Investment in Human-Focused Software Design on the Rise Among Indian Companies, New Progress Report Shows
In an era where digital transformation is paramount, a recent study underscores a significant shift among Indian organizations towards human-focused software design. Over 700 technology professionals from across the globe contributed insights to this shift, revealing a unanimous recognition of the need for software that is accessible and inclusive to all users. This trend isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about fostering digital environments that everyone can navigate and benefit from, regardless of their diverse backgrounds or abilities.
The spotlight on human-centric application development aligns with the global acknowledgment of diversity and inclusivity. Creating digital spaces that are easy to use for a wide range of people, including those with different abilities and from various demographic, cultural, and lingual backgrounds, has become not just a moral obligation but a business imperative. This is especially true as countries like the European Union and the United States have tightened regulations, ensuring businesses provide equal digital access to all users.
In the face of these evolving standards, a staggering 90% of Indian firms have recognized the rising importance of building applications that are both human-centric and accessible, particularly in light of the current economic climate. This sentiment is a considerable hike from two years ago, with companies citing evolving user needs, the surge in digital interaction, and the influence of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT as primary drivers. However, while most are eager to embrace this trend, actual implementation sees varied levels of maturity and commitment across the board.
Insights from the Indian Market
- A significant 58% of technology professionals point out the difficulty in assessing the real impact of human-focused software approaches within their organizations.
- Around 46% of survey respondents anticipate major benefits from investing in human-centric applications in the coming 12-18 months, expecting to see a tangible impact.
- An intriguing 68% find retrofitting existing applications for better accessibility more challenging than integrating these aspects from the development phase of new projects.
- A near-unanimous 98% underscore the vital role of human-centric software in enhancing user engagement and contributing to broader societal well-being.
Moreover, the survey highlighted a global perspective, with 76% of respondents from various regions asserting the increased importance of human-centric applications over the past two years. This reveals a universal shift in business perspectives, acknowledging the necessity and benefits of inclusivity in software design. With 86% stating the difficulties of retrofitting existing systems, the imperative for considering inclusivity from the ground up becomes clear.
However, despite this growing awareness, many organizations still grapple with the practical aspects of implementing a human-centric approach. Confusion around appropriate tools, processes, and the need for extensive training and improved collaboration persists. This is where partnerships with forward-thinking companies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility protocols can play a pivotal role.
Representatives from Progress, a leading provider of infrastructure software, emphasize the critical importance of this shift for Indian organizations. By focusing on creating more inclusive and personalized digital products, companies can not only enhance user engagement but can also tap into new market opportunities, reaching audiences that were previously unreachable. This approach is key to driving inclusive growth and fostering societal welfare in the digital age.
With the survey conducted across 13 countries, including several in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, it is evident that the drive towards human-centric software design is a global phenomenon. As organizations worldwide recognize and act upon this imperative, the path towards a more inclusive digital future becomes clearer.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the move towards human-centered design promises not just better digital experiences for users but also heralds a new era of inclusivity and accessibility in technology. Indian companies, with their growing emphasis on such initiatives, are poised to lead the way.
