The Art of UX Writing

August 23rd, 2023 No comments

UX writing is a critical component of user experience design. It’s the voice that guides users through a product, making interactions intuitive and efficient. But how do you master this craft?

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Future Trends in Product Information Management: Insights into the Evolving Landscape

August 23rd, 2023 No comments

Product Information Management (PIM) is critical in businesses with a wide range of products. PIM solutions effectively manage data, improve customer satisfaction, and drive sales through various platforms. As technology continues to evolve, the PIM industry will experience significant transformations. 

This article will discuss upcoming enterprise product data management trends and benefits and how it’s transforming the future of business.

Benefits of Product Information Management (PIM):

Improved Data Accuracy

PIM solutions provide accurate and consistent product data across all channels. By effectively eliminating errors and discrepancies, they greatly enhance customer trust and help minimize returns or complaints.

Enhanced Productivity

The PIM systems significantly enhance data management processes, allowing teams to manage extensive and varied product catalogs effectively. They automate data entry, content generation, and updates, saving significant time and resources.

Omnichannel Consistency

This system facilitates consistent product information dissemination across various channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and physical stores. It ensures a seamless shopping experience for customers.

Faster Time-to-Market

With organized and accessible product data, businesses can quickly bring new products to market, staying ahead of competitors and capitalizing on emerging trends.

Improved Customer Experience

Personalized product information and targeted recommendations contribute to enhanced customer experiences, increased engagement, and a heightened sense of customer loyalty.

Future Trends in PIM 

AI and Machine Learning Integration

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are shaping the future of PIM. AI-driven PIM solutions can automate data cleansing, product categorization, attribute extraction, and content generation. Through natural language processing, these systems can better understand and update product descriptions, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. ML algorithms can analyze customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to optimize product offerings.

Omnichannel PIM Solutions

Customers expect seamless shopping experiences across multiple channels, so the demand for Omnichannel PIM solutions is rising. Future PIM platforms must support traditional channels like e-commerce websites and physical stores and emerging channels like social media, mobile apps, voice assistants, and IoT devices. An effective Omnichannel PIM strategy ensures consistent and accurate product information across all touchpoints, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.

Cloud-Based PIM Adoption

Cloud computing has revolutionized various business processes, and PIM is no exception. The future of PIM lies in cloud-based solutions that offer scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud-based PIM allows real-time data updates, easy collaboration among teams, and the ability to integrate with other cloud-based applications seamlessly. This shift from on-premises to cloud-based PIM systems will enable enterprises to stay agile in a rapidly changing business environment.

Data Governance and Security

As the volume and complexity of product data grow, data governance and security will be critical concerns for enterprises. Future PIM solutions must ensure data integrity, compliance with data regulations, and protection against cyber threats. Robust access controls, data encryption, and advanced authentication measures will be essential features of PIM platforms, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining customer trust.

Personalization and Customer Experience

The future of PIM will be customer-centric, with a strong focus on personalization and enhancing customer experience. PIM solutions will leverage customer data to create targeted product recommendations, personalized content, and relevant marketing messages. By understanding customer preferences and behaviors, businesses can deliver more engaging shopping experiences, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)

PIM systems must adapt and integrate with IoT devices, including those offered by a grocery delivery app development company. IoT integration enables real-time monitoring of product usage, performance, and feedback. PIM platforms can leverage this data to make data-driven decisions, identify product improvements, and support customer support. IoT integration can facilitate automatic updates of product information across channels, keeping customers informed.

PIM is Transforming the Future of Business 

Product Information Management (PIM) is set to transform the future of business in profound ways. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, the role of PIM will become even more critical in driving success for enterprises.

Enhanced Customer Experience

PIM enables businesses to provide consistent, accurate, personalized product information across all channels. It improves customer experience as shoppers receive relevant, engaging content tailored to their preferences. With the rising importance of customer-centric strategies, PIM will be instrumental in building brand loyalty and satisfaction.

Data-Driven Decision Making

PIM systems capture and analyze vast amounts of product data. By leveraging AI and Machine Learning, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and product performance. Data-driven decision-making will empower organizations to identify growth opportunities, optimize product offerings, and stay ahead of the competition.

Agility and Innovation

PIM facilitates faster time-to-market for new products, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to changing market demands and trends. The ability to quickly update product information and adapt to new marketing channels, such as IoT devices and voice commerce, will drive innovation and agility in the marketplace.

Seamless Omnichannel Presence

As consumers increasingly expect a seamless shopping experience across various touchpoints, PIM will play a vital role in ensuring consistency across all channels. Businesses can deliver coherent messaging, pricing, and product information, fostering a unified brand presence.

