Did you know that by 2030, Statista predicts 29.42 billion IoT devices to be connected worldwide? As of now, the number of connected IoT devices currently stands at 17.08 billion. 

IoT( Internet of Things) has played a major role in bringing the world closer than it already was. Because of IoT devices, we continuously see new developments. 

In today’s blog, we’ll stick with apps only. This is a comprehensive guide to help you develop apps for IoT devices. So stick till the end to find out more. 

First, let’s study what IoT devices are exactly, and how they function.

What is IoT ( Internet of Things) 

The IoT (Internet of Things) is a network of physical devices that include sensors, software, and other technologies. These sensors connect to exchange data with each other and on the internet. 

Examples of IoT devices are Smartphones, Smart TVs, wearables, lights, doorbells, and cars. 

These devices communicate with each other to exchange data and make decisions, such as automating and controlling certain functions. 

Now that we know everything about IoT devices, let’s discuss the development of IoT applications.

Development of IoT Applications- Functions and Requirements

In this part, we’ll explore the core functions of IoT devices in detail, and also look at the essentials needed for the perfect IoT development.

First, let’s start with the functions.

Functions of an IoT App

The three major functions of an IoT device are to:

• Monitor: Viewing real-time data from sensors and devices.

• Control: Adjusting settings, triggering actions, and managing connected devices remotely.

• Analyze: Gaining insights from collected data to optimize performance, identify trends, and predict future events.

Now, let’s look at the essentials needed to build the perfect IoT app. 

Essentials to Build the Perfect IoT App

The following things are required to create a good IoT app: 

• Hardware: The exact device for which the IoT app is being built.

• Connectivity: The instruments needed for communication, such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, or any other instrument that facilitates the change of data.

• Firmware: The code that controls the functionality of the individual devices.

• Cloud platform: The platform that stores the data and facilitates communication and exchange between different devices.

• Mobile app: This is an optional feature, but allows the user to control all devices from a single hub.

Now that we know all the things needed to create an IoT app, let’s look at the approach that you should follow to turn your idea into a reality. 

Steps for Successful IoT Application Development

The following are the steps for the successful development of an IoT application.

1. Define your objective

Before you begin developing an IoT application, ask yourself the following questions: 

• What need will your app address? Does it improve home security, automate tasks, or minimize energy consumption? 

• What data will you collect from devices and how will it be used? Will it be personal data about tastes or preferences, or sensitive and confidential data such as bank account numbers?

• What level of user interaction will you require? Will users only monitor the data being collected, or will they also be able to control the functions of the app according to their needs?

Once you answer these questions, you’ll know exactly what you aim to achieve from your IoT application development. 

2. Select the hardware and mode of connectivity

The hardware and mode of connection that you choose will greatly influence how your application functions. So, before choosing, consider factors such as: 

• Power consumption: Battery life is important for many IoT devices, so make sure that your application is light, and doesn’t consume too much power. 

• Processing power: The device should be able to handle data collection and communication efficiently.

• Sensor capabilities: Select sensors based on the type of data that you want to collect, such as motion sensors, temperature, and light sensors, etc. 

3. Select the right firmware

Once you have selected the hardware, now is the time to choose the right firmware. The firmware is a low-level code that indicates how the sensors and actuators respond to commands. While developing the firmware for your app, make sure to consider the following factors: 

• Resource constraints: Your code needs to be efficient because many IoT devices have limited processing power and memory.

• Security: The code should be foolproof and have no room for anyone to hack into.

• Over-the-air updates: Your firmware should be updatable remotely. Doing this ensures that your devices are up-to-date and secure. 

4. Choose the right cloud platform

The cloud platform is the hub for your IoT app. It is responsible for facilitating communication among multiple devices. When choosing a cloud platform, make sure to consider: 

• Security: The platform should offer robust security measures to prevent attacks. 

• Scalability: The platform should be able to handle the increased number of users on your application.

• Integrational capabilities: The platform should be able to integrate with different hardware and software tools. 

5. Create an easy-to-navigate user experience

Make sure that your app provides an unparalleled user experience, allowing the user to move easily from one point to the other throughout the app. User experience is very important. Stats show that every 1$ invested in UX results in a $100 return on investment. Thus, investing in a good UX is very important for the success of your IoT development. 

When creating a UX, make sure to consider the following factors. 

• Provide simplicity and clarity.

• Present relevant data in a visually appealing manner.

• Allow users to customize their experience by offering customization.

• Present insights and recommendations based on the data that you have provided.

6. Choose the right development tools

When you have got everything right, now is the time to choose the development tools to start creating your app. In the case of a mobile app, it’s better to use cross-platform frameworks so that your app may be developed at a lower cost for both Android and IOS devices. There are several cross-platform frameworks such as: 

• Xamarin 

• React Native

• Flutter

Each of these tools provides a unique gallery of options for you to choose from. Moreover, they also have a very strong community which allows you to choose many creative options. 

So, keep these steps in mind when deciding to pursue development for IoT applications. Now, time to recap what we learned throughout the blog. 

The Takeaway

The blog post outlines the key aspects of the development of an IoT application. It starts by explaining what IoT devices are and gives examples of common devices we use today. It then dives into the functionalities of an IoT app, highlighting its ability to monitor, control, and analyze data. Following this, the blog explores the essentials needed to build a successful IoT application. This includes hardware, connectivity, firmware, a cloud platform, and optionally, a mobile app.