Innovative technologies are redefining the way users interact with digital services. From browsing across devices to experiencing app-like functionality on the web, these advancements blur the lines between websites and applications.
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) stand at the forefront of this transformation; offering speed, reliability, and user engagement like never before.
The tech company Solvefy reveals that PWAs are 99.84% smaller than native apps, which results in shorter load times and improved user experience.
While loading time is just one aspect of performance, progressive web apps offer additional features, which this article will explore in detail.
By the end of this article, readers will understand how PWAs revolutionise user experience with features such as push notifications and cross-platform accessibility, whilst discovering a list of progressive web apps that exemplifies this digital transformation.
What is A Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Progressive Web Applications (PWA) are created using web technologies but provide the same experience as native apps.
Zudu, a software company, describes PWAs as a flexible solution that works across various devices, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets.
How Progressive Web App Works
PWAs, akin to traditional websites, can be used through web browsers like Chrome or Safari. However, they have the added advantage of caching data to provide fast loading times, even with limited internet connectivity, said Softr.
Additionally, PWAs offer app-like features, including offline access, push notifications, and the ability to be installed directly to the home screen – all of which enhance user interaction with the app.
Why Should You Use PWAs?
Dcode shared that PWAs have become a preferred choice for businesses and users alike due to its reliability, speed, and better user engagement. The section below will further explore other advantages of PWAs.
Improved Responsiveness
According to InApp, PWAs automatically adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, delivering a uniform experience regardless of the device.
Whether used on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, these applications adjust their layout and interface to maintain ease of use and visual appeal.
By catering to the varied devices users rely on, PWAs ensure functionality and design remain intact, enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Timely Updates
Direct Impact Solutions notes that PWAs automatically update themselves, removing the need for users to download updates manually.
Moreover, users can skip the app store, avoid the hassle of searching for and installing updates, and eliminate the need to accept update prompts whenever developers release the app's latest versions.
Ultimately, the advantage of automatic updates is that users would always have access to the latest features and improvements without any effort from users.
Faster Solutions
Apteligent research reveals that nearly 48% of mobile users abandon or uninstall apps that take longer than two seconds to load, emphasising the role of speed in app development and user retention strategies.
In this context, PWA outshines native apps by leveraging caching techniques instead of loading all content simultaneously. This approach accelerates load times, ultimately improving user retention.
Targeted Push Notifications
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) leverage push notifications to keep users connected by delivering timely information, as noted in MagicBell.
With PWA push notifications, users receive push messages on their devices even when they are not actively using the web application.
This feature is valuable because users receive urgent announcements, including flash sales, breaking news or important updates.
This initiative guarantees users real-time information, ensuring they never miss opportunities.
Top Examples of PWAs
PWA is a relevant digitalisation strategy that enables businesses to deliver seamless experiences across various devices. This section highlights notable PWAs that are driving digital innovation today.
1. Uber
As TechTarget defines, Uber is a leading ride-hailing platform that enables passengers to book rides while allowing drivers to set fares and receive payment for their services.
Uber before PWA
In its early stages, Uber encountered challenges due to slow internet connections and the prevalence of low-end devices, which limited users' ability to access the app effectively.
According to website designer Tigren, the platform sought a solution, enabling quick access to its services during urgent situations, even without a downloaded app or a smartphone.
Impact of Uber’s PWA
This challenge led Uber to adopt the Progressive Web App (PWA) to ensure a reliable user experience, recognising that platform dependability was crucial for its success, as highlighted by Doccly.
Uber’s PWA works efficiently on slow networks and low-end devices, catering to users with limited storage or those unwilling to install the native app.
2. Pinterest
Pinterest is a visual directory tool where individuals can discover creative ideas and curate their inspirations in personalised collections.
The Pre-PWA Pinterest Experience
Addy Osmani of Dev Channel reports that Pinterest's previous mobile website encountered speed and functionality problems, with users having to wait up to 23 seconds before the platform became interactive.
As part of their plans for global expansion, Pinterest recognised the need for a more efficient solution to enhance user experience and speed up performance.
Pinterest’s Business Gains with PWA
After analysing mobile user behaviour, Pinterest focused on enhancing overall performance and optimising images through PWA technology.
As a result, the time required for the site to become interactive was reduced from 23 seconds to just 5.6 seconds. This improvement led to faster loading times and a smoother browsing experience.