Efficiency and Cost Savings

 PIM streamlines data management processes, reducing manual efforts and errors. Businesses can achieve operational efficiency and cost savings by centralizing product data and automating content creation and updates.

Compliance and Sustainability

With the rising focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance, PIM will enable businesses to manage eco-friendly product attributes and ensure adherence to relevant standards. This transparency will resonate with socially responsible consumers.

Collaboration and Workflow Optimization

PIM fosters collaboration among teams, suppliers, and partners by providing a single source of truth for product data. Improved workflows and communication will result in streamlined operations and faster decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The future of Product Information Management is dynamic, driven by technological advancements and changing customer expectations. AI and ML integration, Omnichannel support, cloud-based solutions, robust data governance, and a focus on customer experience are some of the key trends that will shape the evolving landscape of PIM. Product Information Management is poised to become a pivotal force in shaping the future of business. By delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving data-driven decisions, enabling innovation, and ensuring omnichannel consistency, PIM will be a transformative tool for enterprises aiming to stay competitive and thrive in the ever-evolving marketplace. To stay ahead in the competitive market, enterprises must embrace these trends and consider adopting the best-suited PIM solutions for their specific business needs.

Featured image by Zan on Unsplash

The post Future Trends in Product Information Management: Insights into the Evolving Landscape appeared first on noupe.

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YouTube Rolls out Curved Edges for Video Player

August 22nd, 2023 No comments

After almost two decades of sharp right-angled edges, YouTube is unveiling a new screen layout featuring rounded corners for videos and thumbnails.

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Unnerving AI App Lets you Chat with Anyone

August 22nd, 2023 No comments

Oh God, make it stop. EmbodyMe’s Xpression Chat lets you talk to anyone you like, dead or alive. Has AI finally gone too far?

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13 JavaScript Animation Libraries for Designers

August 22nd, 2023 No comments

Animation is a good web designer’s secret weapon. To animate means to bring to life, and a few little animated touches can liven up even the dullest content.

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What is AWS & A Solutions Architect?

August 21st, 2023 No comments
What is an AWS Solutions Architect?

AWS stands for Amazon Web Services. AWS is the leading cloud infrastructure service maintaining 32 percent of the the market in the 2nd quarter of 2023. The top competitors of AWS is Microsoft and Google with their own cloud service platforms.

A subsidiary of Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Inc. offers pay-as-you-go on-demand cloud services architecture, consisting of platforms and APIs for individuals, businesses, and governments. These services include:

  • Hosting Applications (mobile and web)
  • Content Delivery
  • Database Storage
  • API Gateways
  • and many other services

A Cloud service architecture comprises of the front end platform, back end platform, and a cloud based delivery over a network.

What is an AWS Solutions Architect?

An AWS solution architect is one of the most sought after careers in the cloud domain as many large corporations and even small businesses are running on the AWS cloud platform.

Companies are always on the lookout for professionals with competence in AWS Cloud architecture or the ones who have done an AWS Developer Associate Certification Course. So, if you are looking for a lucrative career as an AWS solutions architect, the prospects are promising.

You will require to design a technical and practical application using the cloud platform for your business problems as an AWS associate. One example could be to build the most cost efficient systems based on cloud architecture. Global Companies like Siemens and Shell have efficiently leveraged the AWS platform to beef up their cyber security against viruses, malware and other malicious threats. This is most exciting part of becoming an AWS- associate developer. You get to creatively solve business problems by using your expertise in cloud technology.

Your skills become valuable to a business when you give them value by generating efficiencies to it. A competent AWS solutions architect can earn a maiden salary of 1 lakh dollars on an average in United States of America and Canada.

What skills do you need to become an AWS solutions architect?

Business Acumen

Understanding the needs and problems faced by your business is the first skill you need if you want to work as an AWS solutions architect. A commercial sense more or less serves you well in any career.

Great communication and interpersonal skills

AWS solution architects work within teams so having great people’s skills is of utmost importance. The secret to getting projects done lies in your ability to communicate effectively with the team and managing your time properly.

Understanding customer needs and aligning them with business goals is also crucial. Therefore one needs to be very good with customer interactions and communicating objectively.

You must be adaptable in switching between tasks that may involve writing scripts, troubleshooting, and taking care of migrations amongst other things throughout the day.

Technical expertise

You need to have a working knowledge of one operating system at least. The most preferable is Linux. Prior knowledge of specific programming languages along with understanding of network security will make the path of becoming AWS professional potentially sound.

You need to pass the AWS solutions architect certification to become a certified AWS solutions architect.

