Month: March 2021

Modern workplaces have an overwhelming number of options to choose from when it comes to productivity-focused platforms. Whether your business needs better tools for communicating remotely, organizing workflows, or sorting data, there’s a platform out there designed to help. Here are some of the best, most reliable workplace platforms of 2020.

1. FileMaker. Arguably the most flexible and powerful program on this list, FileMaker allows mid-sized companies to create virtually any application they may need. That even includes customized applications that are comparable to many others on this list. Of course, all this untapped potential does come with a caveat: for companies to truly maximize their return on investment, it’s best to work with a company that understands how to get the most out of FileMaker. Although it’s touted as a “low-code” development tool, the average user won’t be able to create more than the simplest applications.

That’s why it’s so important to use developers who understand the capabilities of FileMaker. If you’re curious what FileMaker can do for you, Kyo Logic would be happy to give you a consultation. Please contact us here.

2. Airtable. Airtable describes itself as a “spreadsheet/database hybrid” which is accurate, but doesn’t quite communicate just how powerful this tool can be (especially while working remotely). Dozens of users can collaborate in real time, working on different aspects of a project as if they were sitting around a physical conference table. There’s a lot of value in tools that can get as close as possible to face-to-face interactions in a virtual environment.

3. Salesforce. ASalesforce is a dominant CRM tool for many larger sales and marketing teams. It’s cloud-based, so it’s easily accessed from virtually anywhere, and is designed to allow for many users at a time. It’s also designed to collate, aggregate, and customize data in real-time. Data can also be displayed differently based on the user accessing it. For example, a CEO can use Salesforce to track expenses and share it with different departments, allowing them to access only their relevant information.

4. Spigit. Spigit is one of the few platforms available designed around ideation and brainstorming. It allows users to create and escalate project ideas, and Spigit’s patented algorithm filters and collates ideas so key decision-makers can choose what deserves resources.

5. Asana. A popular project management tool, Asana allows users to share projects, collaborate, and track progress. It also tracks users workloads, and helps project managers accurately utilize resources.

6. Slack. The corporate communication platform that has eclipsed all other corporate communication platforms. Slack is straightforward and reliable, but more importantly, it allows for seamless integration of other applications. Share Google Docs or Dropbox links, or new Trello boards within Slack, and the program will ensure other users will have quick and easy access.

7. Basecamp. Another project management tool, Basecamp focuses primarily on smart, dynamic “to-do lists.”
8. Trello. This listmaking tool is designed to make organizing workflows simple and easy. In just a few clicks, users can have a snapshot of their day or week, and see the progress being made on each project or deliverable.

At KyoLogic, we’re FileMaker experts. We believe it’s a powerful platform that allows small to midsize firms the ability to create virtually any piece of software we need. It’s had an incredible impact on the software development space, and drastically expanded the audience for custom applications.

Claris, FileMaker’s developer, recently released a new piece of software that has the potential to be equally game-changing: Claris Connect. It can integrate seamlessly with applications developed in FileMaker, but it’s true purpose is to integrate with… well, just about everything else. Claris Connect can even function independently of FileMaker, but it’s the combination of the two platforms that really creates amazing opportunities for workflow.

Claris Connect itself is designed to create connections— which it refers to as flows— between otherwise independent pieces of software. It fills a unique software need known as iPaaS (integrated Platform as a Service). It allows users to automate otherwise time-consuming tasks. For example, one flow may automatically upload specific documents to your team’s cloud storage as soon as they arrive in your inbox, even pinging your team over chat that there’s an update. Everything from Slack to PayPal to Twitter can be integrated into these flows, leaving your team to focus on the most important tasks.

It’s the symbiotic relationship it forms with FileMaker, though, that allows for truly comprehensive solutions. While FileMaker could “talk” to these platforms previously, it would have to do so through the FileMaker Data API. It was generally time-intensive and cumbersome, and involved creating additional plug-ins or scripts to get two applications to interface. Now all of that is unnecessary. It’s the equivalent of daisy changing a series of power strips to plug a computer into a wall outlet, versus being able to plug the computer directly into the outlet itself.

Through Claris Connect, any custom FileMaker application can now “plug” into this suite of powerful business tools. Oftentimes, businesses that require custom tools would choose to run every aspect of their business through a series of FileMaker nodes. It’s effective, but it’s also costly, especially when other, potentially more cost-effective solutions exist.

Claris Connect allows for these custom solutions to plug into an existing work ecosystem. It means less time, money, and resources spent creating new applications. Your new sales software, internal report system, or HR portal can lean on applications like Slack or DocuSign.

Similarly, the ability to create scripts in FileMaker means templates in Connect can be customized even further. If there’s a gap in a particular workflow, FileMaker can fill in those missing links. For instance, in a flow where Shopify orders automatically create a Quickbooks invoice, FileMaker can act as the hub, updating contact info and invoices and sending an automated message when the order is fulfilled.

Together, these two offerings mean any business can create incredibly complex systems to maximize their resources and ensure their employees can focus on other areas of opportunity. If you’re looking for ways to see how FileMaker and Connect can change the way your business operates, you can contact KyoLogic here.

There are virtually countless considerations to make when designing a website or application: typefaces and font hierarchies, design elements, colorways, workflows, CTAs… the list is endless. Most importantly, brands must envision how these elements coalesce to provide a positive user experience that’s reflective of your offerings.

Half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Apple and Android applications are naturally being accessed from a phone or tablet. Understanding how users interact with a mobile device is critical in optimizing the user experience.

When designing a website intended for both desktop and mobile, the most obvious difference is alignment. Monitors and laptop screens are traditionally horizontal, while phones are vertical. A gorgeous pop-out menu with dozens of items might look amazing on desktop, but squished or cut-off on a phone. Intricate fonts that make your brand stand out might be virtually unreadable on a mobile device. Text can get squished. Buttons may feel out of reach.

Organize Content for Mobile

As mentioned, great desktop sites don’t translate well to an optimal mobile experience. Cramming detailed menus and complex infographics onto a tiny screen just doesn’t work. Vertical dropdown menus make navigating a website much simpler for mobile users. 

Collapsible categories are also incredibly useful. Browsing dozens of options on a desktop is fine, but daunting on mobile. Allowing users to hide or show relevant categories will ensure their precious screen real estate isn’t being taken over by info that isn’t necessary for their experience.

Be Mindful of Touchscreens

A critical button or menu at the top of a screen might not mean much for desktop users, but it’s effectively out of reach for visitors on mobile. People tend to browse on their phones with one hand. Their other hand might be preoccupied holding a subway pole, a baby, or any number of other things. As such, placing menus and CTAs at the bottom of the screen— where their thumbs can easily reach— makes for a much better user experience.

Streamline

The faster a user can complete a task, the better. Mobile applications and sites should prioritize their primary function above all else. For example, an ecommerce app should make it easy for users to open the app, find their products, and make a purchase. This may involve placing a core group of popular items front and center, as opposed to the eye-catching graphics they would’ve seen on the desktop site.

Long, drawn-out forms are also discouraging for mobile users. Simplify the number of fields when possible, or place them on multiple screens.

Integrate Other Phone Applications

Mobile users expect certain functionalities when selecting them on their phone. For example, a contact page with a phone number and email should open those related applications. Links to relevant apps in their app store and addresses that open a map application are also considered standard integrations.

Optimized mobile designs mean less obstacles and pain points for customers to navigate. The easier an app is to use, the more likely a customer can access the information they need to have a successful interaction. If you’re looking for ways to design a fantastic mobile app for your company, Kyo Logic would love to hear from you. You can contact us here.