The level of IT spendings in South Africa is forecast to increase at a higher pace than the economy in 2020. Although the general state of the economy has a direct impact on the growth of the ICT sector, its customers continue to invest in technology and the sector consistently shows a growth rate that is higher than GDP. 

Cybersecurity is a high priority, with global statistics indicating that South Africa is the third most targeted country in the world for cyber-attacks. Alleged IT-related procurement irregularities revealed through a number of commissions of inquiry and investigations continue to affect the reputation of some industry players. It is estimated that there are over 13,000 IT companies and over 3,000 electronics companies in South Africa with the vast majority being small companies employing less than 50 people according to Globe-News Wire.

Why working with a South African IT company

New and growing trends will provide significant opportunities for small and large players in the sector. These include growth in telecommunications, data center revenues and artificial intelligence, and the internet of things, where start-ups are expected to lead innovation. Digital transformation to improve customer experiences and online purchasing, fintech banking, blockchain, augmented reality and virtual reality are some of the technologies that will disrupt the South African ICT industry in 2019. 

The industry is characterized by consolidation and convergence of companies within the IT sector, and between companies in the IT and telecommunications sectors.

What you should be aware of when working with South-African IT companies

The growth projections of the IT market could be higher were it not for certain factors that seem to constrain it, including the cost sensitivity of customers, low expenditure by the public sector, market maturity, and bigger companies sourcing directly from the original equipment manufacturers. 

 IT market growth is also impeded by bigger companies that bypass IT vendors and go directly to OEMs for products and services. This impacts negatively on smaller companies that provide niche services within the broader IT sector. 

How reliable are South African IT companies

Despite the challenges facing the IT sector, its products and services have become part and parcel of everyday business and social life. The fast pace of innovation helps the sector to remain relevant while shaping the future of business and society. 

How does the South-African IT industry relate to the neighboring countries?

The South African IT market, comprising of hardware, packaged software and IT services submarkets, is regarded as one of the most developed and sophisticated within the continent. South African IT companies rank among world leaders in areas such as mobile software, electronic banking services, pre-payment, revenue management, fraud prevention systems, and the manufacture of set-top boxes according to a report provided by the South-African Department of Communications. 

Have you ever noticed how some websites and apps just feel easier to use than others? That's because of the UX/UI design - basically, the people who make sure everything looks good and is easy to navigate.

UX/UI design services are closely connected, but they are not the same. They are actually about different parts of the design and to be effective they must work together.

• UI (user interface) design concentrates on visual elements. It is all about how things look and work on a product, like colors, fonts, and buttons.

• UX (user experience) refers to the overall experience a person has with a product  – how easy it is to use the product, how it makes the user feel, and whether it is possible to easily get what is needed from it.

According to research conducted by Forrester, a well-designed user interface (UI) can increase a website's conversion rate by 200%, whereas a better user experience (UX) design could raise it by up to 400%.

In this connection, the importance of UX/UI Design cannot be overstated. Nowadays users have high expectations for the products they use, if a product is not easy to use or enjoyable, users will quickly abandon it. 

UX/UI design can help:

• Enhance user satisfaction

• Reduce bounce rates

• Lead to higher customer retention and revenue

UX Design has also an important role in Inclusive Government Design, which makes government services accessible and user-friendly for diverse and marginalized communities.  

But how do choose the right UX/UI Company? 

1. Review the company's portfolio and make sure they have experience in your industry

2. Look for companies that understand your target audience to meet their needs.

3. Inquire about their design process: research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing.

4. Choose a company that maintains transparent and open communication and keeps you involved throughout the design process.

5. Read client reviews to check their reputation and client satisfaction.

6. A good design company should be up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies.

Taking into consideration all these tips you will manage to select the right UX/UI Design Company that will help to achieve your goals. 

There are over 8766 UX/UI Design companies on the TechBehemoths platform. Check their profiles, their strong portfolios, and previous clients' reviews before you make a decision. With the help of smart filters, you can easily find suitable partners to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Alternatively, you can submit your project, and this way we will find the best match on your behalf.

 Moreover, if you are interested to know UI and UX Design challenges, discover a few bad UX Design examples and find out how to fix them, we invite you to our blog.