Why You Should Consider IoT for Your Next Product Development Project

Internet of Things connectivity is popping up in new products and devices across a wide range of verticals, from housewares to pet supplies to products for parents and more. In our ever-evolving digital age, connected devices are becoming more popular with the masses because their immediacy and responsiveness make the lives of consumers easier. If you can strengthen the value of your product by adding IoT technology, that is something you shouldn’t hesitate to take into consideration. It’s important that you aren’t adding connectivity just to be trendy, but because it truly meets a user’s need by eliminating a pain point or making your product easier to use. It needs to be a worthwhile endeavor that fits into your business model.

Fortunately, any product development agency worth your time will employ an IoT expert, so you won’t need to worry about having one on your team. In many cases, implementing IoT features is low-risk and cost-effective.

Why IoT Connectivity Matters For The Next Product You Develop

At its core, IoT connectivity matters to your product because it can set it apart from the competition and make your product stand out ahead of the pack. Generally speaking, IoT provides added value because it helps make your product more personalized, customized, user-centric, and perhaps even easier to use.

After all, which seems more desirable: A Nest thermostat that keeps your house at the perfect temperature for your family, no matter the time of day, or a traditional thermostat? A smart TV that helps you watch the show you want to see when you want to see it, or a more traditional TV? A connected slow cooker that gives you full control over how your dinner is cooking, whether you are at home or at work, or a regular appliance? It’s easy to see that in many cases, the added functionality that comes along with creating a connected IoT product does much to improve the product’s overall function and benefit to the consumer.

However, in addition to improving your product’s value, the benefits of IoT connectivity run even deeper. With ready access to your products even after they make their way to customers’ homes, you’ll be able to more easily handle things such as diagnostics and maintenance.

Why IoT Connectivity Matters For Your Business

Creating a connected device doesn’t just improve your product’s functionality; it can improve your entire business in multiple ways.

• Having a connected device can help you reach new markets. If you are struggling to reach younger consumers, making your device “smart” could be the way to do it.
• Internet of Things connectivity makes it easier to connect to your customers, which can improve customer relations. Successful businesses all know that good customer service leads to customer loyalty, which helps your business grow.
• Internet of Things connectivity helps you learn more about your product after it makes its way into consumers’ hands. Not only will this help you improve your existing products, but it can also help you and your product development team create new, better products!
• You can use IoT technology to collect data and then sell it, increasing your profits. Keep in mind that if you go this route it’s important to do so ethically; make sure that your consumers know that their data is being collected, and also do everything you can to protect their privacy.

If all this sounds appealing to you and you’d like to learn more about building an IoT device for your next project, get in touch today – we’d love to talk more!