Developing for IoT: 3 best practices for building connected products

Product companies spanning various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, and toy manufacturing, are increasingly entering the Internet of Things (IoT) arena. Even organisations that have traditionally focused on digital content have tried connected devices: BuzzFeed’s food brand Tasty, for example, launched its own smart induction cooktop, the One Top. The introduction of connected products presents new revenue opportunities and enhances customer engagement, making it evident that the development of more intelligent and interconnected products is a primary focus for executives in these companies.

The market keeps growing. According to IoT Analytics, the number of connected IoT devices rose from 18.5 billion in 2024 to an estimated 21.1 billion in 2025, and it is forecast to reach 39 billion by 2030. Many of these products are set up and controlled through a companion app, which is why mobile apps play a central role in the Internet of Things.

However, the rise of IoT also brings significant challenges. Developing connected products differs from traditional static product development. Companies must replace linear development processes and multi-year product roadmaps with agile methodologies that respond swiftly to evolving security needs, software updates, and customer preferences. This shift requires seamless collaboration between development teams and business stakeholders, transforming the way companies operate.

With the right strategy, including an experienced development partner like 4K-Soft, companies can successfully pivot into IoT. Here are three best practices to consider when developing IoT products:

Rethink prototyping

Prototyping is the cornerstone of IoT product development, and it should start at the conceptual stage—before a single line of code is written. Begin with a design sprint, which focuses on mapping out customer journeys and creating wireframes. This method saves time and resources by aligning the product design with actual customer needs, identified through detailed personas and market research.

A clear understanding of the end-user ensures that the final product goes beyond meeting technical requirements to delivering meaningful value to customers.

Must read: Designing digital products for millennials: The two most important rules to follow.

Choose a development partner with IoT expertise

Having a development partner with prior IoT experience, like 4K-Soft, is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate the product's time to market. Check out our products and see what 4K-Soft offers. Thanks to our experience in leveraging geolocation services, we help in bringing products to market efficiently and on time.
Choosing a partner who understands the complexities of IoT can make the development process smoother and more efficient.

Focus on security from the outset

Security is a critical aspect of IoT product development. Connected products are prime targets for cyberattacks, and even a minor breach can significantly damage a company’s reputation. Regardless of how unlikely a device might seem as an entry point, every connected product poses a potential security risk.

Regulators now expect security by design as well. In the UK, connectable consumer products have had to meet minimum security requirements since 29 April 2024: passwords must be unique per device or set by the user, and manufacturers must explain how to report security issues and how long the product will receive security updates. In the EU, the Cyber Resilience Act has required manufacturers to report actively exploited vulnerabilities since 11 September 2026, and its main obligations apply from 11 December 2027.

To mitigate these risks, work with custom software development companies who understand IoT cybersecurity, ensuring proactive measures are in place to protect both the product and the company behind it.

To succeed in the IoT space, companies must transform their development processes and work closely with experienced partners like 4K-Soft. This approach will help reduce risks, accelerate time to market, and, ultimately, deliver superior customer experiences with connected products.