Don’t worry; it is possible to become an AWS solutions architect even if you don’t have a prior any prior experience of AWS. In any career, learning the core concepts, getting certified or passing an exam and honing your skills through practical exposure is the most standard way to becoming a professional.

So, you can divide your journey to become a AWS solutions architect into 3 steps as follows:

1. Learn the fundamentals of cloud computing with deep knowledge of the AWS cloud platform

You need to learn all the cloud computing concepts to know the nitty gritties of a career in cloud computing industry. There are plenty of free and paid learning resources available online to get you started with learning the theoretical aspects for the right building cloud solutions on a AWS platform.

Cloud technology is in a state of flux. It is a constantly evolving field. Make sure you choose the right learning resources that focus on a case study based learning environment to help you understand the practical application and implications of the cloud computing concepts and AWS fundamentals.

It is very important to keep yourself abreast with the latest developments in the field of cloud technology. Learn why companies are using the AWS enabled cloud platform to solve business

problems. What kind of benefits it offers to businesses. Make knowledge of cloud technology your forte to proceed on acquiring the technical skills and competencies to become an AWS solutions architect.

2. Ace the AWS solution architect certification Exam

AWS certifications stand out as they lay emphasis on hands on experience and best practices. The evaluation is a testimony of candidate’s thoroughness in working with AWS cloud platform. There are different certifications under the AWS certification umbrella. AWS solution architect-associate certification is the most sought after one for a fresher looking to venture in the cloud solutions industry.

The test is conducted in an MCQ format and lasts for 130 minutes. it tests a candidate’s knowledge on using AWS cloud architecture for application based project implementation using best practices and design principles to address customer needs and solve business problems.

You have already done your ground work in the first step by acquiring the fundamental knowledge of how cloud technology works. Now you need to focus on acquiring niche skills and practical knowledge to get a thorough understanding of how cloud computing works in AWS enabled environment. The step may look a little challenging but it is definitely the most rewarding for starting out your developer journey in this field.

If you are looking for online courses to prepare yourself for the exam, make sure you choose the courses which blend practical hands on training along with learning the concepts. You must make it a point to cover each module included in the certification. A pro tip would be to take a one year free trial with AWS and play around with as many AWS services as possible with the trial version.

Look for resources that provide mock tests to help you practice in a real time simulation before taking the certification exam. Finding the right mentorship and learning will help you in clearing the certification exam with ease and confidence.

3. Make practical experience your priority when you start

It is advisable to get hands on experience with the AWS cloud service platform. Look out for entry level positions in the cloud architecture domain as soon as you decide to take the AWS certification.

Even Amazon recommends a desirable one year experience for taking the exam. An AWS certification can give you an added advantage at the pre screening stage of a job interview but bear in mind that it is your practical experience that takes you forward towards your dream 6 figure career from the interview cubicle.

Even after clearing the AWS certification exam, you must strive to find the right opportunities in the job market. Take the initial few months of your job as an extension of your learning. Look for training opportunities under senior solutions architect who have experience of handling a lot of projects and will give you opportunities to learn and grow.

The cloud computing field is always moving and you will always have something new to learn. It brings tremendous opportunities to grow as a professional. You can move ahead and take up the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional module after working as an associate for atleast 2 years with multi application based hands on experience of designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.

You should always know the pulse of the industry. Learning about other platforms like Microsoft Azure or Google cloud will help you getting a broader perspective and streamline your knowledge as an AWS solutions architect.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a good understanding of what AWS is along with the career options as a Solutions Architect, it’s time to decide if this cloud infrastructure platform is where you’d like to pursue a career. We hope you found this blog post helpful and please comment below!

The post What is AWS & A Solutions Architect? first appeared on WebDesignDev.

The post What is AWS & A Solutions Architect? appeared first on WebDesignDev.


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Intel Releases Update for its Developer-Focused Mono Font

August 21st, 2023 No comments

Intel One Mono, an open-source typeface designed for developers, just received a new update. Version 1.3.0 promises several small improvements to make the typeface easier to use.

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Threads Finally Unveils Web Browser Version

August 21st, 2023 No comments

Instagram head Adam Mosseri just announced that Threads is getting a web browser version. Could this be the feature that revitalizes the platform?

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15 Best New Fonts, August 2023

August 21st, 2023 No comments

Fonts play a critical role in design, possessing the ability to evoke emotion, reinforce a brand identity, create hierarchies in a layout, and set the tone of your content.

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Better Context Menus With Safe Triangles

August 21st, 2023 No comments

You’ve no doubt wrestled with menus that have nested menus before. I can’t count how many times I’ve hovered over a menu item that reveals another list of menu items, then tried to hover over that nested menu only to have the entire menu close on me.

