Are you interested in developing a mobile application that connects to a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device? You're at the correct spot if the answer is yes. Discover eight recommended practices that will help you design BLE and IoT mobile apps.

Bluetooth Low Energy: What is it?

Although smartphones are getting more and more sensors, they often need to connect to other devices in order to perform extra functions. The Bluetooth Low Energy connection is likely to be used by any device that connects to a smartphone.

Although BLE has a limited range and low power consumption, it is sufficient for a variety of uses. Low power consumption allows a device to run on a battery for a longer period of time since it uses very little energy from the mobile device.

This technology is used in a wide range of consumer goods and Internet of Things devices, including wearables, smart homes, healthcare, sports, automobiles, and proximity sensing. To mention a few, we used BLE in several projects for our clients: The OhMiBod app connects to OhMiBod devices remotely; the Loop app connects to a Wi-Fi display and enables users to share video, images, and video chat with ease; and the Skybuds app connects to wireless headphones.

There are a few important factors to take into account while developing an app that supports BLE. Having worked on several goods of this kind, we provide you with important advice.

1. Provide a flawless onboarding procedure

It's quite probable that extra configuration is required for your Bluetooth device to function. Including drawings, photos, and videos in the onboarding process is a great idea, particularly if you require the user to connect your device in a certain manner, push a button, or scan a code.

You may save time on translation and copywriting by using images and videos, which are worth a thousand words. Users gain from this as they can see what they need to accomplish. It also demonstrates your commitment to provide the greatest experience and your seriousness about your goods.

2. Request authorization

Regarding permissions, this is another crucial piece of advice for developing BLE mobile apps. BLE applications need rights for Bluetooth and, often, location services in order to function effectively.

Asking for permission could sound strange, so it's a good idea to be clear about why you need it. If not, the user could just reject it, which would negatively impact their experience. Although designers and developers often ignore this aspect, it enhances the overall user experience.

What can you do, then?

Think on what the user reads. To help consumers make educated selections, don't forget to clearly explain why you're requesting permissions and how they will affect the user experience. To make it easier to read, keep it brief. Think about when to request permission. Avoid making a bad impression by not overloading the user with requests at the first launch. Alternatively, you may demonstrate it at the first use of the relevant function or distribute it across the onboarding phase. Verifying that it is justified and makes sense for the user is essential. Encourage follow-up conversations. Inform the user of the benefits they are losing if they refuse to grant one of your essential permissions. There should be a means for the user to correct it if it turns out to be an error. Encourage a user to alter their mind. What happens if they launch the app without Bluetooth enabled? Or are location services unavailable? You should also have prepared communications for these types of situations.

3. Your buddies are loading states.

Displaying the system's present condition is one of the fundamental principles of user experience design. It may take some time to find or link devices, and you don't want customers standing in front of your product looking at the unchanging user interface.

Users should be able to view this progress if your application is functioning or if a device is being paired. In addition to making the app seem more alive, it also lessens the agony of waiting. It often occurs with BLE applications that some pairing or syncing occurs at various times, and the user interface should accommodate this.

4. Embrace mistakes with grace

Errors occur. Avoiding them would be preferable, but it's not always feasible. However, how you choose to deal with them is up to you. It's best practice to outline the issue and provide a solution.

Users may not always be able to resolve these problems on their own when it comes to BLE applications. You may need a little more assistance. To fix the problem right away, consumers may choose to get in touch with support services directly.

5. Deal with states that are vacant

In some cases, the smartphone is not linked to any devices. In this situation, what should a user be able to do? What would they observe? What effect would it have on the app's functionality?

Sometimes it's preferable to push the user to connect a device, but other applications let them explore the program. The user's ability to function without a linked gadget will determine this. Allowing people to use the app freely might make sense if they could search up some info.

6. Make a gadget simpler to recognize

Long, unique IDs are used by Bluetooth devices, and they are not very user-friendly. Make someone's life simpler by concealing some complexity if they must manage many gadgets. There are several indicators that may assist in determining the correct device, including buttons, signal range, and QR codes. Additionally, if users have several devices, allow them to personalize their names or symbols to make them more recognizable.

7. Simplify firmware upgrades

It is necessary to periodically update the firmware on BLE devices. It must be possible to inform users of updates, explain the changes, and walk them through the procedure. In some situations, forcing the firmware upgrade will be necessary to enable the new functionality. It is beneficial to begin considering it at an early age. To build robust, dynamic websites and applications with streamlined backend functionality, hire dedicated PHP developer expertise for tailored solutions that align with your project needs.

8. Have people test the app on several devices.

Any software should undergo quality assurance testing, but real-world scenarios may provide enlightening perspectives. You could get fresh insights when you place your clients in front of the app and the gadget. It's a great method for putting theories to the test, identifying roadblocks, and identifying areas for growth.