Looking Ahead

Business Software Trends to Watch Out For in 2023

5 minute read

It is undeniable that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. However, in the aftermath of two years spent in fluctuating levels of lockdown, not all changes are negative – particularly within the business world. On the contrary, the enforced adjustment of working remotely has led to new discoveries and innovative thinking.

Why has Business Software Development Spiked?

Subsequently, the use of technology in business has significantly evolved – and is set to continue developing in the years to come. We are very much living in the era of technology, which has been further heightened by the universal transition to remote working. Despite Covid restrictions having eased, many companies are allowing remote working – or at the very least, a hybrid work week – to continue, due to the vast majority’s preference for more flexible working. This ‘new normal’, which generally consists of meeting over Zoom or Microsoft Teams, as opposed to in person, has led to the necessity of exciting developments in business software. What’s more, businesses are generally hyper aware of the importance of consistently improving processes to maintain competitive advantage over other companies. Below, we’ve outlined some examples of the most cutting edge software trends to look out for in the year to come! So, without further ado – let’s get started.

The Metaverse: VR Meetings

Speaking of trends, the metaverse is predicted to become an $800 billion market by 2024, therefore it isn’t surprising that it’s made our list! The metaverse is an online digital world facilitated by virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), which users can fully immerse themselves in. In particular, virtual reality is being channelled in business; due to the limitations of the aforementioned video call platforms, VR meetings are very much up and coming in the workplace, across numerous industries.

So, how does one conduct a VR meeting? Simply, using VR headsets, employees can be transported to a virtual office, where the meeting takes place. Not only is such sought-after VR technology significantly more affordable than it used to be, it also allows employees to experience a life-like workspace – from the comfort of their own home. From one-on-one video calls to virtual conferences (complete with your own avatar!), the possibilities of VR meetings are endless – particularly in terms of virtual location. Why be limited to the office – let’s not lie, we’ve all secretly dreamed of hosting a work meeting on a desert island, or in space!

User Interface Design

Again, in light of the pandemic, businesses are more aware of customer engagement and retention than ever. In today’s digital era, where the majority of customer interaction occurs online, user experience takes centre stage. Therefore, more and more companies are using user-experience-focussed software to design and rebrand their products and services. After all, your business’s product or service is the star of the show; you can have the best marketing strategy in the world, but if your product doesn’t catch your customer’s eye, this is all merely a meaningless façade.

As a result, popular User Interface (UI) Design tools are likely to trend in 2023. Such tools allow companies to crucially focus on the visual, customer-facing elements of their digital product or service. For example, Marvel, Sketch and UXPin are three up-and-coming User Interface Design platforms, which allow designers to create digital products, focussing specifically on the user’s visual experience.

Artificial Intelligence

In the last few years, Artificial Intelligence has superseded its prior science fiction stereotype, having become more useful to us than ever before. AI refers simply to computer software that carries out ‘human’ actions, and is certainly a technological trend to keep an eye on; it has already evolved substantially in the last year alone. Some may have concerns about the possibility of Artificial Intelligence replacing human jobs, however, in the workplace, AI generally acts more so as a support system: from cybersecurity to data research, and from machine learning to personal assistance. Ubiquitous and Cognitive Artificial Intelligence in particular are set to transform work life as we know it in 2023: these two core forms of AI pave the pathway for improved human communication and problem-solving. Specifically, chatbots are all the rage – offering customers and clients one-to-one support, and bridging the communication gap.

So, what does the future hold for AI in business? Experts claim that AI’s involvement in day to day working life will significantly help to streamline processes, thus making everyone’s lives easier. The McKinsey Global Institute, in fact, predicts that by 2030, 70% of businesses will use at least one type of AI technology – which will subsequently boost the world’s economic output by approximately $13 trillion. It therefore isn’t surprising that Artificial Intelligence’s input to the business world is one to watch in the coming years!

Conclusion

These examples are just a small selection of the array of exciting technological developments in business, which are evolving this year – and beyond! We would also like to give honourable mentions to trusty apps such as Monday and Slack; while they are not necessarily the most cutting edge software developments, such platforms are a sure sign of businesses channelling the rise of social media to improve communication in – or outside of – the physical workplace. To conclude, communication is key in the business world: whether you are communicating with colleagues via the VR workspace, communicating your brand’s message through customer-focussed visuals, or letting the chatbot do the communicative work for you! As a direct result, these technological advancements are typically designed to improve our communication with clients, and with each other. In this day and age, post-pandemic, we are certain that many would agree that communication is more important than ever.