If you are up-to-date with the advancements in technology, you would have likely encountered the term ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT). This innovation is one of the most fascinating developments in creating a connected network for various devices to enhance our experience of an intelligent environment. In addition to connecting appliances such as refrigerators, cookers and lights, IoT technology expands into our neighbourhoods and cities.
The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly improving people’s living standards. With the introduction of greater intelligence into our homes, workplaces, industries, and cities, we can now interact with and gain insights from our environment in unprecedented ways. Ultimately, the IoT holds the potential to make our surroundings more responsive, intuitive and smarter to cater to our needs.
While many conversations about the Internet of Things (IoT) focus on the ‘items’, it is vital to remember the human factor, which involves how individuals utilize the intelligence provided by the IoT to enhance their environment. Consequently, the IoT has the potential to transform into the Internet of Experiences, by facilitating user engagement.
The phrase “Internet of Experiences” is intriguing, but what exactly does it mean?
The Internet of Things (IoT) serves as the foundation for the Internet of Experiences (IoX). IoX lays emphasis on how the interoperability of IoT devices could lead to innovative user experiences. The Internet of Everything (IoX) offers a chance to develop more intelligent homes and communities, rather than just being a technological accomplishment. People will explore how to combine existing devices to create services, further improving their quality of life.
Illustration of Internet of Experiences – Courtesy of Research Gate
If we take a moment to contemplate, this change in perception unravels a plethora of new opportunities. The Internet of Things primarily involves connecting conventional items like street lamps, bridges, and even trees with sensors to gather information. The task is to create new connections between these items and the rest of the network. Consider an instance of traffic congestion on a bridge, the sensors present can work with those in automated vehicles to redirect traffic.
The potential of the Internet of Experiences is almost infinite, given the numerous ways these experiences can be created. IoT product manufacturers can begin by exploring ways of utilizing the features of their products. Moreover, user feedback, both direct and indirect, can pinpoint new and exciting experiences. In essence, the Internet of Experiences holds the potential to unlock a world of opportunities.
Although I have discussed the Internet of Experiences as a concept for an entire city, the term can also refer to creating unique content adapted to individual users. For example, a wearable device monitoring the user’s health can share its collected data with other applications. Additionally, it can collaborate with a weight-management application to advise on reduced intake of certain meals or devise plans based on the information gathered to improve the likelihood of pregnancy.
A perpetual accumulation of individual insights.
The potential of the Internet of Experiences (IoX) is undeniably thrilling, with abundant opportunities for forging new connections and services. Nevertheless, it is vital to remember that IoX is not just about offering novel experiences but also enhancing existing ones. This is made achievable by deploying sensors in devices that can harness data to modify and improve the user experience.
What impact does this have? By using a variety of devices simultaneously, physical movements can be interpreted as input. Even if an individual chooses not to give direct feedback, their body language could indicate their response to the suggested events. Therefore, the network is continually gathering data on people’s reactions to the proposed activities.
Data science approaches exhibit great potential for exploring copious amounts of accessible data and discovering more opportunities for progress and discovery. In reality, many of these concerns can be resolved without developing a new product; enterprises and software engineers can merely issue software updates via the device’s internet connection, enhancing its performance and functionality.
Despite its improbable nature, it is happening. Tesla employed this approach to introduce a new ‘crawl’ function to their existing vehicles on the road. This feature permits drivers to utilize a low-speed cruise control in congested areas. Nonetheless, the most remarkable aspect of this feat is the mechanism rather than the feature itself. Through an over-the-air patch, Tesla updated all their vehicles with no requirement for car owners to visit service centres. Subsequently, Tesla introduced their own emergency braking version, journey recommendations, and a remote engine starter.
It is obvious that researchers must reflect on the evolving nature of “backstage” experiences. If an enterprise or developer identifies a need, they can take prompt action by creating a solution and launching it to users.
Challenges Ahead
Clearly, the prospects discussed are appealing and uncomplicated. Nevertheless, two significant challenges must be surmounted to realize these ideas. Firstly, there is the technical hurdle to address. Merging such an extensive range of merchandise, services, technologies, devices, and data into a cohesive user experience will be an enormously intricate task. This endeavor’s complexity is evident, given that these gadgets are developed by a variety of entities and individuals.
To establish a more comprehensive and detailed user experience, an escalation in the integration of intricate systems is necessary. To guarantee successful integration, organizations and governments must exert extra effort to create and enforce standards. Failing to do so could give rise to significant challenges in ensuring these systems can intercommunicate with each other.
In addressing our second key challenge, manufacturers must dramatically alter their approach to developing products, services, technologies, and experiences. As a result of this transformation, prioritizing user needs is crucial. Although we are currently in the era of Experience, many businesses still struggle to place the customer at the forefront.
In light of this burgeoning trend, development teams will need to work alongside multidisciplinary teams more closely. Given the intricate nature of merging multiple distinct systems, developers of Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Everything (IoX) will require the assistance of experts from various areas such as engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and even marketing. Each team member must determine how to collaborate effectively while working towards their own goals.
Undoubtedly, the Internet of Experiences (IoX) offers an abundance of potential and promise. Though obstacles to its development may exist, recent trials give cause for optimism regarding its future. If IoX is built following the appropriate guidelines, the promised enhancements in quality of life are indeed achievable.
