IT Trends for 2017

At Web Design Boom our content focuses on (as you’d expect from the name) web design. So why are we dedicating a post to predicting the biggest technology and IT trends of 2017? Don’t worry, we have a design-themed trends post coming to you in the next couple of weeks but there is a reason why we’re looking at the direction tech will be heading in 2017. Knowing where technology and IT will be going in the year to come is a great indicator of not only the trends we’ll see springing up in the design industry but also the type of content you may be asked to create over the next twelve months.

For example, we know augmented reality is going to be a huge trend in 2017 so it’s very possible this may seep into your design workload. Maybe the organisation you work for will be bringing AR into their line of products or perhaps it’s something they’ll be integrating into their website design or marketing campaign. Either way, it never hurts to know what might be around the corner so keep reading to find out what we believe will be the biggest IT trends of 2017.

Internet of Things

This is the big one: the Internet of Things. The term IoT has been in circulation for a few years now but it’s in 2017 that this is really going to come into its own. In case you haven’t heard the phrase before, Techopedia describes it thusly:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept that describes a future where everyday physical objects will be connected to the Internet and be able to identify themselves to other devices.

Basically, we’re going to see more and more devices be designed with internet connectivity and features that enhance their performance through online activity.

Bimodal IT

An important principal for IT professionals and influencers to keep in mind, bimodal IT is the idea of utilising traditional methods while embracing cutting edge technology. The important thing to remember is to perfect the foundation before rushing onto new ideas – implementing trendy new technology is always attractive but things like security, responsiveness and reliability should never be neglected.

Mobility

This trend seems to crop up every year but with very good reason; with each year that passes technology becomes even more mobile (just look at the Apple Watch 2, for example). It’s not just tech that’s going mobile though, it’s also our lifestyles. With more and more workers leaving traditional work to work as freelancers, start their own businesses or trek the globe as digital nomads, the need for mobile technology has never been greater.

Chatbots and Conversational Systems

This trend began gaining momentum this year, with the release of the Amazon Echo (and Echo Dot), Apple bringing Siri to their new line of MacBooks, and everybody from Verizon to Facebook utilising this technology to help with customer service, product ordering, deliveries and more.

Virtual (VR) and Augmented (AR) Reality

With the launch of a plethora of VR gaming systems this year, we’ve got our eyes firmly peeled for both VR and AR to become even more popular in 2017. While VR is a fun way to enhance traditional console gaming, we’re hoping to see this incredible technology used in a wider variety of weird and wonderful ways.

Intelligent (AI) Apps

Artificial intelligence (AI) is springing up in a variety of industries, so we’re not at all surprised to see that intelligent apps are set to be huge in 2017.

Described by Forbes are a ‘battleground for technology vendors through at least 2020’, intelligent apps are set to learn user behaviour and preferences that will allow them to act autonomously rather than from programmed instructions. The future is now!