone System Work?

A traditional phone system works from one location, while a virtual phone system uses existing hardware to work from anywhere. As long as the users have an internet connection, they can make and receive calls wherever they are.

Ideally, a virtual phone system connects calls from local phone numbers and toll-free users. The advantage of a virtual phone system is that the company doesn’t need to maintain the switchboard or lines since that is the service provider’s work. Virtual phone systems manage the telecom infrastructure and relations with the Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and use the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).VoIP means that phone calls don’t depend on hard-wired phone lines but happen over the internet. It converts calls from their initial analog sound using VoIP codecs to provide superior call quality.

VoIP providers prefer to set up redundant data center networks for optimal performance. This allows the efficient flow of communication even when other servers fail due to severe weather. In addition, since virtual phone systems exist on the internet, it is possible to forward calls from the office phone to your smartphone easily.

Further, you can take calls from your computer while working outdoors. In addition, if you are not at work, you can direct your calls to another colleague or receive voicemails via email. As a result, front-end users receive plenty of new capabilities for effective work and collaboration.

You can also route inbound calls to an auto-attendant, also called a phone tree, and exchange messages with customers using the same platform. This makes virtual phone systems more effective and flexible than landlines, which establish connectivity over wired connections.

Benefits of Using a Virtual Phone System

Virtual phone systems are the preferred phone system option for small and large businesses and enterprises for the following reasons:

1. Easy setup

Virtual phone systems are easy to use and set up. Landlines require waiting for an installer to cut holes around the office and run wires, impeding the ability of workers to make or receive calls during this process. And since halting your business is not an option, most companies choose virtual phone systems.

You can begin using virtual phone systems immediately if you have high-speed internet. Once the VoIP phones become available, plug them in and begin using them. Setting up virtual phone services is so easy that you don’t need an IT professional.

2. Low costs

In many cases, businesses pay for communication solutions they hardly use to the maximum, leading to wasting resources. However, a virtual phone system helps you to choose the perfect combination of lines and features for your business. As a result, you can choose a small business plan or a complete office system to get the most value.

In addition, virtual phone systems replace several business apps from the beginning. This means that you can save significantly compared to old-fashioned phone systems. Furthermore, the built-in features in these phone systems save you even more money.

Going virtual is a great way to lower your costs while still enjoying premium features like call forwarding to different locations and extensions, comfort messages and hold music, auto-attendants, custom greetings, detailed inbound and outbound call logs, caller ID management, affordable rates for international calls.

With such advanced features at a low cost, virtual phone systems are excellent options for every business and are budget-friendly for small enterprises.

3. Flexible device options

The traditional phone system allows employees only to take calls through the desk phone. However, your team can comfortably take calls from various devices with VoIP. In addition, a virtual phone system adopts universal standards for interoperability, allowing you to take calls from your IP-based device of choice rather than the desk phone alone.

Such devices include conference phones, wireless VoIP phones, tablets, Ipads, desktops, laptops, and Android and iOS apps. The universal standards allow you to get the perfect hardware for your employees. Also, different job roles require different hardware. For instance, an executive and a support rep have different needs and require different hardware for reliable business calling.

According to research, at least 59% of business professionals use about three devices at work. This means you don’t need to buy any extra equipment since virtual phone systems work with communications devices you are already using.

Conclusion

You only need a strong Wi-Fi signal for a virtual phone system to work. Once you start using this system, you allow your team to benefit from its reliability, superior call quality, and many advanced features that enhance productivity.

Pin Map – When turning your location data into a comprehensive map, mapping software can offer a powerful visualization otherwise lost in spreadsheets. Maps with pins can provide a decent starting point, but measuring marker density is essential. Finding a third-party program that can help you build a solid foundation of your data through different map functionalities can interpret complex data without bogging down the map with irrelevant details.

What is a Pin Map?

The pin map is commonly called a dot distribution map. This location mapping is a visualization for businesses that take location data and automatically plot the details on the map as an individual marker. Pin maps hold many applications, including:

–         Identifying various real estate or commercial prospects by individual category

–         Visualizing different store locations or customer addresses

–         Labeling the different steps within your supply chain

–         Pushing large amounts of data within a map, often used for research purposes

Many programs allow users to build cluster maps if they’re working with expansive data sets. A cluster map is a variation of pin maps that individual aggregate pins, organizing busy maps into a more visually accessible format.

Look for a program that allows pop-up text boxes with additional information that appears when interacting with the marker. The pop-up text boxes should remain customizable, allowing information like name, salesperson, websites, and addresses.

How to Create a Pin Map

Dropping pins on a map to illustrate your data shouldn’t be difficult. The pins will help determine hot spots in the information or allow time-lapsed analysis over time. The pins could become essential for mapping out patterns or clarifying areas of weakness within the organization. Develop actionable insights for the company’s marketing department, personal adventures, or research projects.

Register with a third-party mapping software you’re comfortable with to create your dot distribution map. Create a copy of data for the business, including location-specific details and any other information you’d like to include. Once you’ve finished the spreadsheet, upload the file to your mapping software, or copy and paste the data.

Choose the create map option to populate the data for your new map. The map should automatically generate data from your spreadsheet. Customize the appearance of your map, analyze the data, or add a layer when you’re finished.

How to Add Additional Pins on the Map

After you create the map, adding new location data shouldn’t be complicated. Users should find mapping software that allows users to integrate new entries effortlessly, whether through manual input or by placing the marker directly on the map.

Input Address Information:

To input an entry manually, start by entering the address of the desired location directly into the map. Select the map now button to add a new pin. If you’d like to place another marker, choose the “Add Another Location” option from the dashboard.

Place Marker Directly:

If you’d like to add a new marker directly on the map, move your cursor to the location in question. Click the site and choose where you’d like to place the tag.

How to Customize the Pins on Your Map

After you create the initial map, there are many ways to customize the pins on your map so they look exactly the way you’d like. Many mapping programs will have these customization options for more straightforward functioning. Select the setting option on your map to customize your map and locate the map markers and graphics option. A dropdown sheet will appear to update the map.

 Additional Mapping Tools for Pin Maps

Grouping Tools

A grouping tool is critical for anyone using the standard dot distribution maps. When first uploading all the data, the pins will automatically generate the same color, making them difficult to differentiate. Use the grouping tool to bring color-coding to the map based on the pre-determined categories. These include organizing pins by location, sales representatives, or another custom attribute. The grouping function will automatically organize the pins according to your needs.

Filter Function

Consider using the filter tool when determining where your information stems from. This function will pare down your data to decide which insight you need at that particular moment. For instance, users can view all locations attached to one specific sales representative. The filter tool will only show results for your chosen distinct filtering options.

Establishing Boundary Maps

Opt for mapping software that allows territory or boundary creation if you want to see the data according to the boundary. This filtering function will take all entries and only show results from that boundary. As a result, users will view a granular aspect of data instead of deciphering which entry matches their requirements.