That’s the setup for what I think is a pretty common issue when making menus — preventing nested menus from closing inadvertently. It’s not the users’ fault; leaving hover between menu levels is easy. It’s also not exactly the web’s fault; the menu is supposed to close if the pointer leaves the interactive area.

As long as the pointer is hovering over the SVG element, we have something we can use to maintain the nested menu’s open state.

Pointer Events

There are two steps we need to take to achieve this. First, we’ll create a “desired” path that connects our cursor to the submenu.

A triangular shape is the most straightforward path we can construct between a menu item and a nested menu. You can visualize what this triangle might look like in the image below. The green represents the safe area, indicating that it won’t trigger any onMouseLeave events. Conversely, the red area signifies that it will start the onMouseLeave event since we’re likely moving toward a sibling menu item.

I approached this by creating a SafeArea component in React that contains the SVG markup:

<svg
  style={{
    position: "fixed",
    width: svgWidth,
    height: submenuHeight,
    pointerEvents: "none",
    zIndex: 2,
    top: submenuY,
    left: mouseX - 2
  }}
  id="svg-safe-area"
>
  {/* Safe Area */}
  <path
    pointerEvents="auto"
    stroke="red"
    strokeWidth="0.4"
    fill="rgb(114 140 89 / 0.3)"
    d={
      `M 0, ${mouseY-submenuY} 
        L ${svgWidth},${svgHeight}
        L ${svgWidth},0 
        z`
    }
  />
</svg>

Also, to constantly update our safe triangle and position it appropriately, we need a mouse listener, specifically onmousemove. I relied on a React hook from Josh Comeau called useMousePosition in a useMousePosition.tsx file that provides the safe triangle component, designating the mouse position with mouseX and mouseY.

The Safe Triangle

The triangle is the SVG’s only path element. For this to work correctly, we must set the CSS pointer-events property to none, which we can do inline directly in the SVG. Then we set pointer-events to auto inline in the path element. This way, we stop propagating events when they are coming from the path element — the safe triangle — but not when events come from the SVG’s red area.

Let’s break down the path we are drawing, as it’s way more straightforward than it looks:

<path
  pointerEvents="auto"
  stroke="red"
  strokeWidth="0.4"
  fill="rgb(114 140 89 / 0.3)"
  d={
    `M 0, ${mouseY-submenuY} 
      L ${svgWidth},${svgHeight}
      L ${svgWidth},0 
      z`
  }
/>

We set the pointer-events property to auto to capture all mouse events, and it does not trigger the onMouseLeave event as long as the cursor is inside the path.

Next, we provide the path with some basic CSS styles for debugging purposes. This way, we can see the safe area while testing interactions.

The 0, ${mouseY-submenuY} part is the path’s starting point, designating the center of the SVG’s area.

Then we continue our path drawing with two lines: L ${svgWidth},${svgHeight} and L ${svgWidth},0. The former represents the first line (L) based on the SVG’s width and height, while the latter draws the second line (L) based on the SVG’s width.

The z part of the path is what makes everything work. z is what closes the path, making a straight line to the path’s starting point, preventing the need to draw a third line.

You can explore the path in more detail or adjust it using this SVG path editor.

There Are Some Gotchas

This is a relatively simple solution on purpose. There are some situations where this approach may be too simple, and you will need another creative solution, particularly if you’re not working in React like me.

For example, what if the user’s pointer moves diagonally and touches a different menu item? This approach does not capture that interaction to prevent the current nested menu from closing, but that might not be what you want it to do. Perhaps you want the nested menu to close and need to adjust the SVG with a different shape. An “easy” way to solve this is to debounce a cleanup function so that, on every mouse movement, you call the cleanup function. And after some number of milliseconds have passed without a mouse movement, you would remove the SVG element, and the sibling listeners would trigger as expected.

Another example is the navigation paths. A triangle is terrific but might not be the ideal shape for your menu and how it is designed. After doing some of my own tests, I’ve found that a curved path tends to be more effective, closer to Needle’s approach for a safe area:

Needle’s Context Menu Safe Area paths. (Large preview)

Wrapping Up

As you now know, coming up with a solution for nested menus that reveal on hover is more of a challenge than it looks on the surface. Whether a hover-based approach and the clicks it saves are worth the additional considerations that make a better user experience versus a click-based approach is totally up to you. If you go with a menu that relies on a mouse hover to reveal a nested menu, you now have a resource that enhances its usability.

What about you? Is this a UX challenge you’ve struggled with? Have you attempted to solve it differently? Is the “safe triangle” concept effective for your particular use case? I’d love to know in the comments!

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