The post Unleashing Efficiency with RPA Developers: Transforming Business Processes appeared first on Mediashark.

So, which type of application is right for your business?

Web Applications

Web applications are software programs that run on the internet and are accessed through a web browser (i.e Google). Web applications can be accessed from any device that has an internet connection and a web browser, including a desktop computer, a laptops or a smartphone. Web applications are often built using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

A big advantage of a web application is that it can be accessed from anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. This means that employees can access the application from the office, home, or even commuting.

Web applications makes it easier for teams to collaborate, regardless of where they are located. Web applications such as Slack, Asana and Jirra are great project management tools which allow dispersed teams to work on various projects whilst working from a

Another advantage of web applications is that they are relatively easy to develop and maintain. Because they run on the web, they can be updated and maintained without having to update individual users’ devices. This can save a significant amount of time and money compared to mobile applications, which often require a separate update for each device.

Mobile Applications

Mobile applications, also known as native apps, are applications that are designed specifically for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They are downloaded and installed directly on the user’s device, and can be accessed without an internet connection. Mobile applications are usually built using technologies such as Java or Swift, and are designed to take advantage of the unique features and capabilities of mobile devices, such as the camera, GPS, and accelerometer.

One of the biggest advantages of mobile applications is that they provide a more personalized and interactive experience for users. Because they run directly on the device, they can access the device’s hardware and software features in real-time, which makes it possible to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for the user.

Another advantage of mobile applications is that they are often faster and more responsive than web applications. Because they run directly on the device, they can access the device’s resources and hardware more quickly, which can lead to a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Mobile applications are also more convenient for users, as they don’t require an internet connection to use. This makes them ideal for use in areas with weak or no internet connection, such as when traveling on a plane or in rural areas.

Web Applications vs Mobile Applications

So, which type of application is right for your business? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your target demographic, your business goals and your budget. Here are a few things to consider:

• If your target audience is primarily using desktop computers, then a web application may be the better choice.
• If you’re looking to create a more personalized and interactive experience for users, then a mobile application may be the way to go.
• If your budget is limited, then a web application may be the more cost-effective option, as it’s usually cheaper and easier to develop than a mobile application.
• If your application needs to work offline, then a mobile application is the only option.

In conclusion, both web applications and mobile applications have their own advantages and disadvantages. Custom application development however can provide the functionality and flexibility that off the shelf software doesn’t, therefore if you believe either a web or mobile application may benefit your business feel free to reach out to us at Media Shark!

(Written with the help of Chat GPT)

The post Web Applications Vs Mobile Applications appeared first on Mediashark.

Greentech can come in many forms, some examples include creating renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydro. The use of electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions and technology to help commercial fisherman catch fish more sustainably in order to protect our oceans and marine life.

Sustainability and climate change is an important global topic, and the Aussie tech industry is contributing and making huge advances in this space.

Greentech is a market which is still relatively new compared to other industries and sectors however according to Statista the global green technology and sustainability market is expected to peak at 417.35 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

In 2023 there is an increased demand for corporate responsibility and a push for innovative solutions as companies revisit their business models and put sustainability to the forefront of their mission and values.

Last year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised that Australia would enter a “new era” of climate action and energy innovation under his government and reiterated his new climate legislation which includes a target of net zero by 2050.

So, What is Greentech?

To be put simply, Greentech is the use of software to create solutions to environmental problems.

Greentech is used to improve energy-efficiency, and to make processes and workflows more environmentally friendly. It is used in many industries including farming, energy and transport.

Greentech uses science based technology to solve global challenges and have a positive impact on the planet. Types of Greentech include alternative energy, recycling and sustainable agriculture and fishing.

The rise of Aussie green tech businesses

A Greentech company is an organisation that has a positive environmental impact as its main focus. In 2023 there are a considerable number of Australian based tech companies and startups working towards a better future for all.

Renewable energy

The Australian continent has the highest solar radiation per square metre of any continent and therefore has one of the best solar energy resources in the world.

Renewable energy is huge when it comes to greentech and Aussie private company Diamond Energy has been doing great things in this space. Currently voted in The Green Electricity Guide (by Greenpeace) as Australia’s number 1 green energy provider. Diamond Energy was founded by two basketball and engineering teammates Tony & Mark who have over 20 years experience in providing solar solutions to consumers who want to go carbon neutral by optimising on our natural sunlight.

Food waste  

Australian households waste 2.5 million tonnes of food each year, or more than four kilograms per household per week.

Canberra based company Goterra are “creating a future where nature and automation work in tandem to solve the food waste and climate crisis” by using insects to process food waste and by turning it into high protein fertiliser, this fertiliser is then used on farms. This initiative is not only cost effective, but eco friendly and sustainable.

Agriculture

Australian Agriculture accounts for 55% of Australian land use.

Agri Digital provides a digital grain management software solution, the technology allows Aussie farmers the ability to connect to global supply chains making the entire process, simple and secure. AgriDigital uses digital and cloud technologies to connect data, inventory and finance in one place 15% of all Australian-produced grain is now managed by AgriDigital.