3. Flipboard
Flipboard is another prominent PWA, offering a personalised social magazine with top stories tailored to users' interests.
Flipboard Pre-PWA: Challenges and Limitations
Flipboard initially launched as a mobile-only app, exclusively available on mobile devices, as referenced in SimiCart. Flipboard's native app approach excluded those on desktops or non-compatible devices, limiting user accessibility.
PWA’s Digital Transformation
Today, Flipboard is a prime example of a progressive web app (PWA) designed for online news. Presenting a magazine-like format, the PWA ensures a fast and seamless browsing experience while optimising data usage.
The introduction of its PWA enables the platform to replicate the rich, native app experience on the web, extending accessibility to desktop users.
4. Trivago
Trivago is a metasearch engine that compares accommodation prices and deals from various global booking sites, including online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel chains.
Before the PWA Shift
In the first quarter of 2017, mobile internet usage surpassed desktop traffic, driving more users to Trivago on smartphones.
However, many found the mobile site limiting and hesitated to download the app due to storage concerns and installation hassle. Unreliable mobile networks also interrupted bookings, leading to abandoned sessions.
PWA’s Contribution to Trivago’s Success
Recognising the need to adapt to emerging disruptions, Trivago sought the PWA technology. Think with Google notes that the development team prioritised features such as offline access, push notifications, and home screen shortcuts.
These enhancements improved the site's speed and reliability, even in regions with unstable connectivity. Additionally, it enabled Trivago to maintain user engagement through targeted notifications, fostering a more interactive browsing experience.
5. Starbucks
Starbucks is a globally renowned coffeehouse brand, catering to millions of customers daily across 80 countries.
The Limitations of Starbucks Before PWA
According to a web agency, YYT, Starbucks encountered challenges in expanding its reach due to the limitations of its native app.
Initially, unreliable or slow network connections often prevented users from accessing the app's full functionality.
Starbucks Digitalisation Strategy
To meet market demands, Starbucks introduced offline browsing capabilities in their PWA. This allowed users to customise their orders with only internet access at checkout.
Additionally, PWAs are smaller, faster, and more efficient than traditional apps, improving performance in areas with low connectivity. These features enable Starbucks to better serve customers in emerging and established markets.
Redefining Digital Experiences with Progressive Web Applications
The transformation process that businesses undergo to improve their services has resulted in significant gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and market reach.
By leveraging Progressive Web Applications (PWA), businesses enhance responsiveness, deliver timely updates, offer faster solutions, and provide targeted push notifications, all of which contribute to a more seamless and engaging user experience.
Ultimately, this evolution meets consumer demands and positions companies for success in a digital world.
Progressive Web App: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between traditional and progressive web apps?
SolveIt highlights that the key distinction between progressive web apps (PWAs) and native apps lies in their adaptability. PWAs are designed to function across different operating systems and screen sizes.
Unlike native apps, which are typically tailored to specific platforms, PWAs can be accessed on iOS, Android, Windows, or any other operating system, delivering an optimal user experience on any device.
2. How is progressive web app development changing the user experience?
MarsDevs emphasises that PWAs elevate user experience by blending the advantages of native apps and websites. With features like fast loading speeds, offline accessibility, and compatibility across devices, they ensure modern, seamless interactions.
3. Is PWA still around today?
Virtualspirit notes that primary browsers, including Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Firefox, already support Progressive Web Applications (PWAs).
This extensive compatibility keeps PWAs highly relevant and positions them as a promising technology for the future of web applications.
MyAssets PWA: Redefining Asset Management
Progressive Web App (PWA) is a transformational technology revolutionising user experience by delivering fast, reliable, and engaging web applications.
A prime example of such a progressive web app development is MyAssets, a comprehensive asset management platform built to help users organise, track and manage their most valuable possessions–across any device.
By leveraging the power of PWA, MyAssets ensures users have constant access to their asset portfolio, real estate properties, digital collections, belongings, and other types of assets.
Beyond offering access capabilities, MyAssets facilitates organising collectables into categories. It allows users to easily group their assets based on type, value, or personal preference.
Interested to learn more? Take Advantage of the MyAssets PWA Early Access Program and enjoy an 80% discount on the standard pricing for a limited time at: www.myassets.com/early-access/
