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. Notably, even organisations that have traditionally focused on digital offerings, such as Buzzfeed, are now investing in connected devices. 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.

According to statistics, there were 30.7 billion connected devices in 2020, and this number is projected to soar to 75.4 billion by 2025.

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. 

To mitigate this, 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.

In conclusion, 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.