Fishing

According to sources the world’s oceans could be empty by 2048 if we don’t change the way we commercially fish. 

Shoretrade is an industry only built app which has been created on iOS and Android that allows wholesale buyers and sellers to connect directly reducing the supply chain. Founded by Sydney entrepreneur Peter Manettas the Digital seafood marketplace closed an $8 million funding round in 2021 with the view of taking the software to Asia and the United States.

Shoretrade also recently signed an agreement with Sydney Fish Market bringing the technology to a very old and established community of fishermen. 

“This digital expansion of the fish market will give buyers and sellers more power to get a fair price so more Aussie seafood end up on our plates”

Greentech in everyday life

Technology impacts a large percentage of our everyday lives already and below is a brief list of things that we may already be doing or can implement to make our lives “greener”

Electric vehicles (EV’s)

Electric vehicles are cars or other vehicles that are powered by electricity rather than petrol diesel or other liquid fuels. Electric cars work by plugging them in at a charge point and taking electricity from “the grid”. Whilst it’s possible to save money on petrol and reduce impact on the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels the initial investment is generally higher than the average petrol or diesel run vehicle. 

Server technology – cloud computing

Cloud computing is the process of moving to cloud infrastructures also known as data centres, these data centres often use renewable energy sources to run. The environmental benefits of moving to the cloud include reducing the use of energy resources, paper, carbon emissions 

IoT – smart homes 

IoT devices in homes can now be used to regulate household appliances to reduce the amount of electricity consumed. For example motion sensors can be connected to lights ensuring they only activate when someone walks into a room. Household appliances such as thermostats can also now be controlled by applications on mobile devices ensuring your home is only heated and cooled around your schedule.. 

Remote work

As we all know, 2020 saw the global pandemic which meant offices were shut down all over the world changing the way we work. Companies globally now allow for fully remote and hybrid working models. Whilst there are pro’s and con’s to remote work it must be noted that a large proportion of cars were off the road during the height of the pandemic thus reducing carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels and therefore we saw an improvement in air quality. When WFM began in 2020 Breathe London showed that Greenhouse Gas Emissions fell by 25% 

Final Thoughts

Technology is changing the world we live in and in the case of greentech it is for the better. There is no doubt that greentech will be a driver for change and have enormous positive effects on the environment.

Greentech will create new jobs, improve public health and promote economic growth.

With this being said, we shouldn’t be relying on this technology alone to do the work for us. We can make small changes to our everyday lives to reduce the demand for energy and resources. We can switch to energy saving light bulbs, invest in reusable water bottles and reduce our use of plastics where possible.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”

The post The Rise Of Aussie Green Tech appeared first on Mediashark.

Last month we sent out an EDM to our clients letting them know that we had recently rebranded with a new logo and website.

The Media Shark rebrand has been in the pipeline for a while now however with an ever growing portfolio of clients, design and development projects taking priority it was a task that always seemed to get pushed to the bottom of the pile!

Alas, in mid June, we asked one of our designers to put together a mood board of ideas and concepts showcasing who we are as a company right now.

Media Shark rebrands! – It was actually at an event which we had sponsored earlier this year when the MC announced that people should contact Media Shark “For all things Media” when we realised we were no longer delivering the right message of our services and who we were.

Media Shark has grown significantly in the last 18 months with a larger team of designers and developers and we now soley focus on app and custom software development. Therefore it was important for us to deliver the message across all of our channels as to who we are today.

The first round of concepts still very much included the Shark, which although we will always have a fondness for, we felt as was a little dated for the brand and current demographic.

The second round of concepts were a lot closer to what we were looking for and there were admittedly some strong opinions. The second round of concepts started to include a semicolon with the shark finn, gradually reducing the “sharkiness” and bringing in the semi colon as code which is exaclty what we wanted to repsresent.

We knew we were getting closer and it was hard to let the Shark go, especially as we have the old logo painted as a huge mural on our office wall!

We didnt rush the decision as we knew how important it was to get it right and finally…………………………

We are thrilled to bits with our new icon and logo and couldn’t wait to get started on the website.

The website design took longer than expected with a few rounds of revisions before we were happy. This was then developed by one of our oldest team members, someone who has been with us from the very beginning – Camilo!

Once the website was live, we spread the message across our socials and began the extensive task of updating all of our collateral including business cards, t.shirts and all digital documents.

We are happy to say the effort was worth it, we couldn’t be happier with the new look.  

At Media Shark we have extensive experience creating brand identities for clients’ software and mobile applications and back in the early days of Media Shark logo design and brand identity was one of our main services.

We are proud to have created the logos and brand identities for all types of Gold Coast and Queensland Companies including Burleigh Protein & Etchd

We understand that the brand identity is the personality of the business is and that it needs to be clear and consistent. As we always convey to our clients, branding is more than just a logo it represents the company’s culture and vision.

Our look may have changed but our purpose remains the same!

Our Vision is to provide a first class experience, making clients feel welcome and valued.
Our Mission is to provide our clients with clear direction and transparency.
We Value each client that walks through the door, always referring to our Think Like a Shark culture. 

