INSIGHTS | 14th December 2023
Article by Nathan Baranowski
In our final blog of the year, our team of experts have pulled together a unique overview of insights and predictions, each bringing their unique perspective to the forefront. With the digital landscape evolving at a breath-taking pace, dive into some of the areas we think you should be considering in your plans for 2024 and beyond.
by Laura Pinkstone
In the rapidly evolving digital era of 2024, the significance of sophisticated digital tools such as websites and apps in driving Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) cannot be overstated. With the increasing reliance on digital solutions, customers are actively seeking out apps that make their lives simpler and more engaging. For businesses, this presents a unique opportunity to connect with their audience through well-crafted, user-centric apps and websites. As User Experience (UX) experts, we emphasise the critical role of these digital platforms in enhancing user engagement and driving conversions. By optimising the user experience on your websites and apps, you can significantly boost your CRO, turning casual browsers into loyal customers.
The rise in popularity of apps, in particular, is reshaping the way customers interact with brands. A well-designed app can simplify processes, provide valuable solutions, and keep users engaged with your brand. This shift towards app-based interactions means that it's more important than ever for businesses to understand the power of these tools in meeting customer needs and driving business success.
Interested in learning more about the impact of apps in today's digital landscape? Download our 'The Power of Apps' eBook. It delves into how apps are making life simpler and more engaging for users and how they can be leveraged to solve customer challenges effectively. Discover insights and strategies that can propel your business forward in the app-centric world.
by Stuart Hobbs
Accessibility isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. With regulations like WCAG AA set to become mandatory in 2025 and those who are found to not be adhering at risk of fines, this is the perfect time for brands to embrace digital accessibility. True accessibility extends beyond your brand palette and compliance; it’s about inclusivity and reaching a diverse audience. Accessibility involves more than just design; it also includes the content you write. Creating copy that aligns with your target audience increases the likelihood that your message will resonate.
By embracing accessibility, you create an inclusive environment for all users, regardless of their abilities. It's about making your digital presence welcoming to everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind. This approach not only enhances user experience but also reflects your brand's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Compliance is however the starting point and too many brands and digital services are not compliant with the basic needs of digital accessibility.
"Every company is a software company. You have to start thinking and operating like a digital company. It’s no longer just about procuring one solution and deploying one. It’s not just about a product, but about the continuous refreshment of technology. It’s not just about the capability to enable productivity; it’s about being more strategic with technology as a company."
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
by Deborah Fortescue
In the dynamic digital landscape of 2024, long-term strategic thinking is paramount. It's not about just adapting to the present; it's about anticipating and shaping the future. As a strategist, I guide businesses in understanding their digital maturity – assessing their current standing in the digital space and planning for future developments. This understanding is crucial to ensure your business is agile, adaptable, and future-proof. The rapid advancements in technologies, especially in AI, require businesses to not only keep pace but also lead in innovation. Are you prepared to evaluate and elevate your digital maturity to thrive in this fast-paced era? Have you developed a strategic plan to define your digital business for the next three years? And have you considered your business's operation in an AI-dominated world? The acceleration of AI, highlighted by Chat GPT in 2023, is set to intensify in 2024. To ensure your organisation thrives in this new era, it's vital to have a robust strategy and plan, built on a strong foundation for future growth and adaptability. Start shaping your future in the AI-driven world - download our eBook: Realising your digital ambitions to begin your journey.
by Nathan Baranowski
In 2024, the key to technological advancement isn't just in acquiring new tools; it's in maximising the potential of what you already have. My focus is on helping businesses integrate and leverage their existing technologies to create a seamless, efficient ecosystem. Often, organisations possess a wealth of resources in their current tech stack – from customer relationship management (CRM) systems to data analytics tools and collaborative platforms. The real power lies in ensuring these technologies work well together, harmonising their functionalities to streamline processes and enhance productivity. This integration not only drives a data-led business but also ensures a smooth information flow and robust customer engagement through delivering digital services to your end users. It all begins with understanding what you have, how you're using it, and your goals. This insight is key to maximising your existing ecosystem, allowing machines to excel at what they do best – compute.
by Kim Hannon
In 2024, driving efficiency in business goes beyond mere operational tweaks; it involves transformative thinking. Our goal is to guide organisations through this transformative journey. By focusing on reducing waste and non-value activities, we not only streamline processes but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This approach is a cornerstone of business transformation. It's about rethinking and redesigning workflows to eliminate inefficiencies, thereby enhancing productivity and creating value. Through this transformation, businesses can adapt more readily to changing market demands, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
2024 is poised to be a landmark year in digital acceleration, with user-centered design at the forefront of our endeavours. The integration of advanced technologies like Chat GPT, websites, systems, and data handling requires a dual focus: on the end users' needs and our own. Technology holds the key to solving many business challenges, propelling us towards greater efficiency and effectiveness, whether we are fully prepared for this shift or not. However, embracing this change is multifaceted and must be carefully considered within the context of your company's culture and business structure. This holistic approach ensures that technological advancements align with and support your organisational values and goals.
Here at Digital Wonderlab, we help you understand your digital landscape and develop digital strategies that make your visions a reality. We would love to chat to find out your plans for 2024 in this ever-changing digital landscape, get in touch to see how we can help.
Your website shouldn't be an island
INSIGHTS | September 1st 2021
We've produced a FREE eBook to help you deliver an integrated digital experience. Take a look at our top 5 tips on delivering an integrated digital experience and why it's more important than ever for your business.
Your website is the primary entry point to your customer. It's your digital shop window and your opportunity to stand out, to tell your story and to engage with your audience - both now and in the future.
Yet your website should never be an island. It should be truly integrated as part of an ecosystem, working hard for you and your purpose as part of a clear digital strategy.
About the author
Nathan Baranowski
Digital Strategy & Solutions Architect
Chief Wondermaker and Head of Big Thinking, Tech Innovation & Solution Design at the wonderlab of all things digital, Nathan is the lead data scientist and "Super Thinker" in the team - and makes a great cup of coffee (or two).