Netbiscuits predictions for 2014

Multiple devices will dictate the future of the sector and responsive web design won’t be enough, according to Netbiscuits 2014 predictions

The rise in device ownership and the fragmentation, particularly in emerging markets, will force mobile-focused operators to move beyond simple responsive design, according to netbiscuits 2014 predictions.

Falling prices have meant the average number of devices in a UK family will be over six in the UK during 2014 and responsive web design in html5 will increasingly need to be supported by server side components, the report predicts.

And it adds that users will increasingly expect a consistent cross-device experience with enablers such as NFC adding to the experience.

“Start considering where your customers might be hitting pain-points as part of a cross screen experience,” the report noted.

It also predicted a world of ever more segmented customer profiles based on expanding data analytics with consumer desires for customisation and personalisation driving this.

Another big factor will be the complexity of developing for multiple screen sizes, which many operators had hoped disappeared with the rise of Apple and Samsung devices.

By the end of 2014 the report estimates the number of screen sizes on the top 100 devices are expected to easily exceed 30 and netbiscuits said emerging markets such as Brazil have shown a preference for 5-7 inch devices.