As we draw closer to the end of the year we are looking forward to a fresh new year, a fresh new look and a fresh new chapter for Media Shark. We would love for you to join us!

The post Media Shark Rebrands! appeared first on Mediashark.

Microservices make it easier for developers to scale software applications quickly, eradicate outages for companies and allow for software updates without affecting the whole application.

In recent times we have seen tech giants such as Netflix, Google and Amazon all using microservices, so let’s take a look at what exactly microservices are and how they could benefit your software!

Microservices – what are they in layman’s terms?

Imagine a company that has a sales department, a HR department and a front of house department. All the smaller departments make up the larger company however they operate independently from each other. All the departments are needed to make the company run successfully however each department has its own team and operational procedures.

In software development and microservices, developers break the project down into a collection of smaller services – just like company departments!

These smaller modules can be deployed individually and will perform the service required without the support of the other modules in the application. Often, when a new piece of code is added to a software application it can cause another part of the application to malfunction which can be frustrating, time consuming and costly. Microservices make it easier to deploy specific software updates without affecting the rest of the application.

Netflix microservices are considered top of the class when it comes to microservice architecture, they were one of the first multinational companies to have successfully migrated to this type of architecture.

*architecture is simply the structure of the software system or application. It is the set of principles or foundations from which the software is built on. 

Netflix decided to migrate to microservices due to a corruption of data which led to the platform being down for a few days. Following this it was decided that the entire application was to be moved to cloud based microservices to assist with scaling Netflix’s services and to ensure that the platform did not go down again.

Today Netflix has over a 1000 microservices, each managing a separate part of the site including watched shows, payments, and the algorithm of analysing and suggesting new programmes.

Monolithic vs Microservices Architecture

Monolithic architecture is the traditional way to create an application and may come in the form of an e-commerce application which takes orders, checks product inventory, takes payment and ships the products. Even though the application has different components/services it is deployed as one single application.

*A monolithic application is built as a single unified application which runs as a single service

Benefits of monolithic architecture include easier and faster development and deployment, easier and more efficient testing. Although they do have some benefits, Monolithic applications are quickly becoming a thing of the past especially for the new wave of tech startups who want to scale quickly.

Microservices on the other hand are not only more efficient, once they have been created they are reusable in other applications. The purpose of microservices is to ensure that every component of the application (which in turn is your business) runs smoothly and efficiently without interfering with other areas of the application.

“Microservices allow for high scalability whilst ensuring uninterrupted performance”

Facebook’s 2021 outage cost the company nearly $100 million in revenue and according to a report by Atlassian For Fortune 1,000 companies, downtime could cost as much as $1 million per hour.

So it’s fair to say that outages could have a significant effect on startups and small to medium businesses too.

Modernising your current systems

Microservices can be used to update legacy applications by migrating them to cloud based platforms.

*Legacy applications are old and outdated software solutions that are still used and crucial to business operations however use old systems and programmes

The advantages of modernising and migrating to microservices include improved employee efficiency, improved customer experience and reduced costs. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global microservices architecture market size estimates to reach $8073 million by 2026 

Final Thoughts

New technologies are emerging all the time, however Microservices have actually already been around for a decade. It’s only in recent times and due to the success of Multinationals adopting and succeeding with these services that enterprises are beginning to take note. Similar to low code platforms, microservices offer freedom and flexibility for businesses who need to scale quickly.

By creating your software applications with microservices or migrating old applications to microservices there will certainly be challenges and they may not be right for every business however by connecting with the right development team. They will be able to take you through the pros and cons for your business needs.

The post What Are Microservices And Their Benefits? appeared first on Mediashark.

Finding the right software development company may seem overwhelming, especially if you are not particularly tech savvy, however we have prepared a few key points which will help you confidently choose the right software development company for you.

Software Development Companies – Prepare A Brief

Having a clear idea of what you want and what you need will help both you and software development companies know immediately if you are the right fit for each other. Preparing a brief with some notes about what you are looking for is a great idea. 

All good software development companies will begin with a Discovery Call; this is where both you and the consultant will have an opportunity to have an initial conversation about your project. In some cases the company may not work in the technologies you need or they may not be able to fit your required time frame due to their current workload. Knowing what you want from the beginning will assist you with making an informed decision at the end!

Note – If the value lies in the idea make sure you protect yourself with an NDA (Non Disclosure agreement)

Software Development Companies – What’s Their Communication Style?

The first few interactions you have with a software development company are key. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And these first impressions will set the tone of what you can expect in the future. 

• Did they respond to your enquiry in a timely manner? 
• Do they speak in a language you understand? 
• Did they answer your questions clearly?

It’s important you as the client feel comfortable as the development process can be lengthy and requires open communication and collaboration from both sides. The right technology partner will make the whole process a positive experience that you both enjoy. Don’t forget though, it is just as important that you are a good communicator too. During the process you may be asked to provide additional information, logins for accounts and various credentials, constant, prompt communication from both sides will ensure the project runs smoothly.

Software Development Companies – What’s Their Process?

