What’s the Difference (and, why it Matters): Native Mobile vs. Mobile Enabled
Consumers have come to use mobile applications as a standard practice of everyday life. According to Internet Advisor*, it is estimated that 6.3 billion people around the world use smartphones. In the United States there are approximately 346m smartphone users, more than any other country in the world. Functions range from simple needs, like checking the weather, to more complex needs, such as banking. The value of leveraging mobile solutions is far reaching and undeniable, making these solutions very attractive to many organizations.
Government Human Services organizations are no different than the commercial world. These organizations are increasingly reliant on mobile technology to extend capabilities outside of organization walls to streamline processes and improve citizen experience. Mobile capabilities are generally expected to be part of any modernization effort, given the wide array of system users and the need to access organization systems from any place at any time. In considering the many mobile solutions available, it is important to know that there are big differences in how mobile tools are designed and delivered.
Mobile solutions can be as simple as an extension of your client portal or case management system, optimized for access via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This is referred to as mobile enabled or responsive. As adoption of mobile devices has increased, they have become the primary mechanism by which people access the web. This has prompted a need for technology departments and vendors to create websites that are accessible from all kinds of computing devices, including smartphones, to provide the functionality and browser compatibility necessary for effective use. They also require an internet connection for use.
Native mobile is different.
Native mobile applications are typically downloaded and installed on a smart device. Using modern programming languages and tools, native mobile apps are built specifically for the device operating system. This approach allows you to leverage the capabilities of the device to provide a richer, more intuitive experience for the end user, especially if you adhere to the human interface guidelines for the mobile platform.
The benefits of native mobile include:
Intuitive User Interface: Mobile users instinctively understand how to use their devices. Native apps designed following the platform guidelines have the same user experience that they are accustomed to when using other apps on their mobile device. This minimizes training and support needs, while increasing adoption.
Off-line Capability: Native mobile solutions can be developed that do not require an internet connection to use the app. Diona solutions work off-line and automatically synchronize data when a connection is available.
Robust Features: Standard features of the most commonly used devices and operating systems are more easily integrated into native applications than they are in mobile enabled apps. This provides more robust capabilities as an extension of the app with a more comprehensive feature set. This might include features such as photo/video capture, maps, and voice to text (among others).
Proactive Engagement: Mobile apps enable an organization to directly communicate information to clients and workers by using push notifications to deliver relevant, timely, and important information. These push notifications are delivered regardless of whether the user is actively logged into or using the mobile app. Diona solutions allow organizations to configure push notifications to take the client or worker directly to the task that requires attention or action.
In exploring mobile solutions or advancing a mobile product strategy within your organization, it is essential to consider the needs of the program and ultimately the user experience. The use of personas is helpful in evaluating the options. Caseworkers providing critical services to clients in need may require rich functionality that is inherent in the device they are using, while also using purpose-built features (e.g., case management or licensing). They may also work in areas where there is limited or no cellphone reception. Similarly, a client who needs to complete applications or forms or upload documents will want to do these things at their convenience with an app that is easy to use with familiar usability.
One of the key aspects of service delivery in human services programs is relationship building. With a goal of engaging and empowering, native mobile apps are the ideal solution. Program and business needs should inform the product, procurement and selection processes. Additionally, maximizing return on investment is always a goal. With the right mobile solution, you will achieve both improved operations and enhanced client experience. To learn more about Diona native mobile solutions, go to our website at: Diona solutions for health and human services organizations.
*Smartphone Statistics in 2022: Everything in Your Pocket (internetadvisor.com)