Why Weather API Data is a Game Changer for Your App's User Experience

Why Weather API Data is a Game Changer for Your App’s User Experience

App development is incredibly difficult, you need to ensure that your product is unique enough from its competitors to capture a greater slice of the market, but it can’t be so novel that users aren’t sure how to benefit from it. Add the fact that consumer needs are always changing as society marches forward, and you find yourself constantly fighting to remain relevant, especially as tastes and interests shift rapidly in the modern, hyper-connected world.

While there are no guarantees in business, there are a few things that remain forever relevant, and one of those is the weather. No matter what’s happening in the marketplace, there will always be sunny days and stormy nights, which means that integrating weather API into your app will always be a winning strategy. 

Users have a deep desire to be known and seen by the apps that they use on a regular basis

Weather forecasts are a no-brainer for many applications, including travel apps, but you might not realize that weather data is an incredible way to connect with your users, no matter the niche you occupy. This is because your users are craving a customized experience from your application, and integrating an API like Visual Crossing into your app is a fast and easy opportunity to provide this. 

All across the internet, users spend a great deal of time tailoring their experience on various social media websites, and this desire for curation has spilled out to apps that have almost no social aspect whatsoever. For example, we can look at the viral phenomenon of Spotify Wrapped, which serves almost as a personality test and identifier for many people at the end of every calendar year. Even though it’s just a simple curation of user data presented in a nice format, it makes users feel acknowledged and understood by the application, which in turn leads to a personification of Spotify’s intentions and observations.

While your own product may not lend itself to this kind of presentation – after all, some people might not want reminders of their takeout orders or calendar invitations – you can provide that feeling of validation by incorporating weather data into your application. Even if they logically realize that this is simple programming, the user will still feel as if the application understands their circumstances and wishes to prove helpful, which will strengthen their affinity for the app.

Don’t underestimate the power of attractive design

Don’t underestimate the power of attractive design

One of the best examples of topical design is Google’s drawing of the day, which is usually centered around an anniversary or holiday; it helps to ground users on a given date and, because it usually allows the user to learn more about the drawing, helps them feel that Google is providing additional value in an attractive way.

Your app could receive this same boost by developing themes based on local weather conditions. Even something as small as different colors for rainy or sunny weather, or encouraging messages related to the weather, could be seen as thoughtful and personalized for the user, who will then feel more motivated to use your app.

It doesn’t take long to generate several different “dialogue lines” for each type of weather event, and by cycling them at random, you’ll add an extra point of interest for your users, who will be curious as to what their app will “say” to them today. 

For the greatest benefit, try to customize this information to your particular industry, as this will improve your company’s reputation as an expert who can be relied upon for advice. A good example would be a fitness app reminding users to drink extra water on hotter days; while basic, it will feel sympathetic to the user, who will appreciate this gesture of goodwill from the app developer. 

Ingenuity goes a long way when it comes to app development, and whether API could be the cherry on top that draws more users

The more unlikely it is that your industry’s apps will incorporate weather data, the more value it will provide should you decide to include it. For example, think about a recipe app that helps connect users to local supermarkets selling the ingredients they need.

The user is already opting into location tracking, which means that the developer can easily include a weather API – but how might it become relevant? In this case, the front page’s recipes could change based on the weather, such as providing soups on cold rainy days or refreshing cocktails on muggy summer evenings. 

Everyone needs to know the weather, which means that any developer creating a new product can add extra value to their application by finding interesting ways to incorporate this information. Weather APIs are simple and cost-effective, making them the perfect way to outshine your competition and enhance your user experience without busting your budget.

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Islah Ejaz is a real tech fanatic who has been writing for tech since 2016. His insights in tech are remarkable, as he keeps a close eye on the latest tech innovations & inventions, news, updates, and releases. Binge-watching series and listening to podcasts is what keeps him firm. He is also a gaming enthusiast, and gaming gives him the ultimate pleasure.