Feel free to ask what you can expect in terms of the company’s procedures and processes. If you are someone that likes to be involved every step of the way, ask about how much collaboration opportunity there will be, especially in the initial scoping and design phases.

• Does the company insist on having UI/UX prototypes in place prior to moving to development?
• What will the process be for milestones, sprint releases, and demo’s?
• Do they practise an agile development process?

It’s important to have a point of contact with someone who you can build a relationship with and someone who will make themselves available to guide you. We all know how frustrating it can be dealing with various different team members or even worse, being handed over to a complete stranger once you have been onboarded. Find out if you will have a dedicated project manager throughout your project.

Business acumen 

Now you don’t necessarily need your software developer to be your business confidant however it is reassuring if they have previous experience in your industry. An experienced software developer will be able to look at your business model from a different perspective, challenge your thought process and make recommendations based on what they believe is best for your custom software application and in turn the success of your business.  

• Ask yourself if you have found yourself engaged in these initial discussions and were they beneficial?
• How successful are their previous projects?

Do your due diligence on the company’s previous projects, reviews and most importantly if they have completed a similar project in terms of technologies and features.

Technical expertise

Find out about the company’s technical expertise. The team must have the knowledge, skills and resources to deliver your project successfully. Different companies use different programming languages (also known as technology stacks), ensuring that these technologies align with your specific requirements early on will pay dividends. The best development teams are balanced and diverse with individuals having the various skills sets and experience necessary to deliver your application to schedule. Ask about the development team.

• What is the team structure?
• What is the development process? 
• Which programming languages do you work with?

Trust

The success of your project depends on finding a software developer that is reliable and trustworthy. All good business relationships are built on trust. Remember, this team may potentially be your technology partners for years to come. Choose a team that has a great reputation, a good company culture and most importantly a team that is passionate and cares about your goals. You will need to be honest and open in return about your limitations and budgets so you can work together effectively. 

• Do they treat you with respect?
• Are they ethical?
• Do your values align? 

Final Thoughts

Choosing a software development company is a decision which is going to affect your whole business. Take your time and ask as many questions as you want. The right team will be more than happy to accommodate you and make you feel comfortable. A software developer is tasked with bringing digital innovation to you and your business, if it doesn’t feel like the right fit then that’s ok. Building an application for the first time is an exciting experience, digitally enhancing your business is also a huge milestone. Find a team that is just as excited as you are because you are the client and you deserve “the tiffany experience” of app development! 

The post Software Development Companies – How To Choose A Software Developer appeared first on Mediashark.

Custom application development is hugely popular in startups as the mobile app industry continues to thrive and is rapidly growing within organisations as they seek out various forms of automation and digital transformation, whilst embracing the hybrid and remote working models that have become the new normal.

The global custom application development service market is expected to grow by $38.15 billion during 2022-2026

Some examples of custom application development:

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management Application) is generally developed as a web application and can be used to store and manage information regarding a company’s clients. This type of platform can be developed in custom code to suit the businesses operating procedures and workflows and can include automated invoicing and reminders. This type of custom application development is used to assist a business with automation and streamlining processes.

Ridesharing applications such as Uber, Ola and Didi have been developed as web applications and also for iOS and Android. Both users and drivers can see real time ride requests, driver tracking and secure payments, This type of custom application is the lifeline of the business.    

Food delivery applications like the Domino’s Pizza App have been developed for iOS and Android. These apps are on demand delivery apps. Domino’s Pizza was created in the 1960’s, long before apps were invented, so this type of custom application has been developed to complement the existing business. 

Saas applications such as Netflix offer the software as a service, they are cloud based softwares which can be accessed through the internet. Some other examples include Salesforce, and Asana. This type of application is custom developed by the provider and it is the service which is resold as an out of the box application to the user or subscriber. This type of custom application development is the business.

Some examples of out of the box applications:

There are thousands of out of the box applications which suit some businesses perfectly however they may not fit your business needs entirely. This is where you could create your own custom application which you can sell on to users or subscribers like the developers of the below awesome applications.

Fitness application Mind body is an all in one fitness software with 1.9m users that allows gyms and studios to schedule clients. Manage staff and payroll and run reports. Users can also download the app, create their own profile and make bookings for classes and store payment methods.

Adobe creative cloud is a set of applications used for graphic design, video and picture editing and photography. Adobe is thought to have approximately 12 million cloud subscribers

Ivvy is a cloud based event management software for venues. This is an out of the box SaaS application that is an effective tool for managing events space, organising catering, equipment and accomodation. Ivvy is a Gold Coast based software company with approx 13,000 users.

Custom application development – what are the benefits?

Developing a bespoke software unique to your business has many advantages. Whether it is a mobile app that you plan to launch in the app stores or an enterprise application for your organisation. 

