I’ve been at this for a long time, this is the first time I’m taking a stab at industry predictions. Let’s see how I do in 12 months.
Security Breaches Everywhere
Information security is going to continue to grow as both a problem, and a political issue.
There will be more point-of-sale breaches at major retailers and large-scale corporate leaks like Sony (they will largely be inside jobs).
This will continue because companies won’t:
- update their systems
- implement proper password standards and management
- hire and empower skilled information security specialists
Security Politicization
All of the breaches are going to grow into larger political issues as legislators try to regulate security.
The proposed laws will be terrible.
Most of our leaders will try their hardest to avoid discussing the fact that the Department of Justice has been actively working to hobble corporate and individual information security for years.
Apple Watch
At launch, there will be a mix of sneering and praise for the Apple Watch, but it will be a runaway success. Their stock price will drop initially.
Why will it be a success?
- Because Apple
- Minimally functional wrist-based wearables have already caught-on
- We use our phones too much, and don’t want to take them out all of the time
- It’s even more difficult to get your phone in and out of tight pants (watch people when you’re out; this is actually something people struggle with)
User Interfaces Go Vertical
The Apple Watch is going to bring new web and app design trends with it.
I’m in the middle of designing my first Apple Watch app, and I have discovered that because of the “crown,” everything shifts to a vertical interface. I suspect that many iPhone apps will shift to a more vertical experience to create similarities between their iPhone and Apple Watch apps. This will find its way into web design as well.
Apple Watch Theft
(This is the last Apple-related prediction)
Apple Watch theft is going to be a really big thing; especially in the warm months when crime rises and people aren’t covering their wrists with sleeves.
Even if Apple comes up with a very clever theft deterrence system, stolen Apple Watch bands will fetch good money.
Net Neutrality = Giant Mess
The FCC will try to split the proverbial baby on net neutrality, and it’s going to be a mess.
I predict lawsuits from both sides of the issue. No one will be happy, and the ISPs will continue to suck… But lawyers and lobbyists will make money, and that’s all that really matters isn’t it?
Innovations Mobile Gaming
Mobile video games are going to get better, and more interesting.
The comparatively low cost of iOS and Android development vs console gaming, as well as the ubiquity of iOS and Android devices will spur a renascence in mobile video games. We’re going to see more of the quirky, interesting, and unusual indie games that have been priced out of the console market, or lost in the ether.
HTTPS Everywhere(ish)
2015 will be year that one of the browsers will label unencrypted websites as insecure. Many website owners will finally make the leap to HTTPS for everything.
It won’t be perfect, but it will be far better than the current situation.
Backend / Frontend Decoupling
There aren’t many content management systems that are great on both the back and front end.
While not a new concept, more websites will be built with a decoupled front and backend. Look for lots of Drupal backend, and AngularJS frontend sites. The web will be better for it.
API All the Things!
APIs are going to continue to become a necessary business tool for both internal and external purposes.
The non-profit and government worlds will need them to open up and share data.
Companies will want them to power their growing array of external websites and applications.
Really smart organizations will find that internal APIs for cross-department data sharing are more important than an intranet.
[Image via Apple]
Filed under: Hardware, Internet, Mobile, Politics, Safety, Software, Tech, Web Design