Custom application development is more expensive than off the shelf software however can be a better investment for the following reasons:

• Custom application development is tailor made to meet the requirements of your business
• It can increase productivity within the team as the workflows have been developed around your and your requirements
• It can improve the interaction and communication with your clients and customers thus improving the sales and onboarding process
• Custom application development allows you to scale quickly should the business grow rapidly
• It offers the security that out of the box software doesn’t
• It offers full control, you are the owner of the code rather than being locked into a vendor and needing to rely on for software updates and security 
• As the software is designed to fit your business it only includes the necessary functionality and is therefore more efficient
• There is a business opportunity to sell the software to users/subscribers in the industry needing this type of software to assist them and their business

Final thoughts 

By creating a custom application, You as a business owner have the opportunity to deliver consistently to their clients, regardless of where they are. Manage employees and scale quickly as and when you need to.

In 2022 it is important to encourage innovation and new ideas in technology to stay ahead of the competition in business!

Reach out to us to discuss your custom application development needs.

The post Custom Application Development: How Can It Benefit Your Business? appeared first on Mediashark.

In this article, however, we are focusing on on demand public transport; Transport is fundamental to our society and the country’s economy. By creating an effective, fully functioning transport system a city can improve access to jobs, ease road congestion and facilitate wider business opportunities between consumers and suppliers.

Covid has presented many challenges and opportunities over the last 2 years and travel is certainly one of them. Urban mobility trends have changed dramatically as a result of continued social distancing and working from home and studies suggest that people are not only choosing to travel outside standard peak times to avoid large crowds but actually changing their methods of transport altogether. 

There is now a real shift in the way people are choosing to travel and commute around cities and during the first wave of Covid, Melbourne experienced a more than 70% reduction in public transport use across all models.

This coupled with regional internal migration and the exodus from larger capital cities has provided an opportunity for emerging technologies and emerging transport in the forms of ride sharing, shared mobility and autonomous vehicles.   

Unsurprisingly, rideshare king – Uber, has already expanded, offering Uber Transit and Uber Freight, providing on demand options in both public transport and logistics.

On Demand Public Transport – how does it work?

On demand public transport, allows passengers to book their journeys at a time convenient to them via an app to be collected at an agreed location. Also known as DRT (demand responsive transport) this solves the first and last mile connectivity issues which are a significant problem in urban mobility.

First and last mile connectivity issues are related to the distance a commuter has to travel from a transit stop to their final destination or vice versa. This can particularly affect those with mobility needs, and those who live in lower density populated areas, where transit options are few and far between.

On demand public transport eliminates this problem by delivering travellers closer to their required destination at a time pre-planned by them. 

Many countries have seen success with on demand public transport and now Australia is following suit, embracing new and innovative solutions.

Helsinki originally had success with on-demand bus service, Kutsuplus “mobility on demand” in 2013, This service put people travelling in the same direction together on a minibus, this service was more efficient than traditional buses and cheaper than a taxi. 

Unfortunately the service was only available for 3 years and the company’s final reports concluded that the yes the pilot had been a success but unfortunately the ‘ the municipalities did not grant the funding for the proposed capacity increase in the challenging economic situation”

There are now hundreds of on demand public transport services operating globally – 

MOIA is an initiative between the city of Hamburg and Volkswagen and is currently operating in Hamburg, offering the option to share a ride with up to 5 people who want to travel in the same direction.

Ubigo is operating in Stockholm, and combines public transport, car sharing, rental car services and taxi in one app. For payment, the traveller can choose a mobility subscription.

DiDi Bus hopes to help improve the percentage people choose to take public transport in cities by offering bus routes and shuttles available on demand. 

Closer to home in Australia, the success of the ponds services in NSW has demonstrated that on demand public transport can assist with economic benefits including reduction in emissions and socio-economic benefits within the community with the following statistics:

55% of passengers made the same journey by private car previously. Half of these passengers were single car users driving and parking at or near the station.

13% of individuals stated in a recent survey they would not have made the journey if they did not have access to the OnDemand service

By 2050 it is expected that Queensland’s population will have grown to 8 million people placing significant stress on our transport system. So city leaders should act now to prepare years ahead to ensure their cities are able to continue running efficiently.

Locally on the Gold Coast, Translink on demand is currently being trialled and is now the city’s newest mode of public transport. Operating 7 days per week in Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines, This 2 year trial aims to improve public transport in Northern areas of the Gold Coast where regular services are not as readily available.

In addition to this The City of Gold Coast and RACQ are trialling driverless buses for a 12 month period in Main Beach to improve connectivity to transit stops.

What are the benefits of on demand public transport?

There are numerous benefits of on demand public transport within the community, apart from reducing the amount of cars on the road, cities can run more efficiently making them more attractive to tourists and more “liveable”

Convenience

On demand public transport eliminates the fixed route, fixed schedule model and offers people more freedom to travel at the times convenient to them, which is an advantage for those with no drivers licence or regular access to a car.  

Accessibility 

On demand public transport offers a connection between smaller towns and larger metropolitan areas creating better access to jobs, education and opportunities, particularly in less densely populated areas where public transport is not as easily accessible. 

Sustainability

As mentioned earlier, the benefit of on demand public transport is the reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution caused by single occupancy vehicles and buses and trains which are at low capacity. On demand public transport is a much more sustainable alternative.

Safety 

Safety is a huge plus when it comes to this type of transport, not only does it accommodate the more vulnerable members of the community including the elderly and disabled but eradicates the “stranger danger” felt by parents of young adolescents and solo travelling females late at night.

Transporting cities into the future

As more cities worldwide embrace the latest in technology and new solutions in answer to urban mobility issues. On demand transport whether public or private will be the future of transit.

According to research the on demand transportation market will hit $340 billion by 2030. This is a market which also consists of on demand logistics, freight and fuel delivery. 

Whilst the on demand public transport options are currently government run, we are seeing a trend in partnerships with key players in these industries and further initiatives being outsourced to private operators. 

As technology advances, the transport industry is being transformed, 6.64 billion people have access to smartphones and so the gap between consumer and transport reduces considerably.

Transport decisions made by city leaders today will have effects on the economic prosperity, quality of life and tourism well into the future.

Final Thoughts

The evolution of transport dates back to horse and cart, the invention of the wheel and even the chasqui runners of the inca empire. We as a society have continued to invent, evolve and adapt. 

We are currently in an era where technology has a vast impact on our everyday lives which now includes the way we travel and navigate our cities. If we as citizens and leaders embrace the change, think where we may be in another 100 years!

The post On Demand Public Transport – Cities Of The Future appeared first on Mediashark.

Social media apps in particular, have come under huge criticism in recent times, with The Wall Street Journal investigating in 2021, Facebook’s own admission and in depth research that Instagram is Toxic For Teen Girls

The digital expectations of Gen Z are higher than ever before with some of the cohort only ever knowing the world shaped by technology. 

There are 68 million Generation Z members in the US, and their buying power is estimated at $144 billion. In addition to this it is reported that 31% of Gen Z feel uncomfortable if they are without their phones for 30 minutes or less, so it’s no wonder large corporations are trying their best to cash in on “The attention economy”

With the amount of apps available the competition for our attention is fierce with businesses and developers constantly updating features to keep us engaged for as long as possible. 

There are now however a huge amount of ethical issues when it comes to the tech we are using in our day to day lives which has proven to have a detrimental effect on our safety, security and mental health.

Digital Ethics – Addictive design

Casinos are a great example of addictive design; the dark mood lighting and windowless establishments with no clocks to differentiate between night and day. These places have all been designed with one purpose in mind – to keep the player focussed on spending money at the table.

In app development, there is a fine line between a good UI/UX and one that becomes so addictive it becomes detrimental to someone’s health. Symptoms of depression are twice as likely to appear in teens who spend more than 5 hours a day on their smartphones

Some addictive design techniques that keep users coming back for more are;

The wavy dots in messenger apps – this keeps the user in a state of anticipation waiting and wondering what the other user is going to write and therefore inside the app longer.

Push notifications – the ultimate digital distraction. Who is guilty of picking up their phone immediately after that little red dot appears?

According to business of apps Mobile push notifications are the most important channel for engagement for 61% of businesses

The refresh button – the instant gratification that comes from hitting the refresh button and being rewarded with a juicy new feed of stories and pictures is likened to the addictive nature of slot machines.  

Likes – the craving for social validation comes in the form of likes. How many likes did I get for my selfie at the gym, who’s interested in what I ate for breakfast? How popular am I?

A University of Cambridge study showed that after 300 likes, Facebook will know you better than your spouse!

Digital Ethics – Deceptive Design (also known as Dark Patterns)

A dark pattern is a term which was originally coined by Harry Brignull, a London based UI/UX designer. “A dark pattern is a user interface that has been carefully crafted to trick users into doing things that are not in their interest and is usually at their expense”

The roach motel is a dark pattern that makes it hard for a user to leave once inside the app or a website. Another example is designing an app deliberately making it difficult to opt out of something. 

Despite there not being a lot of regulation around app design and development, in March 2021 California actually passed a bill called the Consumer Privacy Act, prohibiting the use of dark patterns in the UI. 

Digital Ethics – Unethical practices 

Unethical practices can come in the form of automatically starting a subscription without reminding users that their free trial is about to expire. 

But more serious practices include spreading misinformation and fake news about competitors in order to gain business or even win an election. A recent study by 3 MIT scholars has found that false news spreads quicker on twitter than real news does! 

One of the biggest culprits of spreading fake news and disinformation was Donald Trump (who is now banned from Twitter) During his time in office Donald Trump Tweeted 36 election related falsehoods. These then received 22.6 million likes and 3.9 million retweets!

Fake news and misinformation can have a significant and harmful impact on individuals and the community. There have been some reports and studies that suggest that people with lower cognitive abilities are more susceptible to accepting “fake news”

Digital Ethics – Data Misuse

Now here’s one we all know, big tech companies want our data! Tech giants such as Facebook and Google are well known for making unethical decisions. Selling our data is one of them. 

The big tech companies all have their own third party sharing policies however The best company for your privacy is Apple

Companies want our names, phone numbers, emails, location and ip addresses. All these things enable a company to build a profile to better understand what we are interested in and our buying habits. These tech companies are then building algorithms to market to us better. 

But what happens when our data is breached and falls into the wrong hands? Remember the Cambridge Analytica scandal?

Twitter, Amazon, Google and even Uber have all been involved in data misuse investigations and more recently it has been reported that Tik Tok shares your data more than any other social media app! 

Digital Ethics – The Metaverse and AI

In December 2021, Bloomberg reported that the Metaverse revenue opportunity could reach $800 billion. However a recent Channel 4 Dispatches documentary has uncovered some disturbing behaviour inside the 3D community which has raised already heightened safety concerns within the virtual world. 

The Metaverse is completely unregulated and reports to no government or jurisdiction and unquestionably Artificial intelligence will have a major part to play in the metaverse. But who’s in charge, That straight shooter Mark Zuckerberg?

It is well documented that there are dark AI patterns including ethnicity and gender bias. AI ultimately is based on algorithms built by people and studies have shown that the pre existing biases in society affect the way we speak and write. The written word is currently used to train and program these machines and therefore bias in AI is an ethical problem.  

Sophia the robot, famous for becoming the first robot to be granted citizenship who has also once said she would destroy humans has recently sold an NFT of her artwork for $700,000

So is this cool or is it all getting a bit dystopian?

But what about the good stuff?

All of the above makes for some depressing reading right? Well let there be said there are also some awesome tech companies out there doing the right thing and using their influence in tech to make the world a better place!

Apple has just been listed in the Ethisphere 2022 edition of most ethical tech companies. This is decided using a number of factors including company culture, environmental and social impact and reputation.

Apple is leading the way on the ethics front with the release of iOS15 which will also now ask users if they would like to receive targeted ads. Prior to this release all users were immediately opted in. This new feature is an effort to offer users the ability to take control over their apps and the way they are marketed to.

In regards to the environment and sustainability. Cisco and Microsoft are also doing great things!

Cisco’s Takeback and Reuse program allows Cisco equipment owners to return hardware that has reached end-of-use, at no cost. This equipment is then recycled and reused.

Microsoft’s 2030 zero waste goal is another initiative and commitment to the environment. They are building Microsoft Circular Centres to extend the life cycle of servers by 90% by 2025.

How can tech companies become ethical?

By making ethics a priority and part of organisational culture, tech companies can make a change. Organisations should focus on having a deeper commitment to their corporate social responsibilities.

Companies must ensure they are practising responsible AI which is designed and developed with honest and transparent intentions and without bias, with an understanding that digital wellbeing can have a tremendous impact on mental health, for employees, customers and society.   

Companies must commit to running more sustainably and reducing their carbon footprints. And offer education and training opportunities for the underprivileged within their communities.

Final Thoughts

Technology is a part of our lives whether we like it or not so it’s important to look after our own digital wellbeing, whether this be taking a break from social media or setting boundaries by limiting our time on our devices. 

We can take control by aligning ourselves with companies whose own ethics and values match our own. 

As technology advances and ethical issues in tech grow, tech giants have a responsibility to step up and keep focussed on the relationship between technology and human morality as they have the reach, power and influence that smaller businesses don’t.

The tides are turning however with people turning their back on big tech. Facebook lost around 500,000 daily users in the last three months of 2021.  Users want more genuine interactions, more privacy and less lies and scandal.

A new wave of tech startups are being founded each day, who are trailblazing a new era of tech. By embracing an ethical mindset from the beginning these smaller companies have the power to make a change and a difference

The post Digital Ethics & Ethical Issues in Technology appeared first on Mediashark.

Custom application development can benefit all types of business models including well established companies and startups by creating bespoke software to meet the needs of their customers and clients.

As an app and custom software and development agency two of the questions we always get asked are “how much does it cost to develop an app?” or “can you provide me with ballpark estimates?”

How much does it cost to make an app? – A good range of what it costs to develop in Australia is around $60,000 – $300,000 depending on feature requirements, platforms and a multitude of other factors.

With this being said, multinational organisations have much larger budgets and fewer time constraints than the average start up. There are lots of moving parts to app development, therefore it’s key to understand the process and factors which will affect the cost.

App development is a journey which can sometimes take months on end so it’s important to be fully prepared, educated and informed.

So, how much does it cost to make an app?

How much does it cost to make an app? – Branding & Design

If you are an established business you’ll likely already have your branding in place however for a new business/startup the first port of call will be the visual identity and branding. This will include colours, fonts, iconography and style guides for your brand.

You can enlist a digital designer to work on the branding or your app development team will have inhouse designers that can bring your idea to life. They can create the all important logo/icon, the logo is a symbol and the visual representation of your business. It is the foundation of your brand identity. They will then work on the brand guide which is a document that denotes the best practises for the logo, the brand colours, typography and icongraphy.

A good brand guide can cost anywhere between $3000 – $5000. Of course larger organisations will have larger budgets however for any growing business regardless of size, a solid, scalable brand is pivotal to its success.

Once your branding is in place, you can move onto the design phase in the form of UI/UX prototypes. At Media Shark we don’t move to the development phase without these. They are the foundation of the application. 

The UI/UX prototypes will enable you to visualise what the fully developed application will become. They will visually demonstrate the user stories and how the user will interact with the application once it’s fully developed, confirming lots of intricate details such as how many screens will be included and which features will be built.    

If the application is going to be rolled out in phases with new features added in the future, it’s important to build the foundations correctly.

“The UI/UX prototypes are the blueprints to your house. You wouldn’t let your builder construct your house without first agreeing on the layout. Imagine if you changed your mind about where you want your bathroom or kitchen to go once built – it’s a lot easier to change your mind during the design phase than having to demolish and rebuild once it’s done!” – Tom Blake Media Shark Director

The average cost of UI/UX Prototyping is $12,000 – $25,000, depending on the amount of screens, complexity and the amount of platforms you are wanting to develop on.

For example, a business that wants to be able to licence their software to customers may need a mobile app, a backend and an admin backend – that’s 3 apps/platforms in total.

Whereas another business may only require 1 mobile app and 1 backend.

How much does it cost to make an app in Australia? – Native or Hybrid?

Native app development refers to building an app for a single platform, using programming languages also known as code which are specific to that platform. 

The official language for Android is Java, and for iOS it’s Swift. 

Whilst native apps may run faster and smoother than non native apps the cost of native app development is significantly higher as you will need developers that can programme in 2 different languages. This means your development hours and costs will be considerably increased. 

Native app development would generally be chosen for high level app development which includes making full use of the devices specific software including the GPS, camera and microphone.

Hybrid app development refers to the build of an app that can run on multiple operating systems. When developers build hybrid software/apps they only need to include once code for all platforms, allowing them to run anywhere. Hybrid app development can be less expensive but may not offer the same functionality and performance level.

Typically Native App Developmet is around 40% more expensive than Hybrid App Development

How much does it cost to make an app in Australia?

A good question to ask yourself is – Why am I developing an app?

Are you looking to create a basic MVP with the view of securing investment?

Do you want the app to compliment your existing business?

Are you completely self funded and ready to launch the application immediately once developed?

Once again, there are a number of variables including the amount of features and third party integrations, but here come the numbers:

The average cost of a basic app or MVP is $30,000 – $80,000 

The average cost of a mid range app is $80,000 – $110,000

The average cost of a high end app is $150,00 +

*average based on Media Sharks most recent app development projects 2021 – 2022

Trademarks and licences

If you are going to develop an app for iOS and android, licences for both app store and play store will be required. For the app store, you will need to register as an iOS developer. This will cost you a yearly fee of $99.

For the Google play store you will need a Google developer account, which is a one off cost of $25 

Server fees include things like domain access and AWS hosting, these can cost as little as $500 per year

Third party integrations refer to anywhere the app uses an API to borrow data and functionality from other apps. Examples include Stripe payment gateways for payments within your app, Firebase for instant messaging and Google maps for GPS.

Most third party integrations are free until you reach a certain number of users therefore once you start paying – the more succesful your app has become! 

Developers

There are a number of ways to develop your app, you may feel confident managing the project and conducting all the testing yourself. If this is the case then a freelancer may be the right fit for you. With that being said, some degree of technical knowledge would be beneficial. 

The average cost of freelance MEAN stack app developer in Australia is $130 per hour depending on level of experience

Fixed price app development is when the cost of the project is agreed and paid for prior to developers starting any work. This can be a great way to know where you stand in terms of timelines and costs however does not offer the flexibility to make changes once the project scope has been agreed and signed off on.  

The average fixed price developments costs in Australia are $60,000 – $300,000

Dedicated resource models are a great option if your software is going to have many phases and features rolled out gradually. Dedicated resources can perform many ad hoc tasks and offer a lot of flexibility in development.

The average cost of dedicated resource development in Australia is $16,000 per month per resource.  

(based on a developer charging $100 x 160 hours per month) 

Maintenance

At Media Shark we always advise our clients that the ongoing maintenance cost will be approximately 15% of the overall development cost. With constant updates and advancements in technology and smartphones it is important to keep your app up to date and functioning correctly. 

Example:

App Development cost – $95,000

Ongoing Maintenance – $14,250

Marketing and launch

App development is the tech that compliments your business and as with any business, a strong launch is crucial as this is where you will gain your users (customers base) and where you will build your brand awareness. The marketing and launch plans should be in place long before the app is complete. It’s important to build the hype and get people excited and anticipating the release of your app.

Some agencies may offer assistance with your marketing or you may benefit from a separate marketing agency/PR firm. 

At Media Shark we recommend an average budget of $30,000 – $100,000 for pre and post launch marketing. 

This can include your advertising campaigns, app store optimisation, creation of a website or landing page and a pitch deck for your investor and stakeholder meetings.

Final Thoughts

When starting off on your software development journey, it’s important to find a team that is going to be the right fit for you as this is the team you will be working alongside for a substantial period of time. 

Spend some time doing the research and talking to various people, companies and agencies as you should choose a team that has a clear understanding of your business concept and who can provide you with honest and realistic expectations of timelines and costs. 

The experts will also be able to guide you on the important things to consider before you begin and provide you with advice on your best route forward.

Remember to enjoy the process, this is your app and your business! 

Reach out to Media Shark to discuss your custom application needs further!

The post How much does it cost to make an app? appeared first on Mediashark.